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Stephen Alan Wynn (born Stephen Alan Weinberg on January 27, 1942, in New Haven, Connecticut) is an American real estate developer, casino and hotel developer, casino magnate, art collector, and prominent figure in the luxury casino and hotel industry. The son of a bingo parlor operator, Wynn entered the family business early and graduated from the Manatee School for the Gifted in Florida before attending the University of Pennsylvania, from which he dropped out without a degree. In 1967, he moved to Las Vegas, where he began his career in the gaming industry by acquiring and renovating the Golden Nugget casino, transforming it into a landmark of opulence. Wynn's visionary approach revolutionized Las Vegas, introducing mega-resorts that combined gambling with entertainment, shopping, and fine dining. He founded Mirage Resorts, overseeing the development of iconic properties such as The Mirage (opened 1989), Treasure Island (1993), and the Bellagio (1998), which featured a renowned art collection and fountains. In 2000, he sold Mirage Resorts to MGM Grand for $6.4 billion and established Wynn Resorts, launching Wynn Las Vegas and Encore in 2005, further cementing his status as a casino magnate.
Wynn's influence extended beyond business; he was a major Republican donor, contributing significantly to political campaigns, including those of Donald Trump. His personal life included marriages to Elaine Wynn, with whom he co-founded the company, and later Karen Wynn. An avid art collector, Wynn amassed a collection valued in the hundreds of millions, including works by Picasso and Monet, some of which he donated or sold. However, his career faced a major setback in 2018 when allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment surfaced, leading to his resignation as chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts amid investigations by regulators and the company board. The scandal, detailed in a Wall Street Journal report, involved claims from multiple women spanning decades, resulting in a $20 million settlement with one accuser and ongoing legal battles. Despite the controversies, Wynn's legacy in reshaping Las Vegas into a global entertainment destination endures, though his direct involvement in the industry has diminished.