Miriam Adelson, an Israeli-American physician, casino heiress, and political donor, has an estimated net worth of $34 billion as of 2024. At the age of 78, she stands as one of the richest women in the world, largely due to her inheritance from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, a casino magnate who passed away in 2021. Miriam controls a 47% stake in Las Vegas Sands, a global casino empire generating over $4 billion in revenue annually. Her financial ventures recently expanded beyond casinos, as she acquired a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks. Beyond her immense wealth, she is also known for her philanthropic efforts in substance abuse treatment and significant political contributions.
How Did Miriam Adelson Build Her Wealth?
Miriam Adelson’s fortune is rooted in her marriage to Sheldon Adelson, who built one of the world’s largest casino empires. After Sheldon’s passing in 2021, Miriam inherited a majority share of Las Vegas Sands, the company responsible for iconic casino properties in Macau, Singapore, and Las Vegas. Prior to November 2023, she held 57% of the company’s stock, but she sold $2 billion worth of shares to purchase the Dallas Mavericks.
Las Vegas Sands, initially launched in 1988, was a pivotal force in transforming Las Vegas into a high-end resort destination. The business later expanded into Macau and Singapore, where it became a dominant force in the global gambling industry. Over the past three decades, the Adelsons have amassed an estimated $10 billion in dividends from their casino operations.
What is Miriam Adelson’s Background?
Born on October 10, 1945, in Tel Aviv, Mandatory Palestine, Miriam Adelson (formerly Miriam Farbstein) was raised in Haifa, Israel. Her parents were Polish refugees who escaped the Holocaust. She pursued a career in medicine, earning a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and genetics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later receiving her M.D. from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Medical School.
She initially worked as an emergency room doctor in Tel Aviv, eventually becoming the chief internist at Rokach Hospital. In 1986, she moved to the United States to further specialize in drug addiction treatment at Rockefeller University in New York. Her dedication to medical research and addiction treatment led her to establish two clinics, one in the United States and the other in Israel, aimed at combating substance abuse.
How Did Miriam Adelson Meet Sheldon Adelson?
Miriam met Sheldon Adelson in 1989 through a blind date. At the time, Sheldon was a wealthy entrepreneur known for his successful COMDEX computer trade show business. The couple married in 1991, and during their honeymoon in Venice, Italy, Sheldon conceptualized The Venetian, a lavish casino resort modeled after the historic Italian city.
What is Miriam Adelson’s Role in the Casino Industry?
Miriam Adelson became a dominant figure in the casino industry following her husband’s passing. Although she is not directly involved in the daily operations, she holds 47% of Las Vegas Sands’ stock, making her the company’s largest shareholder. The company continues to thrive, particularly in its Macau and Singapore markets, despite selling its Las Vegas properties in 2022 to focus on Asia.
What Was the Impact of the Adelsons’ Political Donations?
Miriam and Sheldon Adelson were among the most generous Republican donors in U.S. history. Over the years, they contributed hundreds of millions to conservative causes and Republican candidates. Notably:
- 2012 Election – The Adelsons donated $93 million to Republican campaigns.
- 2016 Election – Contributed $82.58 million to conservative candidates, including Donald Trump.
- 2018 Midterms – Their donations surged to $123.25 million.
- 2020 Election Cycle – Reports estimated they contributed over $200 million to support Donald Trump and Republican efforts.
Why Did Miriam Adelson Buy the Dallas Mavericks?
In November 2023, Miriam Adelson sold $2 billion worth of Las Vegas Sands stock to finance the purchase of the Dallas Mavericks. Shortly after, it was revealed that she had acquired a majority stake in the NBA franchise at a $3.5 billion valuation from Mark Cuban. While Cuban retains a minority ownership stake, he continues to oversee basketball operations despite the sale.
What Properties and Assets Does Miriam Adelson Own?
Miriam Adelson’s real estate portfolio is as extravagant as her fortune. Some of her most notable assets include:
- Las Vegas Mansion: Built on a 2-acre property purchased for $4.1 million in 2005, her 43,500-square-foot estate features 8 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, and a private water park.
- Malibu Colony: Over several decades, the Adelsons acquired nine oceanfront homes in this ultra-exclusive gated community, making them among the largest property owners in the area.
- Atherton, California: In 2015, Miriam’s daughter, Yasmin Lukatz, purchased a $35 million mansion, later selling it for $45 million in 2022.
What is Next for Miriam Adelson?
As the largest shareholder of Las Vegas Sands, Miriam Adelson remains an influential figure in the global gaming and hospitality industry. Her recent investment in the Dallas Mavericks signals her expanding interests beyond casinos. Additionally, her continued involvement in philanthropy, medical research, and political donations ensures that her influence will remain significant for years to come.
With a legacy built on business, philanthropy, and politics, Miriam Adelson continues to shape industries and impact global affairs, standing as one of the most powerful women in the world.
