75%
80%
USA
Canada
Australia
UKTop 10 Richest Casino Owners in the US
With the perfect mix of luxury, entertainment and big business, the casino industry stands as a major economic powerhouse in the US. Behind the glitz and glamour are visionary business moguls who’ve built billion-dollar empires, shaping the gaming industry into a global phenomenon along the way.
This article takes a closer look at the richest casino owners in America, showcasing their immense wealth, iconic flagship properties and the remarkable success stories that have defined their legacies.
Key Takeaways:
- Combined Net Worth – Over $65 billion across the top 10 moguls.
- Economic Contributions – Billions in taxes and community investments.
- The Richest Casino Owner – Miriam Adelson, worth $32 billion.
1. Miriam Adelson – $32 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Las Vegas Sands Corp., The Venetian, The Palazzo
- Notable Achievements – Expanded Sheldon Adelson’s empire in Las Vegas and Macau.
- Unique Fact – A licensed doctor and philanthropist funding addiction research.
Miriam Adelson inherited her late husband Sheldon Adelson’s casino empire and has transformed it into a global powerhouse.
As the driving force behind the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, she has ensured its continued dominance in luxury and innovation, with operations that span continents and influence gaming worldwide. Miriam is also closely tied to the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, which scored as one of the unluckiest casinos in America.
Beyond her role in the casino world, Miriam is a passionate philanthropist, dedicating substantial resources to healthcare advancements and addiction treatment initiatives. Her dual legacy of business excellence and charitable contributions cements her status as one of the most influential figures in the gaming industry.
2. Tilman Fertitta – $9.4 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Golden Nugget Casinos, Landry’s Inc.
- Notable Achievements – Diversified into restaurants, entertainment and sports.
- Unique Fact – Stars in Billion Dollar Buyer, scouting new products.
Tilman Fertitta’s vast business empire spans casinos, dining and sports, showcasing his exceptional ability to merge entertainment with profitability on a grand scale.
As the owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, Fertitta has cemented his place as a major player in both the sports and gaming industries. His Golden Nugget Casinos, with locations in multiple states, are recognized as industry staples.
Fertitta’s bold move into online casino gaming highlights his knack for staying ahead of the curve, keeping his businesses competitive in today’s fast-paced digital world, and building upon his reputation for success.
3. Carl Icahn – $5.9 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Former owner of Tropicana Entertainment
- Notable Achievements – Introduced the activist investor model in gaming.
- Unique Fact – Once owned the Stratosphere, famed for its thrill rides.
Carl Icahn’s impact goes way beyond just casinos, but his innovative business style has left an indelible mark on the gaming world. Known for rescuing struggling properties and turning them into success stories, he’s shown time and again that he’s got a knack for business.
Icahn was also quick to invest in online gaming, proving he knows how to stay ahead of the curve. With a mix of old-school casino charm and cutting-edge digital trends, Icahn has cemented his place as one of the sharpest minds in the gaming industry.
4. Steve Wynn – $3.4 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Wynn Resorts, Encore
- Notable Achievements – Pioneered luxury casino resorts, shaping the Las Vegas Strip.
- Unique Fact – Despite being legally blind, Wynn has been instrumental in the design and aesthetics of his resorts.
Steve Wynn is a legend in the gaming world, celebrated for redefining the Las Vegas Strip with his groundbreaking luxury resorts. From the Bellagio to Wynn Las Vegas, his visionary approach set a new benchmark for opulence and innovation in the casino industry.
Despite being legally blind, Wynn’s keen attention to detail and design has shaped some of the most iconic properties in Las Vegas. His transformative contributions have forever altered the city’s skyline and reputation, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential figures in casino gaming history.
5. Frank Fertitta III – $3.1 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Station Casinos, Red Rock Resorts
- Notable Achievements – Key player in UFC’s growth.
- Unique Fact – A philanthropist focused on education and healthcare.
Frank Fertitta’s journey is a blend of family legacy and personal innovation in the gaming world. As the cousin to Tilman Fertitta, Frank has been instrumental in the success of Station Casinos and Red Rock Resorts, major venues in the Las Vegas gaming scene.
On top of his casinos, he co-founded Zuffa, LLC, the original parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), transforming it into a global sports sensation.
Frank’s ventures have cemented his reputation as a leader in both the gaming and sports worlds, blending business savvy with a deep understanding of what drives success.
6. Lorenzo Fertitta – $3 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Station Casinos, Red Rock Resorts
- Notable Achievements – Early investor in the UFC, selling his stake in 2016.
- Unique Fact – Lorenzo is a third-generation casino operator, continuing the family legacy in Las Vegas.
Lorenzo Fertitta is a key figure in the Las Vegas gaming scene, carrying forward the legacy of his family’s casino empire. Alongside his brother Frank Fertitta III (also on this list), Lorenzo helped grow Station Casinos and Red Rock Resorts into industry giants known for their appeal to locals.
Outside of gaming, his early investment in the UFC transformed the mixed martial arts organization into a global sensation. Fertitta’s ability to balance tradition with innovation has made him a respected leader in both the gaming and sports industries.
7. Phil Ruffin – $2.7 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Circus Circus
- Notable Achievements – Expanded from real estate into gaming, maintaining a private business model.
- Unique Fact – Ruffin co-owns the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas with US President Donald Trump.
Phil Ruffin made a smooth transition from real estate to gaming, creating a casino portfolio that features some of Las Vegas’s most iconic properties, like Treasure Island and Circus Circus. Known for maintaining a low profile, Ruffin keeps his business ventures private while remaining an influential figure in the industry.
Ruffin’s ability to adapt and thrive has made him successful in both real estate and gaming. His dedication to creating exceptional and memorable experiences for casino visitors has helped his properties remain popular in the ultra-competitive Las Vegas casino landscape.
8. Peter Carlino – $2.7 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.
- Notable Achievements – Developed the casino REIT model, owning properties leased to major operators.
- Unique Fact – His company became the first gaming-focused REIT listed on the NASDAQ.
Peter Carlino revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing the casino REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) model. His company, Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc., owns properties leased to top operators, creating a unique business model that others have since followed.
Carlino’s innovative approach has reshaped how many of today’s casinos operate and expand. By separating real estate from operations, he has provided stability and growth opportunities in an ever-changing market, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.
9. Donald Trump – $2.3 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Former owner of Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza
- Notable Achievements – Transitioned from real estate to casinos in the 1980s; two-term President of the United States.
- Unique Fact – The Trump Taj Mahal was the largest casino in the world when it opened in 1990.
Donald Trump’s foray into the casino world in the 1980s brought a flashy new dimension to his real estate empire. His Atlantic City properties, like the Trump Taj Mahal, were famous for their over-the-top luxury and star-studded events.
Trump’s casinos became iconic venues for major boxing matches, putting Atlantic City on the map. Although his casino ventures are now part of the past, they played a key role in shaping his larger-than-life persona, which later carried into his role as President of the United States.
10. Elaine Wynn – $2.1 Billion Net Worth
- Key Properties – Major shareholder in Wynn Resorts
- Notable Achievements – Known as the “Queen of Las Vegas,” influential in art and education philanthropy.
- Unique Fact – Elaine is a prominent art collector, with pieces from Picasso and Jasper Johns.
Elaine Wynn is a powerhouse in the gaming world, earning the nickname “Queen of Las Vegas” for her pivotal role in shaping Wynn Resorts. As a major shareholder, she has been essential in driving the company’s continued growth and success.
Outside the casino floors, Elaine is a passionate art collector, known for her impressive collection that features works by the likes of Picasso and Jasper Johns. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, championing education and the arts.
Her commitment to giving back has made her as admired in charitable circles as she is in the casino gaming industry.
The Lasting Impact of America’s Casino Moguls
These casino moguls on this list aren’t just leaders in gaming—they’re visionaries who’ve reshaped the entire entertainment industry. From pioneering luxury resorts to introducing innovative business models, their contributions have transformed casinos into global destinations.
Their influence extends beyond physical properties, with many embracing online gambling, ensuring the industry remains relevant in the digital age. Their ventures continue to impact economies, create jobs and entertain millions worldwide.
Want to explore the best online gaming websites? Check out our best online casino guide and dive into the betting excitement from wherever you are!
71%