For twenty years, this bronze statue of Benny Binion has stood at the corner of Casino Center Boulevard and Ogden Avenue. In 2008, the decision was made to move it from Downtown Las Vegas to the South Point Hotel & Casino at the southern end of The Strip.
Much to the dismay of long time residents, including the authors of this website and Mayor Oscar Goodman, the move was approved.
Michael Gaughan is happy to have it at The South Point, which features an equestrian center. Granted, Benny's on a horse, but that's about all this isolated resort and the statue have in common. Mr. Gaughan's father, Jackie Gaughan, was Benny's contemporary and both played pivotal roles in downtown Las Vegas.
Lester Ben "Benny" Binion (1904 - 1989), former owner of The Horseshoe, an outlaw Texas gambler, and bootlegger is a beloved figure here in Las Vegas. Binion moved to Las Vegas and opened The Horseshoe in 1951. He is best known for his savvy business ways and for starting The World Series of Poker.
The statue now stands at the entrance to the equestrian center, inside the South Point. It sits on the ground with no pedestal, no signage, plaque, or anything to indicate its significance or to show respect to Mr. Binion. It looks incredibly out of place and awkward in the cheesy atmosphere of this common place casino. Hopefully this display is temporary...
Quoting Jack Binion, "It was a classy thing to do."
