The operators of what remains of Benny Binion's gambling empire announced they would be closing the casino's hotel to cut operating costs.

TLC Casino Enterprises, the current owner of Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas, announced it would end hotel operations, along with keno and coffee shop services, to save on costs. The iconic property, which rose to fame under founder Benny Binion, will still run the casino, along with the poker and sports betting facilities and Binion's Steakhouse.

The casino was the original site of the World Series of Poker, dreamed up by Binion as a way to determine the world's best card player each year. Binion is considered by gaming historians as one of the great marketers that built Las Vegas, pioneering the use of comps on meals, rooms, and shows to draw gamblers to his property.

But Binion's children squandered the empire their father had built, and Harrah's eventually acquired control of Binion's Horseshoe, the name favored by Benny. After leaching off the WSOP and the Horseshoe brand, Harrah's then sold what remained, a rundown physical plant in quaint, antique downtown Las Vegas.

The closing of the hotel and side operations will result in the layoff of over 100 workers.

"We had to make some difficult decisions in order to keep the rest of the property operational," said a spokesman for TLC Casinos.

The hotel shutdown means 365 empty and abandoned hotel rooms in the heart of downtown, another victim of the recession.

Published on November 30, 2009 by A.J.Maldonado

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