from www.tmz.com – Joe Francis just told a judge he fears for his life — and the man allegedly making the threats is none other than hotel tycoon Steve Wynn.

During a hearing over a gambling debt Francis owes the Wynn Las Vegas, Francis told the judge, “Mr. Wynn has threatened to kill me … He said he would hit me in the back of the head with a shovel and bury me in the desert.”

The judge asked Francis if he had gotten a restraining order — Francis said he hadn’t, but he was in the process.

Francis lost a $2,000,000 judgment to Wynn last year over a casino debt. Francis hasn’t paid the judgment (he’s currently appealing) and was hauled into court today to reveal where he keeps his assets.

A rep for Wynn did not return a call for comment.

Back story: The Wynn Las Vegas wants the money Joe Francis owes them — and they’re crossing state lines to get it.

Wynn Las Vegas has been given the okay by a California court to go after Francis’ assets here in California — including his posh Bel Air mansion.

Francis recently lost a judgment in Nevada in the amount of $2,000,000 because he didn’t pay back a gambling marker from 2 1/2 years ago. That amount has ballooned to nearly $3 mil with interest.

Since Wynn wanted to go after Francis’ vast California holdings to get their money, they had to ask the California court to honor the Nevada ruling — which they’ve agreed to.