Bettie: Bye-bye, Horsehoe World Series poker tourney

[Bettie]

For more than five decades, the Horseshoe name has been synonymous with high-stakes action in downtown Las Vegas.

But shortly before the city celebrates its 100th birthday, what's arguably its most-recognized gambling hall will take on a new moniker ? and new management team ? following a tumultuous 2004.

Owner MTR Gaming Group said Monday it will assume control of the downtown hotel-casino effective March 11, less than 10 weeks before Las Vegas' May 15 centennial. At that time, Binion's Horseshoe will also adopt a shortened name: Binion's.

The link below will take you to the rest of the article.

Bettie

MTR taking Binion's reins in March

[litcrit]

Well, I wonder what difference it could possibly make. I mean, could it possibly get worse? If they turned it into a slot palace it wouldn't attract me any less. That is to say, regardless of any changes they made, I wouldn't go there any less than I did this year, which was not at all. Is there any speculation on the changes they might actually initiate there?

[Parker]

After seeing how Harrah's has totally destroyed the place, any changes that might be instituted by MTR would almost have to be improvements. The sooner Harrah's is out, the better.

It appears that the 2005 WSOP will still be held at the 'Shoe, regardless of what they are calling it at the time.

[Mountebank]

> It appears that the 2005 WSOP will still be
> held at the 'Shoe, regardless of what they
> are calling it at the time.

The final two days of the 2005 WSOP $10,000 NL Main Event will be held at Binions. The prior days of that tournament, as well as all other preceding tournaments, will be held at the Rio.

[Bettie]

> Is there any
> speculation on the changes they might
> actually initiate there?

(Subject heading courtesy David Bowie's 1971 song.)

According to MTR, "The first improvements planned for Binion's will likely be upgraded slots ... it's too soon to speculate on other changes." They've recently acquired other downtown properties, so maybe we can see what they've done at the Plaza, Las Vegas Club, and Gold Spike to get some kind of idea.

Bettie

[Parker]

> (Subject heading courtesy David Bowie's 1971
> song.)

> According to MTR, "The first
> improvements planned for Binion's will
> likely be upgraded slots ... it's too soon
> to speculate on other changes." They've
> recently acquired other downtown properties,
> so maybe we can see what they've done at the
> Plaza, Las Vegas Club, and Gold Spike to get
> some kind of idea.

The Plaza, LVC, Gold Spike, and more recently, Nevada Hotel, were purchased by Barrick Gaming, which, AFAIK, has no connection with MTR.

MTR owns several racetracks around the country. The only Las Vegas property that they currently own is the Speedway, not a particularily good omen.

Hard to keep up with all of these . . . ch-ch-ch-changes. :-)

[Bettie]

> The Plaza, LVC, Gold Spike, and more
> recently, Nevada Hotel, were purchased by
> Barrick Gaming, which, AFAIK, has no
> connection with MTR.

Of course! What was I thinking? I hang my head in shame and relinquish the title of "Vegas Bettie" to you, Parker. Though I look better in the tiara!

Thanks for clearing that up,
Bettie