A Singapore casino operator is suing five high-rollers to recover S$7.5 million (US$5.78 million) in alleged debts, media reports said today.

marina bay sands casino singapore 301008 Marina Bay Sands filed a case in the High Court against a Singapore-based Japanese, Takami Shinichi, who allegedly owes S$2 million after taking a credit line for gambling, The Straits Times newspaper reported.

The casino operator has also filed cases against Macau-based Chinese national Zhang Dechun to recover S$1.94 million and against Indonesian Husni Muchtar to recover S$920,500.

The two other cases are against Malaysians Por Boon Chuan and Chock Kok Sui to recover S$518,436 and S$1.9 million respectively, the report said.

Banks have not honoured the credit guarantee cheques of the five premium players and members of the casino’s exclusive Paiza Cub, according to the Singapore daily.

It was the largest group of alleged debt defaulters that Marina Bay Sands has taken to court since the casino opened in Singapore last year, it said.

“Basically, this sets a precedent so the other VIPs know that the casinos are serious about collection,” it quoted Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Melvin Boey as saying.

- dpa