Elaine Wynn, a pivotal figure in the Las Vegas casino industry and co-founder of Wynn Resorts, has passed away at the age of 82. The announcement of her death was made on April 15, 2025, by her family foundation, although no details regarding the cause have been released.
Born Elaine Farrell Pascal on April 28, 1942, in New York City, Wynn graduated from George Washington University in 1964 with a degree in political science. She married Steve Wynn in 1963, and together, they embarked on a journey that would transform the Las Vegas landscape. In 1976, the couple co-founded Mirage Resorts, which introduced groundbreaking concepts to the casino industry.
The Mirage, which opened in 1989, was the first major resort built on the Las Vegas Strip in 16 years and is credited with initiating a new era of mega-resorts in the city. Following this success, the Wynns established Wynn Resorts in 2000, further solidifying their influence in the industry. As of May 2018, Elaine Wynn held a significant stake in the company valued at nearly $2 billion, making her the largest individual shareholder.
Wynn's contributions to the casino industry were only part of her legacy. She was also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and the arts. She served on the board of trustees for the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation and was involved with various educational and cultural institutions, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). In 2024, she announced plans for the Las Vegas Museum of Art, set to open in 2028 in partnership with LACMA.
Her commitment to education reform was evident when she co-chaired Nevada’s Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force in 2011, leading to significant legislative changes. She was appointed to the Nevada State Board of Education in both 2013 and 2015, serving as president during her tenure. Additionally, she had a long-standing involvement with Communities In Schools, where she served as national board chair since 2007.
In the art world, Wynn made headlines in 2013 when she purchased Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” for $142.4 million, one of the most expensive artworks sold at that time. She later lent the piece to the Portland Art Museum, reflecting her dedication to making art accessible to the public.
Elaine Wynn was often referred to as "Ms. Las Vegas" and was recognized for her instrumental role in shaping the modern-day Las Vegas. According to a statement from the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation, she played a crucial role in developing some of the most storied casino hotels in the city, including the Golden Nugget and The Mirage. The foundation noted, "She established the paradigm for everything that followed, including Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore resorts."
However, her relationship with Steve Wynn was tumultuous. After marrying in 1963, they divorced in 1986, only to remarry five years later. Their second divorce in 2010 was marked by a $1 billion settlement and a pledge by Steve to keep Elaine on the board of Wynn Resorts. This tumultuous relationship became even more complex in early 2018 when allegations against Steve Wynn surfaced, leading to his departure from the company he founded. Elaine was reportedly proactive in contacting female staffers who had alleged mistreatment, which positioned her as one of the early faces of the Me Too movement.
Despite the controversies surrounding her ex-husband, Elaine Wynn's legacy outside the gaming industry remained largely positive. She was an active participant in the arts community, advocating for accessibility to the arts. The foundation's statement highlighted her leadership skills, stating, "Her leadership was characterized by grace and ambition, ensuring that art remained an essential part of our shared experience."
Less than two weeks before her death, Elaine expressed pride in the Wynn Las Vegas hotel as it approached its 20th anniversary. On April 2, 2025, she commented on the occasion, stating that the opening of the Wynn was the most pressure-packed of all their hotel projects. She reflected on the challenges faced during the launch, saying, "It was coming after the very successful Bellagio and hard to fathom a luxury property to improve on that. But that was always the goal each time we moved to finish and move forward."
Wynn also shared her sentiments about the dedication of the team at Wynn Las Vegas, saying, "It has been the consummate joy of my professional life to have been associated with this one and love every single person there from Day One, and even those who just joined yesterday. They represent our brand family name in the very best way."
Elaine Wynn's contributions to the casino industry, her philanthropic initiatives, and her commitment to the arts have left a lasting impact on Las Vegas and beyond. She is survived by her two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian, and seven grandchildren. As the city mourns her passing, her legacy as a pioneer in the gaming industry and a dedicated philanthropist will not be forgotten.
