Elaine Wynn, the former gaming executive and philanthropist who co-founded a casino empire in Las Vegas with her ex-husband Steve Wynn, has died at the age of 82. A publicist for the Elaine Wynn Foundation announced her death on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. A cause was not disclosed.
Born in New York in 1942, Elaine Wynn married Steve Wynn in 1963, and together they founded Mirage Resorts, the company behind iconic properties such as The Mirage, Treasure Island, and Bellagio. The couple divorced in 1986 but remarried in 1991. After selling Mirage Resorts to MGM Grand, they co-founded Wynn Resorts in 2000, where Elaine served as a director.
The Wynns divorced again in 2010, but Elaine retained millions of shares in Wynn Resorts and remained an influential voice in its operations both as a shareholder and as a board member. Their relationship soured, especially following allegations of sexual misconduct against Steve Wynn. He denied the allegations, claiming they were part of a campaign by Elaine to alter their divorce terms. In a 2018 court hearing, Elaine testified that she was made aware of a rape allegation against Steve in 2009.
Beyond her involvement in the gaming industry, Elaine was a prominent philanthropist and community advocate, particularly in education. She was a leading contributor to Communities in Schools, served as chair of the UNLV Foundation, and spent eight years as a member of the State Board of Education. Most recently, she helped launch the effort for Las Vegas to build a new permanent art museum.
Elaine Wynn's impact on Las Vegas was profound. She played an instrumental role in shaping the modern-day landscape of the city, from the Golden Nugget, which she helped revamp, to The Mirage, which established a new paradigm for luxury resorts. Her vision extended to the Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore resorts, which all reflected her creative sense and impeccable taste.
Her family, including daughters Kevyn and Gillian and seven grandchildren, was her greatest pride. In a statement from the Elaine Wynn Foundation, her legacy was described as one that embraced the extraordinary potential of Las Vegas, a city she truly loved. “Her leadership was characterized by grace and ambition, ensuring that art remained an essential part of our shared experience,” the release stated.
The largest individual shareholder of Wynn Resorts, Elaine's influence also reached beyond Las Vegas. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), she championed accessibility to the arts, enhancing the community's cultural fabric. Recently, she announced a collaboration with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Francis Kere to build the Las Vegas Art Museum, further demonstrating her commitment to the arts.
Elaine Wynn was not only a businesswoman but a tireless advocate for education and philanthropy. She co-chaired Nevada’s Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force in 2011, leading significant reform legislation. Her leadership roles included serving on the Nevada State Board of Education, where she was elected president twice, and chairing the UNLV Foundation.
Her philanthropic contributions extended to various community organizations through the Elaine P. Wynn and Family Foundation, focusing on improving children's lives through education. She played a crucial role in the mission of Communities in Schools, which aims to provide resources for at-risk students to thrive.
Elaine's passion for the arts was evident in her notable purchases and contributions, including her acquisition of Francis Bacon’s "Three Studies of Lucian Freud" for $141.4 million, which she lent to the Portland Art Museum. She was also appointed to the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by President Barack Obama.
In remembrance of Elaine Wynn, contributions in her memory can be made to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to support the construction of the Las Vegas Museum of Art. Her legacy will echo through the vibrant streets of Las Vegas and the stories of those she touched, reflecting a life lived with purpose and a commitment to community.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
