Jack Binion, the original
host of the World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe,
has signed on to host the event as well as a recently
announced World Series of Poker tournament circuit
organized by Harrah's Entertainment Inc.
Binion formerly
managed Binion's Horseshoe and launched the World Series
of Poker before relinquishing control of the property to
his sister Becky Binion Behnen. Behnen sold the property
in March to MTR Gaming Group and Harrah's bought the
rights to the World Series of Poker and the Horseshoe
brand in Nevada. Harrah's, which now manages Binion's
Horseshoe, recently created a nationwide series of poker
events culminating in the World Series of Poker next
summer.
"Most of the
world's elite Texas Holdem poker players have known him
for years and consider him a good friend," said Ginny
Shanks, senior vice president of acquisition marketing
for Harrah's. "We're honored he's agreed to join us as
we turn the tournament he created into a national
circuit."
Binion will be
hosting the events pro bono, Harrah's said.
