10 Richest Casino Owners in the USA Updated List [2025]

America’s casino industry has minted some of the nation’s most spectacular fortunes, with the top 10 richest casino owners controlling a combined wealth exceeding $85 billion in 2025. These gambling moguls didn’t just build casinos, they created entertainment empires that reshaped Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and the entire hospitality landscape.

The concentration of wealth among casino owners reflects the industry’s explosive growth, particularly as digital platforms like Moonbet expand the gambling ecosystem beyond traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. Modern casino fortunes now span luxury resorts, sports franchises, and cutting-edge technology platforms that serve millions of players globally.

Top 10 Richest Casino Owners [2025 Rankings]

1. Miriam Adelson – $32.1 Billion

Miriam Adelson dominates the casino wealth rankings as the controlling shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, holding a 54% stake in the global casino giant. The 79-year-old widow of casino pioneer Sheldon Adelson has maintained her position as America’s wealthiest casino owner despite selling $2 billion in shares to purchase the Dallas Mavericks NBA franchise in 2023.

Las Vegas Sands operates luxury properties including The Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas, along with premium integrated resorts in Macau and Singapore that generate billions in annual revenue. Adelson’s fortune fluctuates with Asian gaming markets, but her diversified portfolio including the Mavericks provides stability beyond traditional casino operations.

2. Tilman Fertitta – $10.1 Billion

Houston-based Tilman Fertitta ranks as America’s second-richest casino owner through his ownership of Fertitta Entertainment, which controls Golden Nugget casinos and the Landry’s restaurant empire. The 67-year-old mogul expanded beyond gaming to own over 600 properties across 36 states and 15 countries, employing more than 60,000 workers.

Fertitta’s casino portfolio includes multiple Golden Nugget locations, while his broader hospitality empire encompasses Bubba Gump Shrimp, Mastro’s Steakhouse, and Rainforest Cafe brands. His 2017 purchase of the Houston Rockets for $2.2 billion has appreciated significantly, with the team now valued at $4.05 billion.

3. Steve Wynn – $3.7 Billion

Steve Wynn revolutionized Las Vegas through iconic properties including The Mirage, Bellagio, and Wynn Resorts, earning recognition as the architect of modern luxury casino entertainment. Despite stepping down as Wynn Resorts CEO in 2018 amid misconduct allegations, the 82-year-old maintains substantial wealth through his casino innovations and art collection.

Wynn’s fortune stems from his pioneering casino-resort model that combined gambling with high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment. His influence extends beyond gaming through one of the world’s most valuable private art collections, including works by Picasso and Rembrandt worth hundreds of millions.

4. Phil Ruffin – $2.7 Billion

Phil Ruffin owns prominent Las Vegas Strip properties including Treasure Island and Circus Circus, alongside a half-ownership stake in Trump International Hotel. The 89-year-old self-made billionaire built his fortune through strategic casino acquisitions and real estate investments across multiple states.

Ruffin’s casino empire extends beyond Las Vegas to include greyhound racing tracks and convenience store chains. His close friendship with Donald Trump has provided additional business opportunities, including joint ventures in luxury hospitality projects.

5. William Boyd & Family – $2.3 Billion

William Boyd co-founded Boyd Gaming in 1975 with his father Sam Boyd, building the company into one of America’s largest regional casino operators. The 93-year-old executive chair oversees 11 off-Strip Las Vegas casino hotels while maintaining a 17% ownership stake in the publicly traded company.

Boyd Gaming’s success stems from its focus on local and regional markets rather than competing directly with Strip mega-resorts. The company’s diversified portfolio includes properties across multiple states, providing stable revenue streams from loyal customer bases.

6. Frank Fertitta III – $3.2 Billion

Frank Fertitta III built his fortune through the UFC’s explosive growth, purchasing the mixed martial arts organization for $2 million in 2001 alongside his brother Lorenzo before selling it for $4 billion in 2016. The 62-year-old now serves as CEO of Red Rock Resorts, focusing on Station Casinos’ local Las Vegas market dominance.

Fertitta’s casino operations target Las Vegas locals rather than tourists, creating loyal customer bases through neighborhood properties and comprehensive gaming offerings. His early investment in UFC proved prescient as mixed martial arts became a global entertainment phenomenon.

7. Lorenzo Fertitta – $3.2 Billion

Lorenzo Fertitta shares virtually identical wealth with his brother Frank through their joint UFC venture and casino operations. The 55-year-old former UFC chairman now serves as vice chairman of Red Rock Resorts while maintaining various business investments.

The Fertitta brothers’ success demonstrates the power of recognizing emerging entertainment trends before mainstream adoption. Their ability to transform UFC from a niche sport into a multi-billion-dollar global brand showcases the entrepreneurial vision that built their casino empires.

8. Elaine Wynn – $2.1 Billion

Elaine Wynn co-founded Mirage Resorts in 1973 and Wynn Resorts in 2002 with her ex-husband Steve Wynn, remaining the largest individual shareholder of Wynn Resorts despite no longer serving on the board. The 82-year-old maintains significant influence in Las Vegas gaming through her substantial ownership stake.

Wynn’s wealth reflects her pioneering role in developing luxury casino experiences that elevated Las Vegas from a gambling destination to a comprehensive entertainment capital. Her continued involvement in philanthropy and arts initiatives demonstrates the cultural impact of casino fortune beyond financial metrics.

9. Carl Icahn – $2.0 Billion 

Carl Icahn’s casino wealth derives from his ownership of Tropicana Entertainment, which operates gaming properties across multiple states. The legendary corporate raider and investor applies his activist approach to casino operations, seeking operational improvements and strategic value creation.

Icahn’s involvement in casino gaming represents one segment of his diversified investment portfolio, but his properties generate substantial revenue through focused regional operations. His reputation for maximizing shareholder value extends to his gaming investments.

10. Donald Trump – $1.8 Billion 

Donald Trump’s casino empire once dominated Atlantic City through Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza, and Trump Marina properties. While he no longer owns casino operations, his historical impact on East Coast gaming and continued involvement in hospitality maintains his relevance among casino wealth rankings.

Trump’s casino ventures demonstrated both the potential and risks of leveraged gaming investments, with his properties achieving prominence before financial challenges led to strategic exits from direct casino ownership. His brand continues influencing luxury hospitality markets.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the industry faces transformation through digital platforms, sports betting legalization, and emerging technologies like cryptocurrency integration. The next generation of casino billionaires will likely emerge from the intersection of traditional hospitality expertise and cutting-edge technology platforms, as the industry continues its evolution toward omnichannel entertainment experiences that serve global audiences across physical and digital environments.