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ABC News
ABC News
National
By Tom Forbes

High roller racks up $43m debt in Queensland casino in five days, but won't pay

The Star Gold Coast is chasing a $43 million debt from a Singapore-based high roller who flew out of the country and cancelled a blank cheque casino bosses were holding as collateral.

Wong Yew Choy jetted into the Gold Coast in late July last year and spent five days playing baccarat at the recently revamped casino at Broadbeach.

The ABC understands Mr Wong handed over a cheque which would cover any potential losses during his stay.

Those losses quickly racked up, with the gambler losing the equivalent of $8.6 million for each day he spent on the Gold Coast.

The Star has now launched legal action in the Singapore High Court.

"We are pursuing the debt vigorously," a casino spokesperson said.

"The Star is disappointed the situation involving Wong Yew Choy has forced us to escalate the matter to the Singapore High Court."

Mr Wong is arguing casino staff made "errors", which included a dealer exposing the gambler's cards when he wanted to reveal them himself.

A letter was sent to Mr Wong by Star after he complained about the series of "errors".

It apologised for not following Mr Wong's gaming preferences.

"This mistake, and the others you have experienced during your visit, have had no direct financial impact to you as, where necessary, appropriate compensation was provided at the time," the letter said.

The letter made no mention of waiving Mr Wong's $43 million debt.

The Star Gold Coast said it is confident it will recoup the debt from the high roller.

"We would not be wasting the court's time unless we felt our position was extremely robust," the spokesperson said.

The ABC has contacted Mr Wong's Singapore-based lawyer and is waiting for a response.

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