Phil Ruffin

$4.32 B

Ranked #964 in World

About Phil Ruffin

American tycoon Phillip Gene Ruffin, with a net worth of $3.1 billion as of 2019, is renowned for his Las Vegas landmarks, Treasure Island and Circus Circus casinos, and his co-ownership of Trump International Hotel with Donald Trump. Hailing from Texas and educated in Kansas, Ruffin is a self-made entrepreneur who revolutionized the Kansas fuel industry in 1972, expanded into the hospitality sector, and acquired various assets, including Casino Miami in 2018. A luminary in real estate and manufacturing, he maintains a rapport with Trump, contributing significantly to his political endeavors.

Born

March 17, 1935 in Potter County, Texas, U.S.

Age

90 years

Source Of Wealth

Casinos, Real Estate

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Las Vegas, Nevada

Education

Drop Out, Wichita State University

Spouse

Mary Miller (divorced), Lynne RuffinOleksandra Nikolayenko

Phillip Gene Ruffin was born in Potter County near Amarillo, Texas, but was raised in Wichita, Kansas. He graduated from Wichita North High School in 1953 and went on to attend Washburn University in Topeka for three years and Wichita State University, although he never obtained his degree.

Phil Ruffin: Family

Phillip Gene Ruffin is currently married to his third wife, Oleksandra Nikolayenko. He has three children with his second wife, Lynne: Michelle Ruffin-Stein, Chris Ruffin, and Phil Ruffin Jr. Additionally, he has two children with Oleksandra Nikolayenko: Richard William Ruffin and Malena.

Phil Ruffin: Career Highlights

Phillip Gene Ruffin has had a successful career in various industries. He pioneered self-serve gasoline in Kansas in 1972 and built his first hotel, a Marriott in Wichita, in 1987. He has acquired multiple hotels and casinos over the years, including Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, and the New Frontier Hotel and Casino. Ruffin also owns and operates various commercial real estate holdings, convenience stores, and manufacturing companies.

Phil Ruffin: Companies

Phillip Gene Ruffin owns and operates a diverse range of companies, including hotels under the Marriott brand, Wichita Greyhound Park, Harper Trucks, Angelus Manufacturing, and Casino Miami. He also has a portfolio of stocks in major resort and casino companies such as Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, and MGM Resorts.

Phil Ruffin: Major Achievements

Ruffin settled the longest-running strike in American history with the Culinary Workers Union and sold the New Frontier Hotel and Casino for $1.2 billion in 2007. He purchased Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in 2009 for $775 million and has made significant contributions to the development and growth of the hospitality and gaming industries.

Phil Ruffin: Awards & Achievements

Phillip Gene Ruffin has made substantial contributions to the hotel and casino industry and has been recognized for his achievements in business and entrepreneurship.

He has received various awards and accolades for his innovative business practices and successful ventures in the hospitality and gaming sectors.

Phil Ruffin: Personal Life & Legacy

Outside of his successful business ventures, Phillip Gene Ruffin is known for his philanthropic work. He has funded an organic food and learning initiative at the Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, where his two youngest children attend. Ruffin is also a dedicated family man, with a strong relationship with his children and wife.

Phil Ruffin: Trivia

Phillip Gene Ruffin has a close relationship with former President Donald Trump, serving as a longtime friend and business partner. He has made significant contributions to Trump's political campaigns and has been involved in various high-profile events with Trump, including attending meetings with Russian officials regarding the development of projects such as Trump Tower Moscow.

Wealth History

Timeline

1953

Graduated from Wichita North High School.

1972

Pioneered self-serve gasoline in Kansas.

1987

Built his first hotel, a Marriott in Wichita.

1995

Acquired the Crystal Palace casino resort in Nassau, Bahamas.

1998

Purchased the New Frontier Hotel and Casino.

2007

Sold the New Frontier to El Ad Properties for $1.2 billion.

2008

Best man at Donald Trump's third wedding.

2009

Purchased Treasure Island Hotel and Casino from MGM Mirage for $775 million.

2013

Purchased the assets of WelCom Products, makers of the Magna Cart line of folding hand trucks.

2015

Gave $1 million to the Make America Great Again PAC.

2016

Loaned Trump his personal 737 BBJ jet to fly to Mexico City to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

2018

Purchased Casino Miami in Miami, Florida.

2020

Contributed a total of $1.5 million to Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.

2023

Contributed $2 million to Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA Inc.) super PAC.

Phil Ruffin : FAQs

What is Phil Ruffin's current net worth?

Phil Ruffin's current net worth is $4.32 billion.

What is Phil Ruffin's current global rank among billionaires?

Phil Ruffin holds the 964th position globally among billionaires.

What is Phil Ruffin's current ranking within the United States?

Phil Ruffin holds the 361st position in United States.

What was the change in Phil Ruffin's net worth compared to the previous year?

Phil Ruffin's net worth decreased by 298 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 4.61 billion dollars.

What are Phil Ruffin's main sources of wealth?

Phil Ruffin's main source of income comes from Casinos, Real Estate.

In which industry does Phil Ruffin primarily operate?

Phil Ruffin is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

What is Phil Ruffin educational background?

Phil Ruffin is a dropout from Wichita State University.

How old is Phil Ruffin?

Phil Ruffin is 90 years old.

How many children does Phil Ruffin have?

Phil Ruffin has 5 children.

What Las Vegas properties does Phillip Ruffin own and co-own?

Phillip Ruffin owns the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, and he co-owns the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas with Donald Trump.

What are some key milestones in Phillip Ruffin's career?

Phillip Ruffin pioneered self-serve gasoline in Kansas in 1972, built his first hotel in 1987, acquired several casinos including the New Frontier and Treasure Island, owns Wichita Greyhound Park, and has various commercial real estate and manufacturing businesses.

How is Phillip Ruffin connected to Donald Trump and what contributions has he made to Trump's campaigns?

Phillip Ruffin is a longtime friend and business partner of Donald Trump, serving as best man at Trump's wedding and contributing significant amounts to his political campaigns, including $1.5 million for the 2020 presidential campaign and $2 million to the MAGA Inc. super PAC in 2023.