Dana White’s $30 Million Gambling Debt Puts Vegas Friendships and Business Under Microscope

UFC President Dana White faces intense scrutiny over a massive gambling debt. Reports indicate he owes between $25 million and $50 million to Red Rock Resorts. The story was first reported by Casino.org in September. Sources close to the situation tell The Hollywood Reporter the figure is near $30 million.

This situation is uniquely complicated. Red Rock Resorts is run by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta. The Fertitta brothers are White’s lifelong friends and former UFC business partners. The debt creates an awkward conflict for the Vegas power players.

High-Stakes Habits and a Shifting Game

Dana White is famously vocal about his gambling. He has called it a “part-time job.” His high-roller exploits are legendary in Las Vegas circles.

He once told finance influencer Grant Cardone he left the Venetian with a trash bag full of cash. On Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, he claimed to have won over $26 million at Caesars Palace in early 2024. These wins are part of a well-documented, adrenalized persona.

His preferred game has shifted. White was known as a “short stop” blackjack player, making few, large bets. Casinos often limited his betting amounts, which he interpreted as a soft ban.

He has recently moved to baccarat. A VIP handler suggested this was to chase higher limits and a bigger rush. A former casino executive compared the shift to “switching from cocaine to heroin.”

A Debt That Tests Bonds and Regulations

The unresolved debt presents a serious dilemma. White and the Fertittas have a deeply intertwined personal and financial history. They speak daily and have partnered on new ventures like the Power Slap League.

White has stated, “My money sits with their money.” This makes the outstanding marker a sensitive family matter. However, regulators may see it differently.

The Nevada Gaming Commission expects its share of casino revenue. An unpaid debt of this size could attract regulatory attention. Gaming law experts note licensed companies have a fiduciary duty to the state.

This debt also touches other public companies. White sits on Meta’s board. Paramount recently entered a major streaming deal with UFC. A source tells The Hollywood Reporter that Paramount discussed White’s betting with him in September.

The story of Dana White’s gambling debt is more than a tabloid headline. It tests the limits of Vegas loyalty, business partnerships, and regulatory oversight in a city built on high-stakes risk.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How much does Dana White allegedly owe in gambling debt?

Sources indicate the UFC President owes approximately $30 million to Red Rock Resorts. Initial reports from Casino.org placed the figure between $25 million and $50 million.

Q2: What has Dana White said about these reports?

White has strongly denied the story. He called it “pure clickbait bullshit” in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. He insists the reports are “completely untrue.”

Q3: Who owns Red Rock Resorts, and why is that significant?

Red Rock Resorts is run by brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta. They are White’s longtime best friends and former business partners in the UFC, making this a deeply personal financial matter.

Q4: Could this debt cause legal or regulatory issues?

Potentially, yes. Nevada gaming regulators expect casinos to collect debts, as the state receives a percentage of revenue. The Nevada Gaming Commission is tasked with protecting industry integrity.

Q5: Has White had issues with casinos before?

Yes. He has publicly discussed having his betting limits lowered at several major Strip casinos, including the Wynn and the Palms. He views this as being asked to leave for winning too much.

Q6: What other companies might be concerned by this news?

White’s role at Meta and the UFC’s new $7.7 billion streaming partnership with Paramount could make those corporations mindful of the controversy surrounding his personal gambling.