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WSOP Home, Binion’s, Set to Close its Doors

The December 15, 2009, By Zane Plate

Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas has long been known as one of the pioneers of the Vegas casino world.

The casino, which opened its doors in 1951, was the first to institute high table limits and was the birthplace of the Word Series of Poker, which took place at Binion's for 36 years until the event was sold to Harrah's in 2005. Now, it seems, Binion's is on its way to shutting its doors for good.

The owners of Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel, TLC Enterprises, chose to shut down the casino due to some recent financial trouble. According to Linda Robinson, spokeswoman for the company, Binion's just hasn't been bringing in enough money to remain profitable and competitive. She said TLC hopes to reopen Binion's in the future, but nothing is set in stone.

Binion's financial troubles date back to 1998. In 1998 Becky Behnen, the daughter of Benny Binion, acquired the business. The casino and hotel were closed in 2004 and US Marshals had to seize money to give to the casino's employees. However, Harrah's bailed them out and sold the casino to MTR Gaming Group. In the following years, Binion's never fully recovered from their financial descent.

The casino, poker room, sports book and steakhouse are still open to visitors. However, Binion's has closed the hotel, Keno parlor and coffee shop indefinitely. The casino is also set to downsize, getting rid of 100 out of 800 employees.

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