America’s Wealthiest Casino Tycoons: The Top 5 Power Players

Las Vegas has long been the epicenter of America’s gambling industry.

The Lucrative World of US Casino Ownership

Casinos in the United States are synonymous with staggering profits and larger-than-life personalities. While high-stakes gamblers may occasionally make the headlines, it is the casino moguls—those who build, own, and operate resort empires—who consistently amass extraordinary fortunes. Some grew up in the industry, while others found their way into gaming after paths through other businesses. Together, they form an elite group whose wealth and influence shape both the gambling sector and wider American business.

In this article, we spotlight the five richest casino owners in the US, revealing the paths they took to build their empires and the iconic properties they control.

Sheldon Adelson: The Visionary Behind a $33.5 Billion Empire

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Sheldon Adelson’s rise to casino supremacy was marked by both remarkable success and occasional setbacks. After launching the groundbreaking Comdex computer trade show in Las Vegas in 1979, his most transformational move came a decade later, when he acquired the Sands Hotel and Casino for $128 million. A trip to Venice inspired him to demolish the Sands and build The Venetian—a $1.5 billion luxury resort that set new standards on the Strip in 1999.

Adelson’s ambitions soon stretched globally. In 2004, he opened Sands Macau, pioneering Las Vegas–style resorts in Asia. That same year, taking the Las Vegas Sands Corporation public sparked a meteoric surge in his wealth—it’s reported his net worth increased by $1 million every hour for two consecutive years.

Further milestones included opening The Venetian Macau in 2007 at a cost of $2.4 billion, and then, in 2010, completing Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands—the world’s most expensive building at $5.5 billion. Throughout the 2010s, Adelson’s properties achieved immense profitability, earning him a prominent spot on Forbes’ wealth lists.

By September 2020, just months before his death, Adelson’s estimated fortune had reached an astounding $33.5 billion. His legacy continues through his wife, Miriam Adelson, who remains the majority shareholder and has her own estimated net worth exceeding $27 billion.

Tilman Fertitta: From Restaurants to Golden Nugget Magnate

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Initially prospering from Houston’s real estate boom in the 1980s, Tilman Fertitta found enduring success by investing in and ultimately acquiring Landry’s restaurant group in 1988. His holdings grew to include well-known chains like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Rainforest Cafe, and Joe’s Crab Shack.

Fertitta entered the casino industry in 2005 by purchasing Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos for $295 million. This acquisition included not only the flagship Las Vegas property—an iconic fixture on Fremont Street—but also a casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Subsequently, Fertitta invested over $300 million in upgrades, expanding the hotel and casino spaces and revitalizing the Golden Nugget brand.

His expansion didn’t stop there; Fertitta added three additional Golden Nugget casinos, most notably acquiring the former Trump Marina in Atlantic City for a heavily discounted $38 million, following the 2008 economic downturn. Today, Fertitta’s diverse business interests have propelled him to a net worth of nearly $8 billion.

Phil Ruffin: Convenience Store Mogul Turned Vegas Icon

Image: Twitter/LindaSuhler

Phil Ruffin made his initial fortune in convenience stores before expanding into hotel ownership and, at age 60, entering the casino world. In 1995, he purchased the Crystal Palace Resort in the Bahamas, followed in 1998 by the acquisition of the Frontier Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

At the time, the Frontier had been mired in a prolonged staff strike, which Ruffin swiftly resolved before investing $20 million in renovations. His ultimate sale of the property—fetching more than $1.2 billion—set a new benchmark for per-acre value on the Las Vegas Strip.

Ruffin’s current holdings include two major Las Vegas properties: Treasure Island and Circus Circus, both of which have seen substantial upgrades under his tenure. Now in his late 80s, Ruffin remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations, declaring to Forbes that he plans to “die at his desk.” His enduring commitment reflects both his passion for business and his estimated $3.1 billion fortune.

The Fertitta Brothers: Building a Las Vegas Legacy

Image: Forbes

Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III, cousins to Tilman Fertitta, were immersed in the casino industry from a young age thanks to their father, Frank Fertitta Jr., founder of Station Casinos in 1976. Originally created to serve the local Las Vegas population, Station Casinos expanded rapidly, especially after Lorenzo and Frank III became principal shareholders following the company’s 1993 IPO, raising $294 million.

Their entrepreneurial spirit also led them outside the casino sector. In 2001, they acquired Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $2 million and transformed it into a global powerhouse, eventually selling their stake in 2016 for an estimated $4 billion.

Today, Station Casinos Inc. boasts a network of properties, including Red Rock Casino and Sunset Station, and handles management for numerous other establishments across Nevada. Each brother is valued at approximately $2.6 billion, underscoring their enduring influence on both gaming and entertainment.

Elaine Wynn: The “Queen of Las Vegas” and Industry Trailblazer

Image: The Wall Street Journal

Elaine Wynn, often called the “Queen of Las Vegas,” has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s modern casino landscape. Alongside her then-husband Steve Wynn, she helped launch Mirage Resorts in 1973, responsible for iconic properties such as The Mirage, Treasure Island, and Bellagio—each distinguished by their opulence and entertainment value.

After selling Mirage Resorts for $6.4 billion in 2000, the Wynns quickly established Wynn Resorts, opening the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas in 2005 at a cost of $2.7 billion. Their portfolio now extends across Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston, managing six high-profile hotels and casinos.

Following their 2010 divorce, Elaine and Steve split their ownership stake. In 2018, Elaine became the second-largest shareholder of Wynn Resorts after Steve’s resignation amid controversy. Today, Elaine Wynn’s influence in the gaming world is as significant as ever, and her net worth is valued at $1.7 billion.

Conclusion: The Influence of Casino Moguls in Shaping Gaming’s Future

America’s richest casino owners have not only amassed vast fortunes but have also fundamentally changed the landscape of gaming and hospitality. Whether revitalizing classic properties, building global brands, or introducing new entertainment ventures, their drive and vision continue to define the industry’s future. As gaming evolves, these power players remain central figures in the ongoing saga of American casinos.