Harry Elias Partnership LLP acts for MBS to recover $240K in first casino debt collection case in Singapore

Harry Elias Partnership LLP (HEP) successfully represented Marina Bay Sands (MBS) in the first casino debt trial in Singapore.

The win by MBS means that it can recover the $240,000 it extended as credit to a patron, Mr Lester Ong Boon Lin.

Mr Ong had contested MBS' claim that the debt was not recoverable as he was not a "premium player" under the law, and that MBS had breached casino regulations by soliciting him to apply for credit. 

However, in the judgment released by the High Court, Judge Lai Siu Chiu held that Mr Ong was a premium player and MBS had complied with the rules. In particular, there was no prohibition on the casino informing patrons that they could apply for credit. Mr Ong was ordered to pay back $240,868, plus interest at 12 per cent per annum calculated from 15 Aug 2010 until the date he pays in full. He will also have to bear MBS' legal costs, which will be determined at a later date.

HEP's litigation partner, S. Suressh who represented MBS said that the judgment will impact other suits involving casino patrons who refuse to pay their debts. Currently, Harry Elias Partnership LLP is handling more than 30 other such cases for MBS.

The case was reported in the Business Times, Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao.