February - 02 - 2005

  Binion’s Horseshoe does not have a monopoly for the WSOP anymore. The World Series of Poker has a new home at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino's brand-new poker room. Why is that? The answer is simple: the Horseshoe does not belong to Binion dynasty anymore. It all began in 1998, when Ted Binion, the son of the casino legendary founder Benny Binion, lost his gaming license over allegations of drug use and ties to a mob.

  Becky Binion, Benny’s daughter, became the manager of the casino. She fired a lot of people: the porters, the poker manager and his assistants, the race and sports book director. Then the baccarat room was closed.

  The things went badly and Harrah’s Entertainment bought the casino and the rights for holding tournaments. When the Horseshoe was reopened it appeared to be even better than it had been before.

  But now the WSOP will be held not only at the Horseshoe. Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, another Harrah’s property, will also host some of the WSOP events.

See also: Online Casino, Online Poker