Singaporean businessman Huang Youlong, the ex-husband of Chinese actress Zhao Wei, lost $60 million in a gambling spree at Crown Perth in February 2015, sparking a decade-long legal battle over defaulted repayments. Court documents from the High Court of Hong Kong reveal that Youlong, a real estate tycoon, visited Crown Casino Perth despite owing substantial gaming debts to other casinos worldwide.
Internal Casino Arrangement Facilitated Gambling Spree
When Crown refused to issue gaming chips due to his debts, Youlong turned to Crown's former marketing vice president, Chua Eh Fong. She arranged an internal casino agreement through junket operator Suncity, providing $40 million in chips. Youlong lost the entire amount within 48 hours and requested an additional $20 million, which he also lost within days.
Repayment Attempts and Legal Dispute
After the gambling spree, Youlong instructed his assistant to write three cheques totaling $11 million as collateral. However, one cheque bounced. He later paid $1.8 million on a $12.8 million mansion in Hong Kong's Regalia Bay for Fong as partial repayment but failed to cover the balance, forcing Fong to pay the difference. Due to Youlong's nonpayment, Suncity's shareholder Chau Cheok Wa intervened, and Youlong repaid the full $60 million between February 2016 and November 2019. Suncity executed a deed of release on September 17, 2019, confirming full repayment.
Lawsuit and Court Ruling
Fong sued Youlong for overdue interest at 24% per annum, but Youlong argued the credit came from Suncity, not Fong. Deputy High Court Judge Alan Kwong ruled in Youlong's favor, stating the agreement was with Suncity and no overdue interest was agreed. The judge deemed Fong's claim "artificial" and lacking commercial common sense. Fong was ordered to pay costs.
Zhao Wei confirmed her divorce from Youlong in December 2024, stating their marriage ended "many years ago." She urged the public to avoid involving her in related allegations.
