The HorseShoe Casino

The horseshoe casino refers to two different casinos. The first is a hotel and casino located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada on what is now the Fremont Street Experience. The casino was named for its founder, Benny Binion and had 366 rooms, three restaurants and a rooftop pool. The other set of horseshoe casinos is owned by Hurrahs. Here's the complete story for those interested. There's actually quite a bit of juicy gossip (jail time, tax evasion, and a good old fashioned heroin addiction).

The hirstory of the Horeshoe Casino
Benny bought the Eldorado Club and Apache Hotel in 1951, opening them as Binion's Horseshoe. It was the first casino to have carpeting and comps available to all gamblers. Binion also instituted high table limits, even dropping table limits completely at times, which was an immediate hit. Benny served time in Leavenworth Penitentiary from 1953 to 1957 for tax evasion.

He had to sell his share of the casino to pay approximately $5 million in legal costs. As a convicted felon, Benny was no longer allowed to hold a gambling license, though he remained on the Binion's payroll as a consultant. Binion's entire family was involved in the casino. His wife, Teddy Jane Binion, managed the casino cage and his sons Jack Binion and Ted Binion would become president and manager, respectively. His daughter, Becky Behnen, managed the kitchen. Ted was removed from all casino involvement after his addiction to heroin and other drug use came out into the open.

In 1970, Jack (on of the sons) began hosting the World Series of Poker at the Horseshoe. Eventually, the WSOP became the largest set of poker tournaments in the world. In 1988, the Horseshoe expanded by acquiring The Mint, a high-rise hotel on the west side of the casino. The expansion of the casino from this purchase provided room for Binion's first poker room. In 1998, more family fueds insued. Becky Behnen (the daughter) took over the presidency after a legal battle with Jack Binion (a son).

The battle ended with Jack being bought out while retaining a 1% interest in the casino so that he could retain his Nevada Gaming license. Jack moved on to other gambling interests. Behnen implemented some rather serious cost-cutting measures, most of which were unpopular with the gamblers. The most notable measure was the removal of the Horseshoe exhibit that held $1 million in $10,000 bills, and had served as a backdrop for free pictures of visitors. The visitors were pissed about this. Behnen also made changes in the distribution of the money from the entry fees in the World Series of Poker that were unpopular with the casino dealers and closed a popular restaurant in the casino. Personally, I think tht the removal of the $1 million in $10,000 bills was kind of a silly idea. It was fun to get a picture with the money, and it didn't cost the horseshoe casino much. it wasn't like they has to give it away as a prize. It just had to sit there... Next, Behnen failed to keep sufficient funds available to pay winners in the casino cage. As one could imagine, people weren't too happy to lean that the casino didn't have enough money on hand to payout if people won.

Finally, Bob Stupak tried to redeem his $5,000 casino tokens. Becky refused to exchange them for cash. People didn't like that either... The casino became mired in debt and was closed on January 9, 2004. More drama ensued as U.S. Marshalls and Nevada Gaming Control Board Agents removed cash from the casino cage. The casino hadn't paid union benefits to it's workers. The hotel closed its doors the following day. I

n March 2004, Harrah's Entertainment purchased Binion's Horseshoe and immediately Harrah's Entertainment sold Binion's Horseshoe on March 11, 2004 to MTR Gaming Group. Harrah's retained the rights to the Horseshoe brand and the World Series of Poker when it sold the casino and hotel, but sold the Binion's brand. The land the casino sits on is still leased from multiple owners. MTR Gaming remodeled both the casino and hotel after the purchase. One aspect of the remodelling was to replace the worn carpet with surplus carpeting that Benny Binion had ordered and stored since the initial carpeting.

On March 11, 2005, MTR Gaming Group officially took control of the operation of the casino and renamed it Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel. Wow, I'm not sure if you followed all that, but let's just say that the casino has a checkered past. No mob connections that I can see, but who knows what's behind the scenes...

The Modern Day Horseshoe casino
The Horseshoe casino brand is owned by Hurrahs and comprises four different casinos: Horseshoe Casino Tunica, Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Horseshoe Casino Bossier City, and Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs. here's a blurb about each casino...

Horseshoe Casino Tunica
Slot machines
The Horseshoe Casino Tunica has over 2,000 slots. With those kinds of numbers, there is a good chance that you'll find the games you're looking for. Horseshoe casino Tunica boasts the latest loose slots, (of coure the term "loose" is relative). I put the payout of the loose slots at a hair over 100%. So... if you find them, you'll win. But good luck finding them... The newest machines on the floor are listed below:

• The Honeymooners
• Yahtzee,
• Playboy
• Winning for Dummies
• Price Is Right
• American Bandstand
• Traditional Favorites
• Video Poker ($.25, $.50, $1, $5)
• Double Diamonds
• Sizzlin' 7s
• Red, White and Blue
• Double Harrah's
• 10x Pay, 5x Pay
• Magic Carpet Ride
• Triple Diamonds, Progressives

I've tried the slots out. They're OK.

Video Poker ($.25, $.50, $1, $5)
The Horseshoe Casino Tunica video poker terminals are pretty self explanatory. The payouts are about what you'd expect and the music is straight out of a Atari video game from the mid 80's. Try the video poker Horseshoe Casino Tunica video poker if you need a break from the tables (and crave that silly music).

Poker
Horseshoe Casino Tunica has weekly No Limit Hold 'Em tournaments every Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Buy-ins are $65, and re-buys are $40. The tournament as a a guaranteed $2,000 first prize. I had fun playing. Horseshoe Casino Tunica also has Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride Poker and Three Card Poker tables. If you want to learn a new game, Horseshoe Casino Tunica will be more than happy to introduce you to some fast-paced excitement. This is kind of nice of them. They gave me personal instruction on how to play Caribbean Stud Poker. It was fun!

Roulette
Roulette is perhaps the most popular game played worldwide. It is played in every major casino and is the primary game played in Europe. The game consists of a wheel marked with numbers 1 through 36 and American Roulette has a 0 and 00. The numbered portion of the layout is called the inside. Additional bets can be made outside the numbers and this area is called the outside. In this area you can also bet just black or red numbers. The Romans are said to have gambled with spinning chariot wheels and various "wheel of fortune" devices. Pascal, a French mathematics scholar, invented the game in the 17th century as an offshoot of perpetual motion devices. Now it's your turn to build on the history of the game. Make your mark on one of our two Roulette tables during your next stay!

Craps
Looking for a good time? Craps is your game. Gather around the table with a group of friends and a pair of dice and let the fun fly! Or just find the loudest table and join in. Craps is fast-paced, fun and one of the most exciting games at Horseshoe. Learn the basic rules or just ask and we'll help get you in the game!

Horseshoe Casino Hammond

Horseshoe Casino Slots
Whether it's cherries or 7's you're gunning for, we'll help you spin your way to big wins. Horseshoe Hammond has over 2,000 slot machines for you to choose from. So, all you need to do is survey the room, saddle up to your lucky one-armed bandit and spin. Try your hand at our exclusive Binionaire Progressives, Wheel of Fortune, Monte Carlo, Sizzling 7's and more. We have all your favorites in a gambler's paradise of jackpot payouts.

Horseshoe Casino Table Games
It's always high noon here at Horseshoe Hammond, where the action never stops. Our casino floor is as immense as the OK Corral, and we have an exciting mix of Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker and Three Card Poker. Come in and enjoy your favorite game or let our friendly games staff introduce you to a new game, like bonus Let It Ride! Draw, pardner!

Horseshoe Casino Craps
Boxcars,Centerfield,Shooting From The Don't Come, Craps is a game so dynamic it has a language all its own. It's a wildly popular and extremely gregarious game, but a first-time visit to a Craps table can be a daunting experience. However, after a brief overview of the rules, and five minutes at a table, even novice gamers begin to appreciate the excitement of the Craps tables.

Horseshoe Casino Roulette
Roulette is perhaps the most popular game played worldwide. It is played in every major casino and is the primary game played in Europe. The game consists of a wheel marked with numbers 1 through 36 and American Roulette has a 0 and 00. The numbered portion of the layout is called the inside. Additional bets can be made outside the numbers and this area is called the outside. In this area you can also bet just black or red numbers. Here at Hammond, we have four Roulette tables.

Horseshoe Casino Blackjack
Take part in the fun with a fast-paced game of 21. Also known as Blackjack, this is a very popular card game enjoyed worldwide and played for generations. The object is to get as close to 21 as possible while having your hand closer to 21 than the dealer's. Everyone in Blackjack plays against the dealer. While Blackjack is basically a simple game, its strategy can be complex and often reflects each player's personality.

Horseshoe Casino Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker is a variation of poker just like Double Down Stud and Let It Ride. With the exception of two pair, this game uses the traditional poker rankings with a couple of exceptions. You only need three consecutive cards to make a straight and only three of one suit to make a flush. In this game a straight is higher than a flush. The payoffs are determined by the pay schedule printed on the table layout. And you can win at any of our three tables!

Horseshoe Casino Video Poker
Looking for poker, but at a table for one? Then Horseshoe Hammond's video poker games are just for you. It's a great way to play, but at your own pace. Pick from our wide variety of video poker games.

Horseshoe Casino Baccarat
We have nine Mini-Baccarat Tables that range from minimum wagers of $10, $15, $25 and $50. The maximum wager is limited to $100,000, which puts our betting range (minimum to maximum) ahead of most casinos in the world, including those in Atlantic City or Las Vegas. Of the nine games on our casino floor, five of them are the Dragon Bet version, which allows a popular side bet that pays odds, depending on the spread of the banker/player scores.

Horseshoe Casino Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud Poker offers players the challenge of poker, but uses an easier-to-play format, plus the first-ever progressive play jackpot offered with a table game. Caribbean Stud Poker is a casino favorite, partly because it's so simple to learn, but mostly because of the unique poker excitement this innovative game provides. What makes Caribbean Stud stand out is the opportunity to make an optional side bet, where you can win all (or a portion) of an expanding progressive jackpot. This is the easiest way to play poker. And we have two tables for you to win at!

Horseshoe Bossier City

Horseshoe Casino Slots
With more than 1,600 slots to choose from, you're sure to find your favorite. Horseshoe Bossier City features all the latest slots, including our exclusive Binionaire progressives. New slot additions include:

• Addams Family
• Fabulous 50's
• Megabucks
• Wheel of Fortune
• Progressive Dollar Slots
• Wheel of Gold

Horseshoe Casino Poker
We also schedule exciting weekly poker tournaments so you can experience all the fun of this popular game. They don't have much in the way of poker though, just Three Card Poker and Caribbean Stud Poker. Caribbean Stud Poker offers the player the challenge of poker, but uses an easier-to-play format, plus the first-ever progressive play jackpot offered with a table game.

Horseshoe Casino Table games
Here at Horseshoe Bossier City, we have an exciting mix of Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker and Three Card Poker. Come in and enjoy your favorite game or let our friendly games staff introduce you to a new game!

Horseshoe Casino Blackjack
Take part in the fun with a fast-paced game of 21. Also known as Blackjack, this is a very popular card game enjoyed worldwide and played for generations. The object is to get as close to 21 as possible while having your hand closer to 21 than the dealer's. Everyone in Blackjack plays against the dealer. While Blackjack is basically a simple game, its strategy can be complex and often reflects each player's personality.

Horseshoe Casino Craps
"Boxcars," "Centerfield," "Shooting From The Don't." Craps is a game so dynamic it has a language all its own. It's a wildly popular and extremely gregarious game, but a first-time visit to a Craps table can be a daunting experience. However, after a brief overview of the rules, and five minutes at a table, even novice gamers begin to appreciate the excitement of the Craps tables.

Horseshoe Casino Roulette
Roulette is perhaps the most popular game played worldwide. It is played in every major casino and is the primary game played in Europe. The game consists of a wheel marked with numbers 1 through 36 and American Roulette has a 0 and 00. The numbered portion of the layout is called the inside. Additional bets can be made outside the numbers and this area is called the outside. In this area you can also bet just black or red numbers.

Horseshoe Casino Video Poker
Check out our video poker section. We have more than 110 machines, including Fifty Play Draw Poker, Game Maker and Three Play Five Play. It's easy to find your favorite

Horseshoe Council Bluffs

I like the Horseshoe Council Bluffs because of the greyhound racing. As far as I'm concerned, the rest of the stuff is kind of boring. But, watching the greyhounds, not that's fun! It's like being at the track. Horseshoe Council Bluffs has the best in both live and simulcast greyhound and thoroughbred racing. I say get your lucky trifecta and let 'em ride. I generally pick the favorite and bet that he'll show. It's a good safe bet, and I win alot (which is fun). The Live Greyhound Racing is from Tuesday to Sunday at 4 PM.

Horseshoe Casino Simulcast Horse Racing
This isn't as fun as the Live Greyhound Racing, but it's still kind of exciting...

Horseshoe Casino Poker
At the Horseshoe, we're proud to offer an entire venue devoted to the original gambling series Jack Binion created years ago. Our state-of-the-art 18-table Poker Room features all the big-time excitement of Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud. You'll also find highly trained dealers and customer service that's second-to-none. So come and experience the ultimate in poker action!

Horseshoe Casino Slots
It's that easy to find a winner at Horseshoe Council Bluffs. Scan the action-packed floor and sit down in front of one or our 1,900 slots, or try them all.

We've got the biggest jackpots! And the excitement doesn't get any bigger than our state-of-the-art slots area offering the best variety of your favorite reel games, the latest video poker machines, multi-denominational slots and our exclusive Binionaire Progressive with jackpots starting at an unbelievable $150,000!

At the heart of the Horseshoe gambling experience lies 63 world-class tables. Experience unbelievable 100 times odds on craps and huge $10,000 limits on blackjack, as well as the absolute best chance to win. For even bigger action, there's our High Limit Salon where serious gamblers can indulge in true luxury while enjoying the hottest tables in town.You won't find table excitement like this anywhere else. Not even in Vegas.

Horseshoe Casino Table Games
Horseshoe Casino Craps
"Boxcars," "Centerfield," "Shooting From The Don't." Craps is a game so dynamic it has a language all its own. It's a wildly popular game, but a first-time visit to a Craps table can be a daunting experience. That's why at the Horseshoe Council Bluffs, we'll be happy to teach you the game and give you an overview of the rules. Once you get a taste, you won't want to give up your place at the table!

Horseshoe Casino Blackjack
Huge $10,000 limits on blackjack, as well as the absolute best chance to win.

Horseshoe Casino Roulette
Roulette is perhaps the most popular game played worldwide. It is played in every major casino and is the primary game played in Europe. The game consists of a wheel marked with numbers 1 through 36 and American Roulette has a 0 and 00. The numbered portion of the layout is called the inside. Additional bets can be made outside the numbers and this area is called the outside. In this area you can also bet just black or red numbers.