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Paige Fertitta, the ex-wife of Landry’s owner Tilman Fertitta, has been recommended for a Nevada gaming license as a key person for Fertitta Entertainment by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Fertitta Entertainment is a holding company that controls the Golden Nugget casino brand. With that branding, Fertitta Entertainment operates physical casinos in multiple US states.
Although Paige’s licensure is still pending final approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission, that approval will put new leadership in place as Tilman steps aside to potentially become the next US ambassador to Italy and San Marino. That shift signals that business at Golden Nugget will likely proceed without significant changes.
Paige Fertitta nearing gaming license approval
According to Richard N. Velotta of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Nevada Gaming Control Board issued its unanimous recommendation for a gaming license for Paige on May 8, 2025. The Nevada Gaming Commission will consider her application on May 22.
The application lists Paige as the new director and president of Fertitta Entertainment. That company’s holding, Golden Nugget, operates casinos in six US states, including three properties in Nevada.
Velotta reports that Paige has already been found suitable for licensing in the five other states, making Nevada the final step in the potential hand-off of the role that Tilman occupies at the moment. Tilman is preparing to take on a new role, separate from Fertitta Entertainment.
Tilman set to take on ambassador role
Tilman has been nominated to be the next US ambassador to Italy and San Marino, and it’s traditional for people in those jobs to resign from their other professional duties. Tilman has kept to that tradition, stating that he would focus on the ambassador job if confirmed by the US Senate.
A confirmation hearing has not yet occurred for Tilman. He has clarified that he will not be divesting his control of Fertitta Entertainment, but rather disengaging from the day-to-day operations of the company.
That holds true for Paige as well, as Velotta adds that Paige specified that “won’t be handling any day-to-day oversight of the Las Vegas operations.” Tilman’s staff, and casino-specific management, will continue handling those responsibilities.
That points to relatively little, if any disruption or alterations in Golden Nugget’s business dealings if Tilman moves on. Paige’s licensure could also help Tilman make the case for his appointment.
