Elaine Wynn (pictured in a file photo), co-founder of Wynn Resorts Ltd, has died aged 82, reported on Tuesday media outlets in the United States, citing a statement that day from the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation.
Wynn Resorts said in a company statement emailed to GGRAsia: “We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Elaine Wynn, and send our condolences to her daughters, grandchildren, and her many close friends.”
The statement added: “As co-founder and one of the largest shareholders of Wynn Resorts, she helped to create and grow the company to become the most esteemed luxury resort brand in the world.”
According to Wynn Resorts’ 2024 annual report, issued last month, as of December 31, Ms Wynn owned approximately 8.85 percent of its outstanding common stock. She was currently the second largest shareholder in the company, only behind U.S. billionaire Tilman Fertitta, according to media reports.
Forbes estimated her net worth as of this year at US$1.9 billion.
Wynn Resorts is the parent of Macau casino operator Wynn Macau Ltd.
Ms Wynn was twice married to Wynn Resorts’ first chairman, Steve Wynn, with whom she co-founded the firm in 2002.
In 2018, Ms Wynn had supported a proxy battle against a Wynn Resorts board member with long-standing connections to her former husband. Mr Wynn had been ousted in February that year from his posts as company chief executive and chairman.
Wynn Resorts’ Tuesday statement noted: “Elaine cared deeply about the employees of our resorts.
“The current and former employees who worked alongside her to create Wynn and Encore Las Vegas cherish the many fond memories they have of her, especially of when they opened Wynn Las Vegas with her 20 years ago this month.”
