Benny Binion’s million-dollar gamble lives on 75 years later
On August 14, 1951, Benny Binion opened the Horseshoe Club in downtown Las Vegas. Binion’s Horseshoe would become a cornerstone of the casino industry, particularly for downtown. It also made Binion a household name for both locals and tourists, as well as poker players the world over. But when the Horseshoe Club first opened, Binion’s footing was uncertain. His struggles in obtaining a gaming license also offer a fascinating case study for 1950s Las Vegas and just how committed—or not—state officials were in keeping the Nevada casino industry free from organized crime entanglements. From Texas rackets to Las Vegas casinos Binion moved to ...
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Embattled Montreal Mafia clings to underworld power amid setbacks
After nearly two decades of intermittent unrest in the Montreal Mafia, the Rizzuto dynasty is once again on the ropes….
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Colombia approves plan to euthanize ‘cocaine hippos’ introduced by Pablo Escobar
More than 30 years after his death, Colombia is still struggling with the consequences of Pablo Escobar’s reign. This week,…
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‘Ketamine Queen’ conviction over Matthew Perry’s death highlights evolving drug trade
Cartels have held a monopoly on the drug trade for decades, but there’s a new supplier in town. Medical professionals…
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New York’s ‘Mafia Cops’ faked arrests, leaked information to aid Mob killings
In March 2005, two retired New York City detectives were arrested without much fanfare outside of Piero’s, a restaurant near the Las…
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Benny Binion’s colorful life story slated for television series
Years ago in Las Vegas, a friend of professional poker player Doyle Brunson relayed an alarming message: If Brunson didn’t…
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Virginia Hill, reputed ‘Queen of the Mob,’ died in Austria 60 years ago
On March 24, 1966, Virginia Hill died far from the life that made her famous. Sixty years later, she has…
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New memoir ‘The Bookie’ highlights the mobsters and characters in Las Vegas sportsbooks
Early in his career at Las Vegas casino sportsbooks, when mobsters were an intimidating presence around town, Art Manteris confronted…
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