At 83 years old in 2025, Steve Wynn has a net worth of $3.4 billion—a staggering fortune built from a blend of ambition, risk-taking, reinvention, and an unparalleled eye for luxury. Wynn isn’t just a casino mogul; he’s one of the architects of modern Las Vegas. From building iconic resorts like The Mirage, Bellagio, and Wynn Las Vegas, to collecting multimillion-dollar art pieces and waterfront homes, his story reads like a high-stakes drama—fitting for the man who reshaped the Strip.
So how did Steve Wynn climb from a small bingo hall in Maryland to a billionaire real estate titan and global art collector? Let’s take a look.
What Sparked Steve Wynn’s Rise in the Casino Industry?
Steve Wynn’s journey began far from the glitz of Vegas. Born Stephen Alan Weinberg in 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut, he inherited his father’s struggling bingo business at age 21 after his father passed away with $350,000 in gambling debts.
Determined to turn things around, Wynn moved to Las Vegas in the 1960s, and with the help of family friends and a $45,000 investment, he bought a small stake in the Frontier Hotel. That modest gamble launched a career that would reshape the city forever.
What Were His Major Casino Developments?
Steve Wynn wasn’t just building casinos—he was reimagining experiences. He brought luxury, elegance, and theatricality to Vegas in a way no one had done before.
Here are some of his greatest hits:
- Golden Nugget (1970s–1990s): Revamped and turned downtown Vegas into a classy destination.
- The Mirage (1989): With a volcano and tropical vibes, it kickstarted a $12 billion building boom on the Strip.
- Bellagio (1998): At $1.6 billion, it was the most expensive hotel ever built at the time.
- Wynn Las Vegas (2005) and Encore (2008): Wynn’s ultimate luxury resorts, redefining high-end Vegas hospitality.
- Macau Expansion (2006–2016): Wynn took his brand global, opening Wynn Macau, Encore Macau, and Wynn Palace in China.
These developments didn’t just make money—they set trends, changed skylines, and created jobs for thousands.
What Setbacks Has Steve Wynn Faced?
In 2018, Steve Wynn’s career took a sharp turn after dozens of allegations of sexual misconduct were made public. He stepped down as CEO of Wynn Resorts and sold his shares in the company, though he has denied all accusations.
Despite stepping away from the company that bears his name, his wealth and legacy as a pioneer of Vegas real estate remain firmly intact.
How Has Real Estate Played a Role in His Fortune?
Steve Wynn doesn’t just build resorts—he builds personal luxury everywhere he goes. His real estate portfolio is jaw-dropping:
- Beverly Hills Mansion: Bought for $48M in 2015, listed for $75M in 2024 after massive renovations.
- Palm Beach Estate: Bought in 2019 for $40M, listed for $78.5M in 2022.
- NYC Penthouse at Ritz-Carlton: Purchased for $70M, listed for $90M.
- Las Vegas Mansion: Sold for $17.5M in 2022.
- Sun Valley, Idaho Ski Compound: A 12,400 sq. ft. property, listed for $27M.
In just a few months in 2022, Wynn listed or sold over $300 million worth of personal property.
What’s the Story Behind His Famous Art Collection?
Wynn is just as obsessed with masterpieces as he is with casinos. His collection includes works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet, Turner, and Jeff Koons.
The most famous piece? Picasso’s Le Rêve, which he bought in 2001 and accidentally elbowed while showing it to friends, causing a $90,000 repair and canceling a $139 million sale. He later sold it for $155 million in 2013.
His collection is a mix of prestige and personal passion—and worth hundreds of millions.
How Did Wynn’s Personal Life Influence His Career?
Steve married Elaine Pascal in 1963, and the couple had two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian. Their marriage included two divorces—one in 1986 and again in 2010 after a remarriage in 1991.
In 2011, Steve married Andrea Hissom in a lavish ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas.
One dramatic moment in his life came in 1993 when daughter Kevyn was kidnapped and released after Steve paid a $1.45 million ransom. The kidnapper was caught trying to buy a Ferrari with cash.
Does Steve Wynn Still Live a Lavish Lifestyle?
Yes, and then some. Wynn is known for his refined tastes. He owns a $215 million yacht called Aquarius, equipped with:
- A helicopter pad
- A full-service beauty salon
- A 30-person full-time crew
In recent years, he’s also embraced a vegan lifestyle and once added animal-free menus across his restaurants after being inspired by a guest on his yacht.
He holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Monaco, which aligns well with his love for travel, art, and privacy.
What Is Steve Wynn Doing Now?
While he’s no longer in the driver’s seat of Wynn Resorts, Steve Wynn continues to manage his investments, properties, and art holdings. His empire may look different now, but his influence over luxury hospitality and Las Vegas’s image as a global playground still looms large.
