The Casino Tycoons Fueling Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign
Introduction: High Stakes Fundraising in the 2024 Election
The road to the White House has always been paved with cash, but the 2024 U.S. presidential race is seeing unprecedented involvement from some of the casino industry’s biggest names. Donald J. Trump, known for his casino ventures long before his political life, now finds old associates and industry leaders investing heavily in his bid to reclaim the presidency. As President Joe Biden’s campaign continues to outpace him financially, Trump is relying on substantial backing from Las Vegas heavyweights, many of whom have deep ties to the world of gambling, glitz, and political influence.
Steve Wynn: From Competitor to Key Contributor
Once fierce rivals in Atlantic City, Donald Trump and Steve Wynn’s relationship evolved over the decades from bitter litigation—marked by lawsuits and public disputes—to a strong political alliance. Both men share a Republican ideology and have faced their share of controversies and public scrutiny.
Steve Wynn’s career is a cornerstone of casino industry history. He rose to prominence as the youngest owner of the Golden Nugget Casino, later shaping the Las Vegas Strip with signature resorts such as The Mirage, Bellagio, and Treasure Island. Wynn’s brand also spread internationally to Macau and into online gambling with Wynnbet. Despite losing control of his company and being fined $10 million following misconduct allegations, Wynn remains politically active and influential.
In April 2024, Wynn made headlines by pledging more than $800,000 as a co-host of a major Trump campaign fundraiser. His political prominence was also recognized by Trump after a decisive New Hampshire primary win. Following the resolution of a protracted foreign lobbying dispute with the Department of Justice in June 2024, Wynn’s support appears reinvigorated.
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Dr. Miriam Adelson: The Philanthropist Powering Political Efforts
Another leading figure in Trump’s fundraising network is Dr. Miriam Adelson, widow of the late Sheldon Adelson. A steadfast Republican donor, she played a significant role in Trump’s past campaigns, personally contributing over $25 million to his 2016 run and $90 million to his 2020 effort. In 2018, her sizable fundraising for conservative causes earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Inheriting a majority stake in Las Vegas Sands after her husband’s passing in 2021, Adelson became one of the wealthiest women in America, heading one of the largest casino companies. Showing her multifaceted interests, she sold shares worth $2 billion in 2023 to buy a controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks basketball team.
Adelson’s political engagement ramped up again in 2024. After donating over $400,000 to the Trump 47 Joint Fundraising Committee in May, she pledged a staggering $100 million to Trump’s campaign through the revitalized Preserve America super PAC following Trump’s strong debate performance and policy alignment with her pro-Israel views. This influx of resources is expected to fund targeted media campaigns in pivotal states.
John Paulson: The Hedge Fund Legend Betting on Trump
While not a traditional casino owner, billionaire John Paulson has held massive investments in industry giants like MGM Resorts, Caesar’s, Boyd Gaming, and Bally’s. His 2010 acquisition of a substantial MGM Mirage stake signaled his interest in casino profits.
Paulson’s connection to Trump dates back to 2016, serving as both a significant donor and an informal adviser. In 2024, Trump publicly floated the idea of Paulson serving as Treasury Secretary, highlighting the financier’s growing political profile.
Paulson hosted a high-ticket fundraiser at his Palm Beach estate in April 2024, generating over $50 million to help balance the campaign fundraising battle. Attendance cost ranged from $250,000 to $824,000 per guest, demonstrating the depth of support from the financial sector.
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Tilman Fertitta: Hospitality Magnate Mobilizing Support
Tilman Fertitta, chairman and CEO of Landry’s Inc., oversees a vast portfolio spanning over 600 casinos, hotels, and restaurants nationwide. His 2005 purchase of the iconic Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, a legacy launched years earlier by Steve Wynn, cemented his place in gaming history. Fertitta has since expanded the Golden Nugget brand across the US.
Fertitta is also the owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, a franchise he purchased in 2017. However, his open backing of Trump has sparked controversy within the sports world, contributing to high-profile player departures amid political disagreements.
Regardless, Fertitta’s loyalty to Trump continues. In May 2024, he hosted an exclusive campaign fundraiser at his luxurious Post Oak Hotel in Houston. Tickets for the event ranged from $100,000 to $844,600 per couple, with top-tier backers joining the host and fellow business titans for personal photo opportunities and high-level networking.
Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta: Family Fortune and Political Influence
Cousins of Tilman, Frank III and Lorenzo Fertitta inherited and expanded their father’s Station Casinos network, operating 17 properties throughout Nevada. Their fortune grew exponentially after purchasing the UFC for $2 million in 2001 and later selling it for $5 billion in 2017.
Beyond their business achievements, the Fertitta brothers have spent years locked in labor disputes with the Culinary Union, Nevada’s largest hospitality workers’ organization. Despite successful unionization efforts elsewhere in Vegas, Station and Red Rock Resorts remain notably unorganized due to intense legal battles and pushback from the Fertittas.
Since 2016, the Fertitta brothers have directed over $5 million to Trump’s various campaign efforts and Republican political action committees—including $2 million to the America First Action super PAC. In January 2024, a meeting with Trump reportedly cemented their intent to continue supporting his run this year.
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Phil Ruffin: Longtime Partner and Early Donor
Phil Ruffin, a seasoned casino investor and co-owner of the Trump International Hotel, has built his fortune through high-profile real estate deals. He purchased the New Frontier Hotel & Casino for nearly $200 million in 1998 and later sold it at a substantial profit.
A close personal friend of Trump, Ruffin quickly emerged as a leading donor for the 2024 campaign, contributing $1 million to the MAGA Inc. super PAC and more than $800,000 to the Trump 47 Committee. In recent years, Ruffin added several Vegas icons to his portfolio, including Treasure Island (bought for $775 million in 2009) and Circus Circus (acquired in 2019 for $825 million).
Despite occasional differences of opinion, Ruffin remains steadfast in his commitment to Trump’s electoral ambitions, consistently backing the former president in his quest for a third campaign victory.
Conclusion: The Power of Casino Wealth in Presidential Politics
The 2024 presidential campaign underscores how influential casino magnates remain in the American political landscape. From direct financial support to high-profile fundraising events, figures like Steve Wynn, Miriam Adelson, John Paulson, Tilman Fertitta, the Fertitta brothers, and Phil Ruffin demonstrate how closely the fortunes of Las Vegas and Atlantic City are tied to Washington, D.C.
Their combined resources not only help shape election outcomes but also underscore the enduring connection between gaming industry success and political activism in America.
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