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Yarbrough
Jon Yarbrough
Rank #752
UNITED STATES•Gambling & Casinos•Gambling machines

Jon Yarbrough

Net Worth
$5.444B
0% (24h)
Jon Yarbrough, born around 1956, is an American billionaire entrepreneur best known as the founder of Video Gaming Technologies (VGT). His source of wealth is attributed to the gambling machines industry. Yarbrough's career began with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He launched VGT in 1991, focusing on Class II gaming machines tailored for tribal casinos, capitalizing on the expansion of Native American gaming operations. In October 2014, Yarbrough sold VGT to Aristocrat Leisure for $1.28 billion. As of March 25, 2026, his net worth is estimated at $5.4 billion.

How to read Jon Yarbrough's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Jon Yarbrough, we anchor the narrative to Gambling machines and Gambling machines, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $5.444B alongside global rank #752, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Jon Yarbrough was born in Tennessee around 1956 or 1957. His early life was influenced by his father's career as a stock investor, which sparked his interest in business and finance. During his high school years, he began learning about investing from his father, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Tennessee Technological University in 1981.

Rise to Success

Yarbrough's entrepreneurial journey began with humble beginnings. While a student, he purchased a foosball table and negotiated a revenue-sharing agreement with a local bar. This experience gave him an early grasp of business models. After graduating, he founded Video Gaming Technologies (VGT) in 1991 in Franklin, Tennessee. The company manufactured video gaming machines for the casino industry. VGT quickly grew, leasing approximately 20,200 machines primarily to Native American casinos by 2014.

Key Business Strategies

Under Yarbrough's leadership, VGT focused on innovative Class II gaming technology compliant with tribal regulations. Yarbrough's strategy involved tailoring game designs and establishing revenue-sharing partnerships. In October 2014, Yarbrough sold VGT to Aristocrat Leisure for $1.28 billion.

Philanthropy

Yarbrough established the Yarbrough Family Foundation in 2008. The foundation supports education and community initiatives, with a focus on organizations based in or benefiting Tennessee. The foundation has shifted towards providing unrestricted grants to allow recipients greater flexibility in addressing community needs.

Career Timeline

2014

Founded Yarbrough Capital

Established a family office to manage investments.

2014

Sold Video Gaming Technologies

Sold VGT to Aristocrat Leisure for $1.28 billion.

1991

Founded Video Gaming Technologies (VGT)

Established VGT to manufacture video gaming machines for casinos.

1981

Graduated from Tennessee Technological University

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering.

Philanthropic Impact

Education and Community$XB

Yarbrough Family Foundation

Supports education and community initiatives in Tennessee.

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Jon Yarbrough was born in Tennessee around 1956 or 1957. His early life was influenced by his father's career as a stock investor, which sparked his interest in business and finance. During his high school years, he began learning about investing from his father, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Tennessee Technological University in 1981.

Rise to Success

Yarbrough's entrepreneurial journey began with humble beginnings. While a student, he purchased a foosball table and negotiated a revenue-sharing agreement with a local bar. This experience gave him an early grasp of business models. After graduating, he founded Video Gaming Technologies (VGT) in 1991 in Franklin, Tennessee. The company manufactured video gaming machines for the casino industry. VGT quickly grew, leasing approximately 20,200 machines primarily to Native American casinos by 2014.

Key Business Strategies

Under Yarbrough's leadership, VGT focused on innovative Class II gaming technology compliant with tribal regulations. Yarbrough's strategy involved tailoring game designs and establishing revenue-sharing partnerships. In October 2014, Yarbrough sold VGT to Aristocrat Leisure for $1.28 billion.

Philanthropy

Yarbrough established the Yarbrough Family Foundation in 2008. The foundation supports education and community initiatives, with a focus on organizations based in or benefiting Tennessee. The foundation has shifted towards providing unrestricted grants to allow recipients greater flexibility in addressing community needs.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Jon Yarbrough are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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