Steve Wynn & Elaine Wynn

Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn divorced after 19 years, 5 months of marriage. The settlement was reportedly about $741M. Full timeline and prenup facts inside.

Settlement
$741M
Cost/Day
$104K
Married
1991
Divorced
2010
Duration
19 years, 5 months

Figures are reported estimates. Last updated Mar 2026.

The Story

They divorced twice: first in 1986, remarried in 1991, then divorced again in 2010. Elaine received a massive stake in Wynn Resorts.

Who Were the Couple?

Steve Wynn is the casino developer who effectively reinvented Las Vegas, transforming it from a mob-run gambling town into a luxury resort destination. Elaine Pascal met Steve at the University of Pennsylvania, and they married young. Together they built one of the most recognisable brands in global hospitality: Wynn Resorts, whose properties in Las Vegas and Macau set new standards for opulence. Their relationship was as dramatic as the hotels they built — they divorced once, remarried, and then divorced again.

How the Wealth Was Built

Steve began in the casino business with modest holdings in Las Vegas and transformed his ambitions with the opening of The Mirage in 1989 — widely credited as the resort that launched modern Las Vegas. He followed it with Bellagio, Treasure Island, and eventually the Wynn and Encore properties, each redefining luxury hospitality. Elaine was deeply involved in the business for decades, serving on the board and playing a key role in design and operations.

Timeline of the Marriage

Steve and Elaine first married in the 1960s and built their early careers together. They divorced for the first time in 1986, before the era of their greatest successes. Remarkably, they reconciled and remarried in 1991, this time as partners in one of the most valuable casino empires in the world. Their second marriage lasted until 2010, when they separated for the final time.

Divorce Settlement Details

The second divorce was the consequential one financially: Elaine received a massive stake in Wynn Resorts valued at approximately $741 million at the time of the settlement. The shareholding made her one of the most significant individual investors in the company and gave her ongoing influence over its direction.

Why the Settlement Was So Large

Elaine's legal team successfully argued that her contribution to Wynn Resorts — both in the boardroom and in shaping the company's identity and culture — had been central to its success. Her decades of involvement made any claim that the fortune was solely Steve's creation difficult to sustain. The settlement reflected her genuine equity in what they had built together.

Impact on Businesses or Assets

The divorce did not immediately remove Elaine from Wynn Resorts — she remained a major shareholder and board member, creating an unusual situation of corporate entanglement between divorced spouses. The arrangement became deeply contentious: in 2012, Steve engineered a reduction in her board influence, leading Elaine to sue. The boardroom battles between the two proved as dramatic as their personal history.

Comparison With Other Famous Divorces

The Wynn settlement was notable not just for its size but for its complexity. Unlike cash settlements or straightforward stock transfers, Elaine's stake in a publicly traded company she had helped build created ongoing governance complications. It is frequently cited in both corporate law and divorce law as an example of how personal and professional entanglements can create lasting business consequences.

Interesting Facts

Steve Wynn resigned from Wynn Resorts in 2018 following sexual misconduct allegations, which he denied. Elaine, as a major shareholder, was deeply affected by the subsequent fall in the company's share price. The episode illustrated how the personal and professional remained inextricably linked long after their divorce. Their story is sometimes described in business schools as a cautionary tale about mixing marriage and co-ownership.

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FAQ

How much did Elaine Wynn get in the Steve Wynn divorce?

Elaine Wynn's reported settlement was about $741 million.

How long were Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn married?

They married in 1991 and divorced in 2010, a marriage of roughly 19 years.

Did Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn have a prenup?

No prenuptial agreement was reported.

Did Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn have children?

Yes, the family is reported to include 2 children.

What assets were involved in the Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn divorce?

Reported assets include: Wynn Resorts stock, Las Vegas real estate, art collection.

Why was the Steve Wynn and Elaine Wynn settlement so large?

Elaine's legal team successfully argued that her contribution to Wynn Resorts — both in the boardroom and in shaping the company's identity and culture — had been central to its success. Her decades of involvement made any claim that the fortune was solely Steve's creation difficult to sustain.

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