William G. Bennett (gaming executive)

William G. Bennett
Born
William Gordon Bennett[1]

(1924-11-16)November 16, 1924
Glendale, Arizona, U.S.[2]
DiedDecember 22, 2002(2002-12-22) (aged 78)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.[3]
Alma materGlendale High School
Phoenix College[3]
Occupation(s)Owner of the Sahara Hotel and Casino (1995-2002)
Chairman of Circus Circus Enterprises (1974-1994)[3]
Spouses
  • Barbara Elaine Pullins (?-1962, her death)
  • Lynn Margaret Hummel (1962-2002, his death)[4][5][2]
ChildrenLaura Lynn Bennett
Diana Lee Bennett
William Allen Bennett[4]

William G. Bennett (November 16, 1924 – December 22, 2002) was an American gaming executive and real estate developer. Noted for pioneering Las Vegas as a destination for middle-class tourists and their families, he is best remembered for his establishment of gaming giant Circus Circus Enterprises in 1974. He served as chairman of Circus Circus between 1974 and 1994. Under his leadership Circus Circus developed numerous additional properties throughout Nevada, including the Excalibur and Luxor casinos in Las Vegas. Following his departure from Circus Circus, Bennett purchased the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1995 and operated it until his death in 2002.[3]

  1. ^ "ADHS" (PDF).
  2. ^ a b "Business Hall of Fame Inductee: William G. Bennett | Lee Business School | University of Nevada, Las Vegas".
  3. ^ a b c d "Obituary of William G. Bennett". Arizona Republic. January 18, 2003.
  4. ^ a b "Obituary of Barbara E. Bennett". Arizona Republic. March 17, 1962.
  5. ^ "Obituary of Lynn M. Bennett". Arizona Republic. December 7, 2006.