Crown Casino chases high rollers for millions in debts - 9th August 2014

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Chinese high rollers are taking Crown Casino for a ride, blowing millions of dollars loaned by the casino to fund high-stakes gambling sprees and then refusing to pay the tab.

As part of its bid to claw back some of the losses the gaming giant recently issued writs in the Supreme Court against two high rollers who allegedly failed to repay more than $12 million.

Court documents allege one gambler blew almost $3 million in a 2012 spree, leaving only $25 in a “safekeeping” account. The other VIP allegedly lost $9.6 million in a single weekend in 2008.

Crown’s high rollers are lured to the casino by perks including free travel, food and alcohol, luxury accommodation and VIP areas. Last year the highly-valued punters brought in more than $790 million in revenue.

But the casino has resorted to legal action against big spenders who fail to settle their debts. In the latest proceedings Crown claims Tu Jian racked up a $2.9 million debt after the casino agreed to increase a line of credit from $1 million to $3 million on a “this trip only” basis.

The casino claims that, despite repeated requests for payment, Tu Jian refused or neglected to settle the debt. Documents show Tu Jian gave the casino a personal cheque, which bounced, before paying $100,000 off the debt in April this year. Crown also took $25 that it was holding in the VIP’s deposit account.

Earlier in July Crown launched legal action against Yan Li Yan, who allegedly blew almost $10 million during a weekend gambling spree six years ago. Documents show Crown gave Yan Li Yan a $6.5 million line of credit, which was later increased to $10 million, but the Chinese high roller lost $9.6 million in two days and has not paid off the debt.

Fairfax Media has not been able to contact Tu Jian or Yan Li Yan.

In May Crown filed proceedings against another Chinese VIP, who allegedly failed to pay back $6.9 million blown during a high-stakes gambling spree in 2011. Documents show the VIP’s credit limit had been increased three times - to $13 million.

Court documents relating to lawsuits against other high rollers, which have since been dropped, show the casino was chasing two Chinese VIPs for allegedly failing to pay separate $500,000 debts from 2010 and 2011.

Crown spokeswoman Natasha Stipanov refused to comment.

(The Age)