Binion's Horseshoe
CLICK TO DONATE
Las Vegas is more than just lights—it’s a legacy written in neon!
Thanks to people like you, Las Vegas’ neon legacy can endure.
These iconic signs, which once lit up our streets and hearts, are more than just lights—they’re part of our shared story. You have the power to keep their glow alive.
With your support, we can restore these beloved pieces of history, so they continue to inspire and captivate future generations
Every donation helps protect these neon beacons, ensuring the vibrant stories of Las Vegas are never lost.
Join us in preserving this incredible heritage—together, we can keep the lights shining.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS SIGN’S RESTORATION
Designed by Rudy Crisostomo, Fabricated by Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) c.1988
Sheet Metal, lightbulbs, neon, flasher
Gift of MTR Gaming, The Neon Museum, 0018.002
Native-Texan Benny Binion opened Binion’s Horseshoe in 1951. It marked a period in innovation that had not yet been seen in Las Vegas. Binion’s Horseshoe was one of the first properties to feature carpeted floors, standing in stark contrast to the “sawdust joints” common in the industry at the time. Binion was one of the first to install chairs in front of slot machines and was known for being liberal with “comps” for all of his players, such as free meals and drinks, maintaining that “if you [want to] get rich, make little people feel like big people” (Hopkins, 1999).
Benny Binion helped establish the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas in the 1970s. The Horseshoe hosted the tournament until c. 2003, when Harrah’s Entertainment purchased the property.
In 2004, Binion’s Horseshoe changed its name to Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel, still open and located on Fremont St.
The Binion’s Horseshoe signage, shown above, dates back to the 1980s. This sign was installed after Binion’s Horseshoe purchased the neighboring Mint Hotel and Casino in 1988. The sign was part of a redesign collaboration between YESCO and sign designer Rudy Crisostomo, resulting in one of the largest neon displays in the world. In a 1998 Oral History Interview with Robin Greenspun from The Neon Museum, Rudy shared, “The last project I did was the redesign of the Mint Hotel to incorporate it with the Binion’s Horseshoe. I did that, but nobody knew who did it. That’s the problem with the sign industry; we don’t get credit.”
After, Robin Greenspun responded, “Well, hopefully after this tape they’re going to say, ‘Rudy did this.'”
Help us preserve the cultural essence of Las Vegas with your generous gift.
$25,000 will fully restore and relight this sign.
CLICK TO DONATE
We are grateful for every donation that helps bring these iconic signs back to life. Contributions of $5,000 or more will be honored with a personalized donor recognition package. All donations will be recorded in our documented archives. Once this sign is restored, it will be proudly returned to the Neon Boneyard, where we will host a re-lighting event to celebrate its restoration. We truly appreciate your support and thank you for helping us preserve the stories of Las Vegas.