Las Vegas Sands’ legal pursuit of a deadbeat VIP gambler is challenging the company’s longstanding claim that its Singapore casino doesn’t deal with junket operators.

Last month, high-rolling gambler Luo Shandong appealed a summary judgment that said he owed the Marina Bay Sands casino $3.5m ($2.98m plus interest) stemming from an unpaid marker Luo ran up during a 2015 visit to the casino.

On Feb. 27, High Court Judge Choo Han Teck issued an order reserving judgment in the case. Choo said he was intrigued by the questions raised by Luo’s defense and would allow the appeal to proceed provided Luo deposited $3.5m with the court within 14 days.

In a nutshell, Luo claims that he owes MBS nothing because he already paid the outstanding sum to a company called Tian Du Gaming Promotion Company, which Luo claims is a Macau-based junket operator employed by MBS to provide credit to VIP gamblers.