Unveiling the Rich History of the Oldest Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada, often referred to as the "Entertainment Capital of the World," is home to numerous casinos that cater to a diverse range of interests. Among these gambling establishments, one stands out as the oldest casino in Las Vegas. This iconic venue not only boasts a long and storied past but also serves as a testament to the evolution of gambling and entertainment in the region. In this article, we will delve into the history, significance, and secrets of the oldest casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Oldest Casino in Las Vegas: The Landmark

The oldest casino in Las Vegas is the Binion's Horseshoe, which opened its doors on December 18, 1941. Located on Fremont Street, the Binion's Horseshoe is one of the few casinos that survived the early days of Las Vegas and has witnessed the city's rise to fame.

A Brief History of the Binion's Horseshoe

The Binion's Horseshoe was founded by Benny Binion, a legendary figure in the world of gambling. Benny Binion was a former Texas oilman who had a passion for poker and other forms of gambling. In 1941, he purchased the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, which was then a small, two-story building on Fremont Street. Benny Binion immediately set about transforming the venue into a premier gambling destination.

The transformation began with the renaming of the casino to Binion's Horseshoe. Benny Binion's vision was to create a place where people could enjoy both gambling and entertainment. Over the years, the Binion's Horseshoe has hosted numerous events, including the World Series of Poker, which has been held there since 1970.

The Significance of the Binion's Horseshoe

The Binion's Horseshoe holds a unique place in the history of Las Vegas. As the oldest casino in the city, it has been witness to many of the industry's milestones. Here are some key reasons why the Binion's Horseshoe is so significant:

1. The Birthplace of Poker: The Binion's Horseshoe is often credited with being the birthplace of poker in Las Vegas. Benny Binion was a poker enthusiast, and he invited some of the world's best poker players to his casino to compete in the first World Series of Poker.

2. The Home of the World Series of Poker: The Binion's Horseshoe has been the host of the World Series of Poker since 1970. This prestigious tournament has become the pinnacle of poker competition and has helped to popularize the game worldwide.

3. A Lasting Legacy: The Binion's Horseshoe has become an iconic symbol of Las Vegas. Its historic nature and the rich gambling culture it represents make it a must-visit destination for any visitor to the city.

The Secrets of the Binion's Horseshoe

The Binion's Horseshoe is steeped in history, and it has many secrets waiting to be uncovered. Here are a few intriguing facts about this iconic casino:

1. Benny Binion's Final Resting Place: Benny Binion's body was buried under the floor of the Binion's Horseshoe for several years after his death in 1989. He was later reburied at the Mount Olive Cemetery in Las Vegas.

2. The Original Slot Machines: The Binion's Horseshoe has a collection of original slot machines that date back to the 1940s. These machines are a throwback to the early days of gambling in Las Vegas.

3. The Golden Nugget: Benny Binion's business partner, Billy Bob Harmon, later went on to establish the Golden Nugget Casino, which opened in 1959. The Golden Nugget was one of the first casinos to offer a comprehensive range of amenities, including dining, entertainment, and gambling.

4. The Fremont Street Experience: The Binion's Horseshoe is part of the Fremont Street Experience, a lively entertainment district that features a canopy of vibrant lights and an hourly light show.

5. The Last Stand: The Binion's Horseshoe was the last casino to offer table games to the public. In 2005, the Nevada Gaming Commission decided that all table games must be located within a casino's gaming area, effectively ending the practice of placing table games in non-gaming areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: When did the Binion's Horseshoe open?

A: The Binion's Horseshoe opened on December 18, 1941.

2. Q: Who founded the Binion's Horseshoe?

A: The Binion's Horseshoe was founded by Benny Binion, a former Texas oilman and poker enthusiast.

3. Q: Why is the Binion's Horseshoe significant?

A: The Binion's Horseshoe is significant because it is the oldest casino in Las Vegas, the birthplace of poker in the city, and the home of the World Series of Poker.

4. Q: What are some of the secrets of the Binion's Horseshoe?

A: Some of the secrets of the Binion's Horseshoe include Benny Binion's final resting place, the original slot machines, the Golden Nugget, the Fremont Street Experience, and the last stand of table games in non-gaming areas.

5. Q: Can I still visit the Binion's Horseshoe today?

A: Yes, you can still visit the Binion's Horseshoe today. It remains an iconic gambling establishment and is one of the must-visit destinations in Las Vegas.