Benny Binion is the former owner of the Horseshoe casino and the creator of the Poker Hall of Fame, which began in 1979, and was originally based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. This is no physical location for the Hall of Fame anymore, it exists only on paper, and is now owned by Harrah’s Entertainment. Binion passed away in 1989, on Christmas Day.

Binion was born and raised in Grayson County, Texas, just north of Dallas. Binion never received any formal education throughout his lifetime but was still able to become a success as the owner of the Horseshoe Casino. Binion’s casino became successful quickly because of the high limits on bets. He often received death threats from his competitors because of the success of the Horseshoe Casino.

Binion had five children with his wife Teddy Jane; two sons and three daughters. His two sons took over as the president and the casino manager in 1964. His son Jack became the casino president and his son Ted became the casino manager. Binion’s wife managed the casino cage until her death in 1994. The casino presidency changed to Binion’s daughter, Becky, after a lengthy legal battle with Jack. Jack then moved on to other interests in the world of gambling and poker.

Binion has also been credited with the creation of the World Series of Poker in 1970 and 1971 after inviting six poker players to play in a tournament at his casino. Johnny Moss was voted the champion of the six poker player tournament. The following year, 1971, a freeze-out tournament was created with a $10,000 buy in. It would be known as the WSOP.