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Sheldon Adelson 20th richest person in the world

Written by Ben Blaschke

Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson has been rated the richest person in the gaming industry and the 20th richest in the world on the Forbes List of Billionaires 2017.

Despite losing US$1.4 billion from his net worth over the past 12 months, Adelson is still sitting pretty with US$30.4 billion to his name – well clear of his nearest gaming rival, Galaxy Entertainment Group’s Lui Che Woo with US$12.1 billion (109th).

In total, the number of billionaires on the planet climbed 13 percent to 2,043 – up from 1,810 in 2016 – with their combined worth climbing 18 percent to US$7.67 trillion.

The list includes 195 newcomers of which China boasts the most new arrivals with 76. The United States continues to lead the way for total number of billionaires with 565, but China is making inroads with 319 in 2017.

The 15 new women to appear on the list includes 10 from China.