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46. Sheldon Adelson
Getty Images / Denise Truscello
Title: Chairman and CEO, Las Vegas Sands
Country: US
Age: 82
The “King of Las Vegas” is expected to dole out millions by this time next year, taking a gamble on one of his favorite things: politics. The casino magnate, who owns 13 private jets, is a staunch supporter of the Republican party, famously donating tens of millions from his $25 billion fortune to past candidates such as Newt Gingrich.
For his day job, he runs Las Vegas Sands — parent of the Venetian Resort and Casino and Sands China, a subsidiary that’s planning to open its fifth casino in Macau next year. And while Adelson’s vision to make China the gambling capital of the world isn’t outlandish considering his industry dominance, it may not pan out under political restrictions and President Xi Jinping’s push to make Macau a family-friendly destination. Amid the flux, Sheldon’s fortune has reportedly lost several billions in the past year after a 25% decline in the price of Las Vegas Sands stock.
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