Richard,
The Venetian is owned by Sheldon Aldeson, or more correctly Las Vegas Sands, Inc. It is the only gaming property he owns. He started the largest computer show, COMDEX, years ago and sold it to Softbank of Japan for around $800 million several years ago. Bought the old Sands and the Sands convention center. The biggest part of their business is devoted to conventions, thus the high room rates. It is a great property, if you can afford it!!