AGA/industry pay tribute to Las Vegas mogul Kirk Kerkorian

The American Gaming Association and senior industry figures have paid tribute to legendary financier Kirk Kerkorian, the founder and biggest shareholder in MGM Resorts, who died in Los Angeles Monday night, aged 98.

"In an industry that thrives on innovation, Kirk Kerkorian was a pioneer who set a higher standard for gaming and elevated Las Vegas’ stature with each move he made. He was also a generous philanthropist whose contributions will continue to make Nevada a better place for decades to come,” AGA CEO Geoff Freeman said.

“Given his outsized influence in shaping the gaming industry, it’s no surprise that Mr. Kerkorian was among the first classes of inductees into the Gaming Hall of Fame. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughters, extended family and friends as they mourn his passing,” he added.

“MGM Resorts and our family of 62,000 employees are honoring the memory of a great man, a great business leader, a great community leader, an innovator, and one of our country’s greatest generation,” MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren said in a statement reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Kerkorian invested in industries ranging from airlines to carmakers, but his heart was said to be with the casino business.

He was seen as one of the founders of modern-day Las Vegas, helping to shape the strip as he built, sold and operated some of the city’s most iconic properties.