Phil Ruffin is a prominent American businessman known for his massive empires in the hotel, casino, and real estate industries. He owns the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strips. He also co-owns the Trump International Hotel with President Donald Trump.
As of 2025, Phil Ruffin’s net worth is estimated at $4.8 billion, underscoring his massive impact on the American and global business arena.
Phil Ruffin bio
| Category | Details |
| Full name | Phillip Gene Ruffin |
| Birthdate/ age | March 14, 1935/ 89 years |
| Birthplace | Potter County, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Wichita State University (did not graduate) |
| Primary businesses | Casinos, Hotels, Real Estate, Manufacturing |
| Major properties | Treasure Island, Circus Circus, Trump International Hotel |
| Net worth | $4.8 billion |
| Spouse | Oleksandra Nikolayenko (m. 2008) |
| Children | 5 |
| Notable partnerships | Donald Trump, Trump International Hotel |
Early life and entrepreneurial beginnings
Phillip Gene Ruffin was born in Potter County, Texas, on March 14, 1935. His parents, Blanche and Roy J. Ruffin, were Lebanese immigrants who relocated to the United States for religious freedom and better financial opportunities.
He graduated from Wichita North High School in 1953 and later enrolled at Wichita State University but did not graduate. He began his entrepreneurial career in 1972 when he started self-serve gasoline stations in Kansas. Self-service filling stations were still a novel concept at the time. This venture laid the groundwork for establishing a chain of 60 convenience stores in the Midwest, laying the groundwork for his future business ventures.
In 1987, Ruffin used profits from his convenience stores to build his first hotel, a Marriot in Wichita. His businesses expanded into oil distribution and manufacturing. The American billionaire businessman owns Harper Trucks, the world’s largest hand truck manufacturer.
Expansion into hospitality and gaming
In 1994, Ruffin leased his convenience stores to Total to focus on the hospitality industry. In 1995, he entered the gaming industry after acquiring the Crystal Palace Casino Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. In 1998, he purchased the New Frontier Hotel and Casino for $165 million. Under Ruffin’s management, the New Frontier became one of the biggest establishments in the hotels, casinos, and resorts industry.
In 2007, Ruffin sold the New Frontier Hotel to El Ad Properties for $1.2 billion. After successfully selling the hotel, he purchased the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino from MGM Mirage for $775 million in 2009. In 2019, he expanded his casino empire by acquiring Circus Circus Las Vegas, previously owned by MGM Resorts, for $825 million.
Major casino investments and sales
Phillip Gene Ruffin is a prominent figure in the casino industry. His strategic acquisitions and sales within the American hotel and casino industry have significantly bolstered his net worth and influence. In 2009, he purchased the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino from MGM Mirage, a notable expansion of his presence in the Vegas casino industry.
In 2019, he acquired Circus Circus Las Vegas from MGM Resorts International. The property sits on 102 acres on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip and holds the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, leaving substantial potential for development. As of January 2025, Ruffin reportedly plans to sell Circus Circus for approximately $5 billion.
In addition to owning his own casino destinations, Ruffins owns a portfolio of stocks in major casinos and resorts, including MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands. He has yet to build significant financial interests in online casinos.
Diversification into real estate
In addition to his casino empire. Phil Ruffin has strategically diversified into other sectors, particularly the real estate and manufacturing industries. In 1987, he used profits from his convenience store businesses to build his first hotel, a Marriot in Wichita, Kansas.
By 1994, he had redirected his efforts entirely to the hospitality business after leasing his convenience stores to Total. He embarked on a journey to expand his hotel portfolio, acquiring multiple properties in the United States. Ruffin’s hotel group owns and runs 13 hotels under Marriot Hotels, Courtyard by Marriot brands, and Fairfield Inn. His hotels are located in different states, including Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, Kansas, and California,
In the manufacturing industry, Ruffin owns Harper Trucks, the largest manufacturer of hand trucks in the world. He also owns Angelus Manufacturing, a company that produces steel hand trucks. In 2013, Ruffin acquired WelCom Products, a Magna Cart folding hand truck manufacturer.
Partnership with Donald Trump
Phil Ruffin and President Donald Trump are long-time friends. They met over twenty years ago at Trump Tower in Manhattan, initially discussing casino estate ventures. Although their plans did not bear fruit then, they maintained close contact. In 2008, Trump was Ruffin’s best man when he married Oleksandra Nikolayenko, a former Miss Ukraine.
Their relationship resulted in the co-ownership of Trump International Hotel, a non-gaming establishment that has become a landmark in Vegas. Besides their business and friendship, Ruffin has greatly supported Trump’s political career. He has contributed over $2.8 million to Trump’s super PACS and $1 million to pro-GOP committees.
Phil Ruffin’s net worth assessment
As of 2025, Phil Ruffin’s net worth is estimated at $4.7 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world. His wealth is primarily attributed to his casino empire, real estate investments, and manufacturing ventures.
His key assets include the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas. He also co-owns the Trump Hotel. Ruffin owns Harper Trucks, the world’s largest manufacturer of hand trucks. His real estate properties spread across the United States, including a strong presence in Wichita.
While his net worth fluctuates with the market performance of his diversified holdings, Phillip Gene Ruffin remains a prominent figure in the hotel casino and real estate industries, maintaining his position as one of the wealthiest people in the United States.
Philanthropy and personal life
In addition to his well-performing business ventures, Phill Rufin is a renowned philanthropist who supports causes related to education, healthcare, and art. His contributions include substantial donations to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), its athletic programs, and the UNLV School of Medicine.
He has also donated substantially to the Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, one of the largest healthcare facilities in Las Vegas.
Phil Ruffin also supports the arts community through the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. These facilities are dedicated to preserving and promoting the community’s cultural experiences. His charitable works reflect his commitment to the community, especially to areas that improve human life.
He has been married several times and has five children: Michelle, Chris Ruffin, Phil Jr., Richard, and Malena. He has been married to Mary Louise Miller and Lynne Ruffin and now to Oleksandra Nikolayenko, a former Miss Ukraine who he married in 2008. Ruffin and Nikolayenko have two children together, Richard William Ruffin and Malena.
His children are actively involved in his business. His daughter, Michelle Ruffin-Stein, is the general manager of the Wichita Marriot Hotel, while his son, Phil Ruffin Jr., oversees operations at Harper Trucks.
