Phil Ruffin: The Journey of a Las Vegas Casino Tycoon
Introduction to Phil Ruffin’s Remarkable Empire
Phil Ruffin stands as a testament to the American dream, rising from humble beginnings to become one of Las Vegas’s most influential self-made entrepreneurs. With an impressive net worth approaching $2 billion, Ruffin owns and operates some of the most recognizable resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, including legendary properties like Circus Circus and Treasure Island. Despite his wealth and advancing age, he remains deeply involved in his businesses, famously arriving at work by 5 A.M. to personally monitor guest feedback and ensure service excellence.
His success extends far beyond the casino floor. Ruffin’s business interests encompass hotels, real estate, and even the pivotal introduction of self-service gas stations to Kansas. Combined with a close alliance with former President Donald Trump, Ruffin’s story is as diverse as it is inspiring.
From Rural Roots to Early Entrepreneur
Phil Ruffin was born on March 14, 1935, in Texas, as the fifth child in a working-class family. Shortly after his birth, the Ruffins moved to Wichita, Kansas, where his father ran a grocery store. Growing up in Wichita, Ruffin excelled at wrestling, clinching a national high school championship and earning a full scholarship to Washburn University. He later transferred to Wichita State University to focus on business studies, though he ultimately left college after three years, deciding to pursue real-world business opportunities.
Ruffin’s first taste of entrepreneurship came through selling burgers—a venture that gave him the capital to open one of Kansas’s earliest self-service gas stations. That pioneering move paid off handsomely, and by 1972, Ruffin was operating a network of 60 combination gas stations and convenience stores.
Leveraging the profits from his gas station empire, Ruffin expanded into hospitality, constructing a Marriott hotel in Wichita in 1987. Renowned for high-quality service, this venture highlighted his knack for customer satisfaction.
In the mid-1990s, with his gas and convenience stores leased out, Ruffin made a significant leap: entering the casino industry—a move that would define the next chapter of his career.
Building a Casino Legacy
Ruffin’s debut in the casino world came in 1995 when he acquired the Crystal Palace resort in the Bahamas for $80 million, risking his entire fortune at the time. The gamble paid off as the resort flourished, allowing Ruffin to later sell it for $150 million.
Eager to embrace bigger challenges, Ruffin set his sights on Las Vegas. In 1998, he bought the struggling Frontier Hotel and Casino for $167 million. At the time, the property was in disrepair, and its workforce had been embroiled in a record-breaking six-and-a-half-year strike.
Prior to finalizing the purchase, Ruffin swiftly negotiated a settlement with union leaders, ending the strike in a matter of hours. He then invested $20 million in renovation, rebranding the venue as The New Frontier Hotel and Casino and adding attractions like a western-themed saloon with a mechanical bull.
This turnaround revitalized the property’s fortunes, and in 2007, Ruffin sold The New Frontier to El Ad Properties for $1.2 billion—a record-setting $36 million per acre, eclipsing the $4 million per acre he had initially paid.
Ruffin’s revitalization strategy relied on meticulous attention to guest feedback and a strong personal work ethic. As he famously explained, he carefully tracks customer opinions and implements improvements—which became his trademark approach.
In 2009, Ruffin acquired the renowned Treasure Island Hotel and Casino for $775 million. The property received extensive upgrades, such as a fresh exterior requiring 6,200 gallons of paint. These efforts were rewarded, as Treasure Island now reportedly generates about $400 million in annual revenue.
Ruffin’s expansion continued in December 2018 with the acquisition of Casino Miami in Florida. He soon followed this with his largest single investment: purchasing Circus Circus Las Vegas from MGM Resorts International for $825 million in 2019. This acquisition doubled both his room inventory and staff on the Strip.
Plans for Circus Circus include extensive renovations and the introduction of stadium-style gaming, reflecting the innovations that proved successful at Treasure Island. Ruffin also maintained beloved amenities, such as the historic THE Steak House restaurant, much to the delight of loyal visitors.
Strategic Partnerships and Presidential Connections
Ruffin’s business relationships reach the highest echelons, most notably his longstanding friendship and partnership with former U.S. President Donald Trump. While the two originally competed in the Las Vegas business arena, they became close allies—Trump even served as Ruffin’s best man when he married supermodel Oleksandra Nikolayenko at Mar-a-Lago in 2008.
Their collaboration led to the development of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, an upscale tower built near Ruffin’s New Frontier property. The project was a commercial triumph, with all 1,282 condo units reserved years ahead of completion, although some buyers faced challenges following the 2008 economic downturn. The final construction cost for the project was $500 million, and it remains a distinctive landmark thanks to its gold-tinted exterior.
Beyond business, Ruffin has supported Trump’s presidential ambitions, providing private aviation and making significant campaign donations.
Diversifying Beyond Casinos
Ruffin is not solely a gaming mogul; his business portfolio extends into manufacturing, retail, and real estate. He owns Harper Trucks, the world’s largest producer of hand trucks, and continues to lease out his numerous convenience stores.
Speculation has also swirled about Ruffin’s interest in helping relocate the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Festival Grounds—an open-air venue near Circus Circus owned by Ruffin—has been mentioned as a potential site for a new ballpark. While no official agreement has been reached, Ruffin has reportedly met with team executives multiple times to explore possibilities.
Family, Homes, and Personal Pursuits
Ruffin’s family life is as dynamic as his business ventures. He shares children with both his former wife Lynne Ruffin and his current wife, Ukrainian model Oleksandra Nikolayenko. His older children—Michelle, Phil Jr., and Chris—are established in their own careers, with Michelle managing the Wichita Marriott, Phil Jr. running Harper Trucks, and Chris working as a musician in Las Vegas.
His two youngest children with Oleksandra, Richard William and Malena, are still in their early teens.
When not working, Ruffin enjoys his expansive residence at Primm Ranch. This 15,000-square-foot estate boasts 10 bedrooms, a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, a dedicated casino room, and extensive grounds featuring waterfalls, pools, and caves. The estate also offers a 3,000-square-foot guest house and a unique underground, soundproof shooting range. Ruffin secured the property for $6.7 million, a substantial discount compared to its $14.5 million market value—a reflection of his sharp deal-making skills even in personal life.
Conclusion
Phil Ruffin’s story is one of relentless ambition, creative entrepreneurship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. From his early days in the Midwest to dominating the Las Vegas skyline, Ruffin’s ability to spot opportunities, execute daring deals, and transform businesses has made him one of America’s most prominent self-made billionaires. His journey continues to serve as an inspiring example of vision, perseverance, and business acumen.
