Sheldon Adelson, born on August 4, 1933, was a prominent American entrepreneur and financier, best known for his role as the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Under his leadership, the company developed the iconic Marina Bay Sands luxury resort in Singapore and operated the Venetian Las Vegas and the Sands Expo and Convention Center through its subsidiary, Venetian Macao Limited.
In addition to his business ventures, Adelson was a significant political donor and investor, often referred to as a 'kingmaker' for his substantial contributions to the Republican Party. He was notably the largest donor to Donald Trump's campaigns in both 2016 and 2020, supporting various initiatives including Trump's presidential inauguration and his defense fund during the Mueller investigation.
Adelson's influence extended beyond politics; he owned several media outlets, including the Israeli free daily newspaper Israel Hayom and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. His philanthropic efforts were channeled through the Adelson Foundation, established in 2007, which focused on healthcare and support for Israel and the Jewish community.
At the time of his passing, Forbes estimated his net worth to be thirty-four billion eight hundred million dollars, reflecting his significant impact on both the business and political landscapes.