UFC CEO Dana White allegedly faces $25 million gambling debt at Red Rock Casino
Dana White, the high-profile CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is reportedly grappling with a substantial gambling debt at Red Rock Casino Resort in Summerlin, Nevada. According to a source cited by Casino.org, White owes at least $25.2 million, with unconfirmed estimates suggesting the figure could climb as high as $50 million. The debt stems from credit extended to White for high-stakes baccarat and blackjack sessions, a reflection of his well-documented passion for gambling.
White, who has openly described himself as a “degenerate gambler,” is no stranger to Las Vegas’ high-limit tables. His gambling exploits have made headlines before, with notable wins including $1.2 million at Fontainebleau in July 2025 and an estimated $26–$27 million at Caesars Palace between January and March 2024. However, his losses are less publicized. The same source noted that White recently admitted to losing $8 million in a single night at an undisclosed casino, highlighting the volatility of his high-roller lifestyle. The UFC frontman typically places his bet inside a casino rather than through a live dealer online casino.
The Red Rock Casino, owned by the Fertitta family, has a longstanding relationship with White. Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, former UFC owners, purchased the UFC in 2001 for $2 million and, with White’s leadership, transformed it into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, selling their stake for $9 billion in 2016. This close connection may explain why Red Rock Resorts is reportedly lenient about collecting White’s debt. Unlike traditional loans, casino markers are lines of credit extended to trusted players, and repayment timelines can be flexible, especially for influential figures like White.
Despite the staggering debt, White’s financial position remains robust. His net worth is estimated at $500 million, bolstered by his role in securing a recent $7.7 billion UFC broadcasting deal with Paramount, which ensures the organization’s financial stability. Social media reactions on platforms like X suggest that while some fans view the debt as a sign of reckless gambling, others believe it’s manageable for White, given his wealth and ties to the Fertittas. One user commented, “Dana’s worth half a billion. $25 million is pocket change for him,” while another quipped, “The house always wins, but Dana’s still in the game.”
Red Rock Resorts has not publicly commented on the debt, as a request for comment from Casino.org went unanswered. White’s gambling habits continue to draw attention, with some speculating that his relationship with the Fertittas may afford him more time to settle the tab. For now, White remains a prominent figure in both the UFC and Las Vegas’ high-stakes gambling scene, balancing his business acumen with his appetite for risk.
