Benny Binion

Lester Ben "Benny" Binion was born in Pilot Grove, Texas, in 1904 and grew up in a world far removed from corporate casinos. He worked as a bootlegger during Prohibition and ran illegal gambling operations in Dallas, where he became known for both his hospitality and his willingness to use violence to protect his business.

Legal troubles in Texas forced Binion to relocate to Las Vegas in 1946. In 1951, he opened Binion's Horseshoe Casino in downtown Las Vegas, establishing a philosophy of "good food cheap, good whiskey cheap, and a good gamble." Unlike the Strip's glamorous casinos, the Horseshoe focused on serious gamblers.

Binion understood gamblers because he was one himself. He offered the highest betting limits in Las Vegas, accepting any bet a customer wanted to make. His casino had no entertainment or frills—just gambling, good value, and personal attention. He greeted regular customers by name and made everyone feel like a high roller.

In 1970, Binion created the World Series of Poker, inviting the best players in the world to compete at the Horseshoe. The WSOP, with its freezeout format and coveted bracelets, would grow into the most prestigious tournament in poker and help transform poker from a gambling game into an international sport.

Benny Binion created the World Series of Poker, making his contribution to gambling culture immeasurable. The WSOP now attracts tens of thousands of players annually and has made poker a mainstream phenomenon. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1990. His downtown casino philosophy of player-friendly policies influenced casino operators worldwide.