List of the Wealthiest Casino Magnates Globally in 2025
Top 10 Richest Casino Owners in 2025
In the dynamic world of gambling and entertainment, a select group of individuals have amassed vast fortunes, transforming the landscape of casinos and resorts across the globe. Here's a look at the top 10 richest casino owners as of 2025.
1. Sheldon Adelson (deceased 2021, net worth around $29.8 billion as of his last estate evaluation)
The late Sheldon Adelson was a pioneer in the casino business, founding Las Vegas Sands Corporation. His innovative integrated casino-resort model, showcased in properties like The Venetian in Las Vegas, revolutionized the industry.
2. Lui Che Woo ($10.3 billion)
Lui Che Woo, a wealthy man from Hong Kong, transformed Macau into a gaming center through Galaxy Entertainment Group. His six casinos, including Galaxy Macau, set new standards for luxury and innovation in Asia.
3. Tilman Fertitta (net worth not specifically detailed)
Tilman Fertitta, a billionaire with significant holdings in casinos and hospitality industries, transformed Landry's Inc., a family-operated restaurant company, into a casino empire through the acquisition of Golden Nugget Casinos. His unique approach to casinos, which includes entertainment, spas, and pools, led to the revitalization of the Golden Nugget brand.
4. Denise Coates (net worth not specified in detail)
Denise Coates, the founder of Bet365, a major online gambling enterprise, has made her mark as one of the wealthiest in the casino and betting sector.
5. Johann Graf (net worth not specified)
Johann Graf, the owner of Novomatic, one of the world’s largest gaming technology companies, is another influential figure in the casino industry.
6. Kirk Kerkorian (deceased but listed among the richest historically)
Known as the "father of the mega-resort," Kirk Kerkorian played a significant role in shaping Las Vegas as a world-famous entertainment hub. His legacy continues through the success of his businesses.
7. James Packer
James Packer, the head of Crown Resorts in Australia, has expansive investments in Macau and Las Vegas through partnerships with Melco Resorts. He is focusing on expanding digital gambling and VIP clubs.
8. Phil Ruffin
Phil Ruffin, the owner of Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus on the Las Vegas Strip, is an influential Las Vegas casino mogul with a background in real estate.
9. Stanley Ho (deceased)
Stanley Ho, known as the "King of Gambling" in Macau, founded Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM), which dominated Macau’s casino market for decades.
10. Steve Wynn
Steve Wynn, the founder of Wynn Resorts, operates luxury casinos in Las Vegas, Boston, and Macau. He is notable for innovation and employment diversity initiatives in the industry. However, it's important to note that Wynn stepped down as CEO of Wynn Resorts in 2018 due to claims of sexual misconduct.
These individuals and their associated companies represent the largest fortunes accumulated through casino ownership and related gambling enterprises worldwide. Net worth figures vary due to market changes and private asset valuations, but Sheldon Adelson’s estate remains the largest historically, followed by Lui Che Woo and James Packer’s expansive investments. Major companies linked to these owners include Las Vegas Sands, Galaxy Entertainment, Crown Resorts, Bet365, Novomatic, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Resorts.
- In the realm of business, Tilman Fertitta, known for his vast holdings in casinos and hospitality industries, utilized the acquisition of Golden Nugget Casinos to transform Landry's Inc., a traditional family-operated restaurant company, into an empire in the gambling sector, offering unique casino experiences coupled with entertainment, spas, and pools.
- Denise Coates, founder of Bet365, an influential online gambling enterprise, has etched her name among the wealthiest figures in the casino and betting sector, capitalizing on the digital age to establish a major presence in the worldwide gambling industry.
