Forbes said it was a record year for the richest people on earth, as the number of billionaires jumped 8.1% to 2,208, from 2,043 in 2017. Altogether they are worth a record US$9.1 trillion, up 18% from a year ago, according to the magazine.
Sheldon Adelson, chairman and chief executive of casino developer Las Vegas Sands Corp, which operates casinos in Macau and Singapore, remained the richest entrepreneur among the world’s gaming billionaires, despite dropping one position in the overall ranking.
Adelson ranked 21st among billionaires worldwide in the Forbes 2018 World’s Billionaires list with an estimated net worth of US$38.5 billion. It was a US$8.1-billion increase – or 26.6% – on his 2017 estimated net worth of US$30.4 billion.
Lui Che Woo, founder and chairman of Macau gaming operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd, climbed 59 places to 50th, on this year’s list. He is ranked second among gaming billionaires, with an estimated US$20.1 billion, up from US$12.1 billion last year.
Johann Graf, founder and CEO of Austrian gaming equipment maker Novomatic AG, is the third-richest gaming billionaire in the world. Graf is worth an estimated US$8.1 billion, ranking 186th in this year’s overall list.
Members of the Ho family – Pansy Ho Chiu King and Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, children of Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho Hung Sun – also saw their wealth grow this year.
Source: GMB / GGR Asia
