Glenn Carano: A Life of Football, Business, and Legacy

Updated on July 5th, 2025

Early Life and Football Career

On November 18, 1955, Glenn Thomas Carano was born in San Pedro, California. He started his career in professional football at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he was the quarterback for the UNLV Rebels. The Dallas Cowboys picked Carano in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft. He spent most of his career as a backup quarterback for the team.

From 1977 to 1983, Carano played for the Cowboys with famous quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Danny White. Carano played 36 times in six years, completing 21 of 57 throws for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Carano played for the Pittsburgh Maulers in the United States Football League (USFL) for a short period in 1984 after his experience in the NFL.

Transition to Business and Gaming Industry

Glenn Carano made a big difference in the gaming industry after he stopped playing football. He worked for his family’s business, Eldorado Resorts, which his father, Don Carano, started. Carano started working in marketing at the Eldorado Hotel & Casino and then moved to the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in 1995. He started as the Marketing Director and worked his way up to General Manager.

Carano’s job as a leader grew when he became the Regional President of Operations for Caesars and Eldorado. He was the Senior Vice President of Caesars Entertainment till he retired in 2021. Carano played a big role in the growth and operations of some of Nevada’s most famous gambling properties over his career.

Community Involvement

Glenn Carano was involved in a lot of community and regulatory work in addition to his commercial activities. He was on the boards of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, the Nevada Athletic Commission, the Airport Authority, and the Nevada FCC. These roles showed how committed he was to moulding Nevada’s future in both gaming and community affairs.

Family Life and Notable Relations

Glenn Carano is married to Lamise Carano, and they have three daughters: Kasey, Gina, and Christi. Gina Carano, his daughter, is famous for her acting performances in Haywire and The Mandalorian, as well as her mixed martial arts (MMA) career. Gina was fired from her job on The Mandalorian in 2021, which led to a lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm for wrongful termination. The trial for this legal struggle will take place in September 2025.

Financials and Family Holdings

It is not known how much money Glenn Carano has, but his work with Caesars and Eldorado has made him and his family some of the richest people in Nevada. The family owns about $1 billion ownership of Caesars Entertainment, which Eldorado Resorts bought for $17.3 billion in 2020.

Gary L. Carano, who is probably a brother or cousin, owns 8.8 million shares in Caesars, which are worth about $254 million. This investment pays the board around $8 million a year. The Carano family also owns the Ferrari-Carano vineyard in Sonoma, California. They sold it for $8 million not long ago.

Latest Developments

After decades of service, Glenn Carano stepped down as Senior Vice President of Caesars Entertainment in 2021. The family’s economic operations have continued to create headlines, particularly with the selling of their Sonoma vineyard. The Carano name has also been in the news because of the ongoing case involving his daughter Gina Carano.

Summary Table

FAQ

Who is Glenn Carano?

Glenn Carano is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Dallas Cowboys and later became a prominent executive in the gaming industry, working with Eldorado Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.

What is Glenn Carano’s connection to the gaming industry?

Carano worked his way up from marketing to senior leadership roles within Eldorado Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, overseeing major casino and resort operations in Nevada.

How many children does Glenn Carano have?

Glenn Carano has three daughters: Kasey, Gina, and Christi.

What is Gina Carano’s connection to Glenn Carano?

Gina Carano, Glenn’s daughter, is a former MMA fighter and actress known for her roles in Haywire and The Mandalorian.

What is the value of the Carano family’s stake in Caesars Entertainment?

The Carano family’s stake in Caesars Entertainment is estimated to be worth approximately $1 billion, following the 2020 acquisition of Caesars by Eldorado Resorts.

What was the recent news involving Glenn Carano’s family?

The Carano family sold their Ferrari-Carano vineyard for $8 million in 2024, and Glenn’s daughter Gina is currently involved in a legal battle with Disney over her firing from The Mandalorian.