Miriam Adelson is an Israeli-American physician, businesswoman, philanthropist, and political donor. She is one of the richest people in the world, known for her massive wealth and political influence.
As of 2025, the Forbes Billionaire Index estimates Miriam Adelson’s worth at $35 billion. She owns the majority stake in Las Vegas Sands, a global casino empire she inherited from her husband, Sheldon Adelson, when he died in 2021.
This article explores Miriam Adelson’s net worth, early life and career, marriage to Sheldon Adelson, political influence, and philanthropic causes.
Miriam Adelson bio
| Full name | Miriam Farbstein Adelson |
| Date of birth/ age | October 10, 1945/ 79 years |
| Place of birth | Mandatory Palestine, now Israel |
| Nationality | Israeli-American |
| Profession | Medical doctor, businesswoman, philanthropist |
| Education | Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, Rockefeller University |
| Spouse | Married Sheldon Adelson in 1991. Widowed in 2021 |
| Notable businesses | Las Vegas Sands, Dallas Mavericks |
| Philanthropy | Adelson Foundation, Adelson Research Clinic |
| Political affiliation | Republican Party |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom (2018) |
| Net worth | Estimated at $35 billion as of 2025 |
Early life and career
Miriam Adelson was born Miriam Farbstein on October 10, 1945, in Mandatory Palestine, now Israel. Her parents were among the many Jewish immigrants who had fled Poland before World War II. She grew up in Tel Aviv, developing a strong sense of identity and resilience, which have since proved helpful in her medical and business careers.
She attended Hebrew University in Jerusalem, graduating with a bachelor’s in microbiology and genetics. She then enrolled at Tel Aviv University for a medical degree, majoring in internal medicine.
After earning her second degree, she worked as an internist at Tel Aviv’s Rokach Hospital and quickly became the chief internist. Miriam also worked as a medical officer in the Israeli military, adding invaluable experience in emergency medicine to her career. She later relocated to the United States and enrolled at Rockefeller University in New York, specializing in substance abuse research. Her groundbreaking work in addiction medicine laid the groundwork for her contributions at the Adelson Research Clinic.
Marriage to Sheldon Adelson and business ventures
Miriam met Sheldon Adelson in the early 1980s, a meeting that would eventually alter the course of her life. Sheldon was already a successful entrepreneur with multiple ventures in the media, gaming, and technology industries. He founded Las Vegas Sands, an establishment that became a cornerstone of the global casino empire.
The two shared strong connections thanks to their shared values and commitment to the Jewish heritage. They married in 1991 and became key players in the growth of Sheldon’s business empire. Under their strategic vision and leadership, Las Vegas Sands grew rapidly, establishing some of the most lucrative casinos in Las Vegas, Singapore, and Macau. Adelson fought against the legalization of online casinos, in order to try and protect his land-based businesses.
After Sheldon Adelson’s death on January 11, 2021, Miriam inherited a majority stake in Las Vegas Sands, becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential people in the business world. In addition to her casino business, Miriam purchased a considerable stake in the Dallas Mavericks in December 2023, which the NBA’s Board of Governors approved in January 2024. Mark Cuban initially owned the team. This bold move signified Miriam Adelson’s growing influence beyond gaming and into professional sports.
Philanthropy and donations
Through her philanthropic work, Miriam Adelson has significantly impacted various sectors. In 2007, she and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, co-founded the Adelson Foundation, which focuses on Jewish heritage, medical research, and education. The foundation is now one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations.
Adelson is committed to fighting substance abuse, a passion that led to the establishment of the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic in Las Vegas. Founded in 2000, the clinic specializes in disorders caused by or related to substance abuse and provides innovative approaches to rehabilitation. Miriam’s proactive involvement as an associate physician in addiction medicine underlines her commitment to the causes.
The Adelson Foundation also supports causes outside of the medical scope. Other initiatives supported by the foundation include the Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to Holocaust victims. Adelson’s contributions facilitated the construction of the Holocaust Art Museum in honor of Miriam’s parents and other victims of the Holocaust. The foundation also supports Jewish communities across the world, reinforcing Adelson’s commitment to preserving Jewish heritage and supporting Israel.
Political influence and associations
Miriam Adelson is an influential figure in American politics, particularly within the Republican Party. Together with her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, she has been a substantial political donor, giving hundreds of millions of dollars to GOP super PACs and candidates. Adelson’s financial support has played a massive role in shaping the direction of party policies.
In 2018, President Donald Trump awarded Miriam the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, in recognition of her contributions. This accolade underscored Miriam’s influence within the political circles.
Beyond American politics, Miriam is involved with international political affairs, particularly in Israel. She staunchly supports U.S.-Israeli relations and strongly supports policies that strengthen the alliance between the two countries. She supported the controversial relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Her involvement and commitment underscores her commitment to Israel’s strategic interests.
As a prolific donor, Miriam supports pro-Trump super PACs, which significantly influence the political landscape. Her contributions have helped advance conservative causes and candidates, solidifying her position as a key player in American politics.
Luxury lifestyle and net worth
Miriam Adelson’s estimated net worth is $35 billion, which places her among the world’s wealthiest people. Her massive wealth is primarily attributed to her majority ownership of Las Vegas Sands, one of the world’s largest casino and resort establishments. Miriam assumed control of the company after her husband, Sheldon Adelson, passed away in 2021.
Beyond the casino and hotel industry, Miriam is a key player in the professional sports industry. She acquired a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks in 2023. This strategic acquisition diversified Miriam’s investment portfolio and increased her influence in the sports industry.
Miriam is also known for her philanthropic contributions and political donations. She has given hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes in medical research, Jewish heritage, and conservative politics. Her contributions have significantly impacted multiple organizations and projects across the world.
Legacy and impact
Miriam Adelson’s multifaceted legacy spans business, politics, and charitable works. She is an Israeli-American physician who has made commendable strides in addiction medicine and treatment, establishing clinics and funding research that has helped countless people.
Through the Adelson Foundation, she championed Jewish heritage and education, promoting and preserving cultural and historic values and knowledge. Her charitable work has left an indelible impact on communities worldwide.
In business, Miriam has proved to be a strategic and forward-thinking leader. She has grown the Las Vegas Sands to a much bigger empire than her late husband left it. Furthermore, her acquisition of a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks demonstrated her shrewdness and influence. Her strategic decisions have significantly impacted the industries she operates in.
In the political space, Miriam is a major donor to the Republican Party. She supports President Donald Trump and is pivotal in shaping modern American politics. Her contributions have shaped policy directions, underlining her significant impact on the national stage.
Adelson’s legacy is characterized by a staunch dedication to her beliefs, impactful contributions across multiple sectors, and unwavering commitment to the causes she pledges to support.
