Elaine Wynn, a pioneering force in the gaming industry and a dedicated philanthropist, passed away at the age of 82. Her death was announced by the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation. Wynn’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the transformation of Las Vegas into a global entertainment hub and her unwavering commitment to educational reform and the arts.
LOS ANGELES, USA. April 13, 2024: Elaine Wynn and Kevyn Wynn at the 2024 Breakthrough Prize Awards at the Academy Museum
FROM POLITICAL SCIENCE TO CASINO MAGNATE
Born Elaine Pascal on April 28, 1942, in New York City, she pursued political science at George Washington University. A blind date led to her marriage with Steve Wynn in 1963. The couple relocated to Las Vegas in 1967, marking the beginning of their influential journey in the casino industry.
Together, they co-founded Mirage Resorts in 1976 and Wynn Resorts in 2000. Their ventures, including the Mirage and Wynn Las Vegas, set new standards for luxury and entertainment in the casino world. Elaine’s strategic vision and attention to detail were instrumental in these successes.
A PHILANTHROPIC POWERHOUSE
Beyond business, Wynn was a fervent advocate for education. She chaired the UNLV Foundation, focusing on enhancing the university’s academic stature. Her leadership roles extended to Nevada’s State Board of Education and the Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force. Nationally, she served as the board chair for Communities In Schools, supporting at-risk students.
Her passion for the arts was evident through her involvement with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In 2013, she made headlines by purchasing Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” for $142.4 million, later loaning it to the Portland Art Museum.
Las Vegas, Nevada – July 24, 2019: Wynn Las Vegas features two 45-story towers (Encore and Wynn). Together they make up one of the world’s largest resort hotels featuring nearly 5,000 guest rooms
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE
Elaine’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Following her second divorce from Steve Wynn in 2010, she fought to regain control over her shares in Wynn Resorts. Her efforts culminated in 2018 when she reclaimed her voting rights, emphasizing her commitment to ethical governance.
A LASTING LEGACY
Elaine Wynn’s impact is indelibly etched into the fabric of Las Vegas and beyond. Her contributions to the gaming industry, education, and the arts have left an enduring legacy. She is survived by her two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian, and seven grandchildren.
