Gambling on Vegas

Binion's Horseshoe is one of the most storied casinos in Las Vegas. Learn more about its history and the man behind it - Benny Binion.

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48 Hours: Buried Secrets of Las Vegas

Benny Binion is seen leaving a Las Vegas federal courtroom on Nov. 14, 1952, after an extradition hearing. — AP Photo

Before making his way to Nevada, Benny Binion was a notorious outlaw in Texas. Here he is seen leaving a Las Vegas federal courtroom on Nov. 14, 1952, after pleading with the judge during an extradition hearing not to send him back to Dallas, where Binion faced income tax evasion charges.

48 Hours: Buried Secrets of Las Vegas

Benny Binion booking photo after his arrest in 1953. — U.S. Dept. of Justice

Benny Binion after his arrest in 1953. He served time in Leavenworth Penitentiary from 1953 to 1957 for tax evasion.

48 Hours: Buried Secrets of Las Vegas

Benny Binion, center, and two unidentified men pose in front of Binion's Horseshoe Casino on April 17, 1968. Binion bought the property on Fremont Street in 1951.

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Las Vegas legend Benny Binion — Las Vegas Review-Journal

Benny Binion, in his Buffalo coat, poses outside of his Horseshoe Casino. Binion introduced a number of firsts to Las Vegas gamblers that are common for most gamblers to this day, including carpeted, air-conditioned casinos, free drinks and no-limit betting. He was also the first casino owner to provide limousines for hi-rollers to and from the airport.

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Benny Binion, center, watches a game during one of the early matches of the World Series of Poker tournament. — University of Nevada Las Vegas

Benny Binion, center, watches a game during one of the early matches in the World Series of Poker tournament. In 1970, the now-annual tournament began as an intimate poker game with 10 of Benny's friends.

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A group of players outside of Binion's Horseshoe in 1974. Pictured from left are Johnny Moss, Chill Wills, Amarillo Slim, Jack Binion and Puggy Pearson.

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Benny Binion, standing second left, oversees a World Series of Poker game at The Horsehoe in the early 1970s. The mustached man to his right is present-day Las Vegas mogul Steve Wynn. — University of Nevada Las Vegas

Benny Binion, second from left, oversees a World Series of Poker game at The Horseshoe in the early 1970s. The mustached man to his right is present-day Las Vegas mogul Steve Wynn.

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Binion's Horseshoe Casino — Las Vegas News Bureau

Benny Binion died on Christmas Day, 1989. The Horseshoe remained a family business until 2004, when it was sold to Harrah's. Though the hotel portion has closed, the casino remains open for gambling to this day.

Tour the Legendary Casino
48 Hours: Buried Secrets of Las Vegas