Star’s case against high roller to go to Queensland court

Justice Thomas Bradley has ruled that Star Entertainment’s case should be heard at Queensland Supreme Court this year.

Australia.- The Star Entertainment Group continues its legal case against billionaire Dr Wong Yew Choy, who it says racked up $43m in gambling debts at the company’s Gold Coast Casino.

In July 2018, the high roller attended the Gold Coast casino as part of a junket and lost a $40m cheque, which he allegedly cancelled on returning to his native Singapore.

Star filed a lawsuit in Singapore in 2019, but the case was dismissed by the Singapore International Commercial Court and by international Judge Jeremy Cooke.

Star Entertainment then took the case to the Queensland Supreme Court, although Dr Wong disputed the court’s jurisdiction and argued that the proceedings were an abuse of process.

However, today (Wednesday) Justice Thomas Bradley dismissed Dr Wong’s application to dismiss Star’s lawsuit, ruling that the casino deserved to have its case heard.

Bradley said: “Star has pleaded a relatively straightforward claim in damages, including under the Cheques Act.

“I am not persuaded that allowing the proceeding to continue will result in Dr Wong incurring a serious and unfair burden, prejudice or damage or cause him any serious and unjustified trouble or harassment in defending himself.

“If it were dismissed or stayed, Star would be prevented from having its claim against Dr Wong determined on its merits. That would be an injustice.”

Both parties have been ordered to make written submissions on costs. A hearing on the issue is anticipated to take place this year.