Fertitta Named to Texas ‘Reopening’ Task Force

Golden Nugget owner and billionaire Tilman Fertitta (l.) has joined a task force created by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to plan for reopening the state. Most businesses have been closed since March 19.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has named Golden Nugget owner and billionaire Tilman Fertitta to a task force that will advise on how to reopen the state after the pandemic shutdown.

Abbott’s Special Advisory Council to the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas, composed of business leaders, medical experts and public and private figures will have the job of putting together a plan to resurrect the Lone State’s economy, which has been closed by executive order since March 19.

Besides owning the two Golden Nugget casino in Las Vegas, plus one each in Louisiana, Mississippi and New Jersey, Fertitta also owns Landry’s restaurants in 35 states. He has furloughed about 40,000 workers nationwide. Forbes has estimated that he is worth $4.8 billion.