History of Binion's Horseshoe Casino

by Bodog Casino | Mar 19 2009

If you’re looking for a little history lesson on Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, one of the oldest spots still standing in old-school Vegas, you have to start with its first owner, Benny Binion.

Binion, to put it bluntly, was a gangster - Texas style. He was being watched by the FBI by the age of 20, and over his 40-plus years living in his home state he garnered offenses like theft, carrying concealed weapons, and two murder convictions. His wild-west ways of doing “business” garnered him the nickname “Cowboy”.

Despite being on the FBI watch list, he was able to go from ashy to classy in Texas through illegal gambling rings; using his political connections to keep the feds and Texas police off his back. However, in 1946 the Chicago mob stretched their power into Texas and he had to flee to Las Vegas and attempt a legal gambling business there.

Obviously, the exodus was a blessing in disguise. As he was able to purchase the Eldorado Club and Apache Hotel in 1951, change its name, and turn it into one of Vegas’ most popular attractions.

But Binion didn’t popularize his business by buying into old Vegas clichés like hiring Rat Pack members or showgirls. He brought a western theme, put a million dollars on display in the main room (that was an eye-popping amount of money back in the day) and offered perks that only pure gamers would love like high betting limits (the highest in Vegas at the time) and comps for all his customers regardless of their pay grade.

He was also able to garner interest in his casino by offering the best poker tourneys in town. In 1951 Binion's Horseshoe hosted a legendary heads-up poker match between poker great Johnny Moss and high roller Nick “the Greek” Dandalos. The match went on for months and millions of dollars went back and forth.

The Horseshoe was also the birthplace of the World Series of Poker in 1970. Put together by Jack Binion, his son (by then Benny’s felonious past led to his gaming license being revoked), the tourney was created as a competition for poker pros to determine among them who was the best in the world.

Unfortunately for the Horseshoe, Benny passed away in 1989 and his daughter, Becky Behnen, was able to wrestle control of the casino from Jack. Under her ownership the casino was run into the ground, and Harrah’s Entertainment was able to purchase the Horseshoe and the WSOP brand in 2004. Because of this you can find the WSOP at various Harrah’s casinos today.

All is not lost with Binion’s however. Though no longer owned by the Binions the casino has been left relatively unchanged. And if you’re looking for a little Vegas nostalgia it’s still one of the coolest spots to check out.

Best part is we doubt any “Cowboys” hang out there anymore.