The History of the Horseshoe: Binion’s Role in Shaping Downtown Vegas

Binion’s Gambling Hall is one of the most historic and iconic names in Downtown Las Vegas. Known for its no-limit gambling, legendary hospitality, and the birth of the World Series of Poker, the Horseshoe helped define Fremont Street’s golden age.

Today, its legacy continues to shine through the iconic Binion’s Horseshoe sign now preserved and displayed at The Neon Museum. Let’s dive into the history of this iconic hotel and casino.

From Texas Roots to Vegas Royalty

Exterior of Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in the 1960s

Horseshoe Hotel and Casino, c. 1960s. UNLV Libraries Special Collections & Archives

Benny Binion, a Texas-born gambler and entrepreneur, opened the original Binion’s Horseshoe Casino in 1951. At the time, downtown Las Vegas was the epicenter of gaming as neon lights drew crowds and the promise of fortune lit up the desert night. Binion’s approach was simple but revolutionary: treat the gambler right.

He offered free drinks to players, replaced the ornate décor common in other casinos with a welcoming, no-nonsense atmosphere, and most notably, raised table limits that allowed for bigger bets than anywhere else in town (As a result of outdoing the competition, he even received death threats!). His philosophy helped attract both high-rollers and everyday gamblers, setting the standard for casino hospitality that Las Vegas still follows today.

The Horseshoe Sign: A Beacon on Fremont Street

The Horseshoe sign became an unmistakable part of the Fremont Street skyline. Its bold lettering, rimmed with incandescent bulbs and topped with a glowing horseshoe, symbolized everything that the casino stood for.

Today, part of this historic sign lives on at The Neon Museum, where it serves as a reminder of downtown’s heyday. A section of the “H” wall from Binion’s 1961 re-design is now on display inside the Neon Boneyard at The Neon Museum.

Preserved among other legendary casino signs, the Horseshoe’s glimmer continues to tell the story of Las Vegas’ transformation from dusty outpost to Entertainment Capital of the World.

The Birth of the World Series of Poker

Binion’s most enduring contribution to popular culture came in 1970 with the creation of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). What began as a small gathering of six players invited by Benny Binion quickly evolved into the world’s most prestigious poker tournament.

The concept was simple: combine the allure of Vegas with the competition of skill-based gaming. Players from around the world would compete for fame, fortune, and a coveted WSOP title. Over the years, the event outgrew the original casino, moving to larger venues, but its spirit remains rooted in Binion’s legacy.

A Legacy Illuminated at The Neon Museum

For visitors walking through The Neon Boneyard, the Binion’s sign is a centerpiece of Las Vegas history. Visitors can see it, as well as many other amazing signs, throughout the Neon Boneyard.

Ready to walk through the past to appreciate the present? Come visit us at The Neon Museum today!

References

Swanson, D. (2014). Blood Aces: The wild ride of Benny Binion, the Texas gangster who created Vegas poker. Penguin Books.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas. (n.d.). TV, the WSOP, and the legend of Benny Binion. UNLV News. https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/tv-wsop-and-legend-benny-binion

Binion’s Gambling Hall. (n.d.). History of Binion’s. https://www.binions.com/history.php