Tilman Fertitta, a billionaire who owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets and Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos, is buying Caesars Entertainment in a deal valued at nearly $18 billion. The transaction is being carried out by Fertitta’s holding company, which also operates a broad hospitality and restaurant portfolio. According to the reports, Fertitta’s business interests include Golden Nugget properties and additional operations through its restaurant and hospitality arm, which together span more than 600 properties in 15 countries. The agreement would extend Fertitta’s footprint into the Las Vegas Strip through Caesars, a major casino and entertainment operator. The sources characterize the acquisition as an $18 billion bet on Las Vegas, reflecting Caesars’ position in the U.S. gaming market and the strategic value of its assets and brand. Details on the transaction structure and timing are not provided in the excerpts.