Here is some of the reactions to the news that Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson had died Tuesday at age 87.
Today’s passing of Sheldon Adelson is a tremendous loss to the gaming community. Mr. Adelson was a true visionary and pioneer of modern casino gaming for more than three decades. From Las Vegas and Pennsylvania to Macao and Singapore, his mark is indelible.
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Adelson for more than 15 years, long before joining the American Gaming Association (AGA). It is his leadership and generosity that stand out the most to me. There’s no greater example of this than serving his community and prioritizing his employees’ well-being during the last year as our country and industry grappled with the global pandemic.
- American Gaming Association CEO Bill Miller
Melania and I mourn the passing of Sheldon Adelson, and send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Miriam, his children and grandchildren. Sheldon lived the true American dream. His ingenuity, genius, and creativity earned him immense wealth, but his character and philanthropic generosity his great name. Sheldon was also a staunch supporter of our great ally the State of Israel. He tirelessly advocated for the relocation of the United States embassy to Jerusalem, the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and the pursuit of peace between Israel and its neighbors. Sheldon was true to his family, his country, and all those that knew him. The world has lost a great man. He will be missed.”
- President Donald Trump
Laura and I mourn the passing of a friend. “Sheldon battled his way out of a tough Boston neighborhood to build a successful enterprise that loyally employed tens of thousands — and entertained millions. He was an American patriot and a strong supporter of Israel. Sheldon was a generous benefactor of charitable causes, especially medical research and Jewish heritage education. He will be missed by many – none more than his beloved family.”
- Former President George W. Bush
Sheldon was a man who believed in, succeeded in, and invested in bold and daring ideas that changed the State of Nevada. He came from very humble beginnings and rose to international prominence as an entrepreneur, a builder, and a philanthropist. His vision of Vegas as a premiere business destination had a dramatic impact, as other resorts adopted this new business model and conventions and business have become a critical part of our success.
“There is no doubt that the Adelson family has been among Nevada’s most charitable residents. From programs to help the homeless and hungry, support for our universities and schools, developing addiction clinics, building the Adelson School, the family’s generosity has touched every corner of our state.”
- Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak
Sheldon Adelson’s vision helped transform Las Vegas from a small desert city into a world-class tourism destination. The Silver State’s massive business, entertainment, and convention industries are what they are today because of his life’s work and his dedication to building a Las Vegas that can cater to everyone from entrepreneurs to international travelers.”
- Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada
Our nation lost a remarkable American with the passing of my friend Sheldon Adelson. Sheldon built an incredible life and career. He climbed from sleeping on tenement floors during the Great Depression as a young boy to literally towering over Las Vegas and beyond. He created countless jobs in the process. And he poured his success into philanthropy — from drug abuse treatment to research into cancer and other diseases to the countless Jewish causes around the world that were especially close to his heart.”
- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky
Sheldon Adelson helped make Las Vegas a top international travel destination. He played a key role in making our city a premiere sports town. I hope the Adelson family will carry on his philanthropic legacy and I am thinking of them in their time of grief.”
- Rep. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas
“In the nearly four decades that I’ve known him, Sheldon Adelson has been outspoken with causes important to him. His advocacy for the state of Israel and Jewish causes was without equal and made a difference in countless lives both at home and abroad.
“Few people have had such significant an impact on the hotel and gaming industry and on Nevada’s economy as Sheldon Adelson. He came to Las Vegas as a master of the convention business. Adelson became one of Nevada’s giants in gaming, conventions and hospitality. He was instrumental in transforming Las Vegas into the iconic destination it is today.”
- Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada
“Sheldon and Miriam’s efforts to combat addiction and substance abuse in the Silver State changed the lives of many. As Jewish leaders, we also shared a deep concern for the rise in anti-Semitism and joined efforts to help combat hate.”
- Senator Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada
“Mr. Adelson’s leadership, tenacity and business acumen have been evident since his first business opportunity at the age of 12, and the gaming industry, here in Nevada and throughout Asia, has benefited from his exceptional vision and commitment to success. From his pioneering work in creating COMDEX, the world’s largest trade show for the computer industry, to his industry-leading innovations in developing integrated resorts, Mr. Adelson will be remembered as one of our industry’s great minds.
“Mr. Adelson leaves a mighty legacy through his innumerable charitable contributions and the work of the Adelson Family Foundation which have changed the course of untold lives through his extensive support of Jewish causes, advancing educational possibilities and groundbreaking medical research. Many nonprofit organizations around the world have lost a true friend and champion.”
- Nevada Resort Association President Virginia Valentine
Beyond the public image & Horatio Alger rise, Sheldon Adelson took Las Vegas to a new level of tourism & success by bringing COMDEX(CES) into reality & building a resort empire. Mr. Adelson was a caring & religious man who quietly changed lives through his enormous philanthropy.”
- Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman in a post on Twitter
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our good friend Sheldon Adelson. Through his entrepreneurial spirit and vision, Sheldon helped inspire and transform Las Vegas into the world class destination it is today.
“Sheldon was and will always be a legend in the gaming industry. Not only did he build incredible resorts for the enjoyment of his guests, he unequivocally set the bar when it came to taking care of his team members. He recognized that a property is only as good as its team.
“He will also be remembered for his many great philanthropic efforts here in Las Vegas, throughout the county and around the world.”
- Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta, owners of Station Casinos
