Benny Binion’s former residence stands as a poignant reminder of the man who helped shape modern Las Vegas into the vibrant city it is today. This iconic house, located in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas, holds within its walls a narrative that intertwines deeply with the rise of the gambling industry. To truly understand this landmark, we must delve into the gambling history of the region—a world of high stakes, organized crime, and fortune. As we explore the rich history surrounding this property, we will explore not only Binion’s life but also the evolution of gambling in Las Vegas and how this house reflects the colorful tapestry of the city’s gambling history.
At 2040 W. Bonanza Road, Benny Binion’s house once boasted grandeur and charm, serving as a family home and a hub for innovative gambling strategies. When Binion purchased this property in 1947, it was on the outskirts of a nascent Las Vegas, just a short drive from his famed Horseshoe Club on Fremont Street. Binion arrived in Las Vegas with a singular vision, equipped with suitcases filled with cash, and a determination to make his mark.
The Early Years: From Dallas to Las Vegas
Fresh from Dallas, where he had made a name for himself within the illegal gambling scene, Benny Binion brought with him a tumultuous past. He had been deeply involved in a violent turf war against the Chicago-connected Lombardo gang, and faced intense pressure from a newly appointed sheriff, Bill Decker. His history of violence included a murder conviction in 1931, linked to a rumrunner named Frank Bolding, and a subsequent killing of rival Ben Frieden, which he managed to evade charges for by claiming self-defense. These formative experiences would shape not only his approach to gambling but also his approach to life in Las Vegas.
Purchasing the house for $65,000 in cash (equivalent to nearly $945,000 today), Binion moved in with his wife, Teddy Jane, and their five children: Ted, Jack, Becky, Brenda, and Barbara. The residence was not just a home but a symbol of his ambitions and dreams, a place where his family could thrive amidst the burgeoning gambling landscape.
A Hub of Innovation and Influence
The property, originally built in 1942 by service station owner C.A. Morehouse, was a three-bedroom home with multiple bathrooms, a spacious basement, a guesthouse, and a swimming pool. Interestingly, before it became the Binion residence, it functioned as a dude ranch, catering to socialites seeking quick divorces in Nevada. This unique history added to the character of the house, making it a fascinating piece of the Las Vegas puzzle.
By 1961, the Binion residence had transformed into a suburban oasis, surrounded by well-kept lawns and trees, a stark contrast to its earlier days as a dusty ranch. It was within these walls that Benny hosted gatherings of influential figures from the gambling world, serving them steaks from his own cattle while brainstorming groundbreaking ideas that would revolutionize the gambling industry. Among these innovations were the concepts of high-limit betting and the World Series of Poker, which not only changed the face of Las Vegas but also left a lasting impact on the global gambling scene.
Struggles and Setbacks
However, the Binion family’s life was not without its challenges. During Benny’s three-and-a-half-year stint at Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas for tax evasion, the house served as a silent witness to the family’s struggles. Benny’s legal battles were costly, forcing him to sell his majority stake in the Horseshoe Club to cover $5 million in legal fees and back taxes. This period marked a significant turning point in the Binion saga, as the family grappled with the implications of Benny’s felony conviction, which barred him from holding a Nevada gaming license.
Even after his release in 1963, Benny continued to exert influence over the Horseshoe Club, technically serving as a “consultant” yet remaining the undeniable power behind the scenes. His passion for the gambling industry never waned, and he continued to innovate and inspire long after his legal troubles.
A Fire and a Legacy Lost
Benny Binion passed away from heart failure on Christmas Day in 1989 at the age of 85. His death marked the end of an era, and the once-vibrant house began to deteriorate. Left abandoned and neglected, it transformed into a haunting time capsule filled with antiques and cherished family heirlooms. Tragically, five months later, a fire ravaged the property, leaving it uninhabitable and further erasing the memories of the Binion family.
The story of Benny Binion’s house serves as a metaphor for the rise and fall of many aspects of Las Vegas. Just as the city has evolved, so too has the legacy of Benny Binion. From a cowboy gangster to a legendary figure in the gambling world, his influence continues to resonate. The remnants of his life are a reminder of the grit, glamour, and sometimes grim realities of the gambling industry.
For those interested in the intertwining histories of Las Vegas and its gambling pioneers, Benny Binion’s house stands as a compelling site to explore. Not only does it echo the whispers of the past, but it also invites reflection on the dynamic changes in the world of gambling over the decades.
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Conclusion: A Remembered Legacy
The legacy of Benny Binion and his house reminds us that the story of Las Vegas is not just about neon lights and glamorous casinos. It is also about the people who built the city, their dreams, and their struggles. As we continue to explore the history of gambling and its key figures, Benny Binion’s house remains a significant landmark, a testament to a bygone era of cowboy gangsters and the birth of an industry that has captivated millions around the globe.