Who is Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire acquiring Caesars Entertainment? – CDC Gaming

The Fertitta name is ubiquitous in Southern Nevada considering the ownership role the Fertitta family has with Station Casinos and UFC.

Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta’s third cousin — Fertitta Entertainment owner and CEO Tilman Joseph Fertitta — doesn’t quite have the same high profile here, despite his ownership role with downtown’s Golden Nugget, Golden Nugget Laughlin and the Landry’s restaurant chain, his big investment profile with Wynn Resorts Ltd. and his forays into exploring the development of a Strip casino.

Tilman Fertitta may be more recognizable on the big national stage, especially in Houston, as not only a casino owner in multiple states, and a restaurateur, but as a sports franchise owner and investor, a theme-park operator, a reality TV star, a best-selling author and, oh yes, the U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino.