Lester Ben Binion: "Benny Binion"

World Series of Poker founder Benny Binion was born Lester Ben Binion on November 20, 1904 in a small community just north of Dallas, Texas. Benny Binion spent his youth helping his dad in the horse trading business. 

At 17 Benny Binion moved to El Paso to start an underground moonshine business. After two arrests related to his moonshining, Benny Binion switched to another illegal operation – running a lottery game. Bad luck followed him, however, and Benny Binion was convicted on murder in 1931. He claimed self-defense and was given a two year suspended sentence.
In 1946, Benny Binion moved his experience to Las Vegas and became a not-so-silent partner in the Las Vegas Club. Despite having no formal education, Binion was a real force in the Las Vegas casino scene.  Binion was adamant in promoting high stakes games – something the other partners were not interest in. Binion left the Las Vegas Club after only one year. 

In 1951, Benny Binion bought the building that housed the Las Vegas Club and opened the Westerner Gambling House and Saloon. Binion’s Texas roots carried over to his nickname, “The Cowboy.” 

Also in the 1950s, Benny Binion bought out the El Dorado Club and Apache Hotel creating Binion’s Horseshoe. The Horseshoe specialized in high-stakes games. Benny Binion also used the Horseshoe to change the atmosphere of casinos. He installed carpeting, brought in limos for high-rollers, and offered all players free beverages. 

The luxury was interrupted when Benny Binion was sent to Leavenworth Penitentiary from 1953 to 1957 on tax evasion. Upon his release, Benny Binion was unable to hold a gambling license. His sons, Jack and Ted, took over the casinos as president and manager.