The Las Vegas Sands founder, chairman and CEO passed away on 11 January aged 87 following complications related to treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
The casino mogul left an immutable legacy on the gaming industry in the US after founding the operator in 1988 and is recognized for fusing together the convention, hotel and gaming industries by building mega-resorts in Las Vegas, Singapore and Macau.
The gaming industry has been paying its respects on LinkedIn. Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg paid tribute, saying: “Sheldon Adelson was a visionary who undeniably shaped our industry. We are grateful for the legacy he left behind, and our hearts are with his team at Las Vegas Sands, and his friends and family.”
MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle followed suit, posting: “The trade show industry and the modern luxury resort all bear Sheldon’s fingerprints and cement his legacy as among the greatest entrepreneurs in the history of our industry.”
Las Vegas hotel and casino operator Station Casinos echoed the views of Hornbuckle, adding: “Through his entrepreneurial spirit and vision, Sheldon helped inspire and transform Las Vegas into the world class destination it is today.”
Away from the gaming industry, CEO of architecture company Steelman Partners Paul Curtis Steelman, also paid tribute, saying: “In 2004 we had the pleasure of designing the Sands Macau. I remember the incredible 600 days of design and then construction. Rest in Peace Sheldon.
David M. Solomon, chairman and CEO of investment bank Goldman Sachs, added: “This morning I was sad to hear that Sheldon Adelson has died. We worked together over many years as he built a highly successful business from nothing and I deeply respected his business acumen, entrepreneurship, and passion.”