Tilman Fertitta continues to make moves in the Las Vegas casino scene. If he is successful with his acquisition bid for Caesars Entertainment (CZR), he would gain control of eight Las Vegas-area properties, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and Paris on the Strip.
Fertitta is also currently the largest single shareholder of Wynn Resorts (WYNN), with an economic interest of 12.5% in the company following his 2025 share purchases and accounting for options. He holds the position through Fertitta Entertainment and related entities. The Elaine Wynn Family Trust is believed to be the next largest shareholder, with a position between 8% and 9% in the casino company. Bank of America analyst Shaun Kelly noted that it is possible that Fertitta’s WYNN stake could be used to help finance the Caesars (CZR) takeover.
Looking back, Fertitta entered casinos in 2005 by buying the Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Laughlin properties through Landry’s, marking his move from restaurants into gaming. He later expanded the Golden Nugget brand to Atlantic City, Biloxi, and Lake Charles, including purchasing the former Trump Marina in 2011. Today, his Fertitta Entertainment controls multiple Golden Nugget casinos and related online gaming operations. He also holds over 6 acres of Las Vegas Strip property at the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue, close to MGM Resorts’ (MGM) MGM Grand and Aria properties and Caesars’ (CZR) Planet Hollywood.
Shares of Caesars Entertainment (VZR) fell 1.8% in Thursday afternoon trading after jumping more than 11% on Wednesday.