At the edge of desert landscapes, cow towns, and filthy boomtowns lived an intriguing group of gamblers who made their living from risk-taking. From pool sharks and road hustlers to those with sporting knowledge who acted as bookmakers or moved lines for betting markets; this six-part anthology provides insight into these fascinating individuals’ lives.
Judges in Pope County have overturned a casino license granted by the Arkansas Racing Commission to Cherokee Nation Business Partnership and this could cause delays to construction of Legends project.
Benny Binion
Benny Binion left an indelible mark on both Las Vegas and poker. Born in rural Texas in 1904, Binion spent much of his early life moonshining, running numbers games, horse trading, and gambling – among many other illegal endeavors.
Binion was a fearless man who understood that reputation is everything in casino life. He donned white ten-gallon Stetson hats with cowboy-style shirts featuring gold coins for shirt buttons; refusing neckties altogether and walking around carrying at least one pistol while keeping his sawed-off shotgun handy at all times.
Binion was not afraid to take action against anyone who crossed his boundaries; when Airmen’s Club craps player Herbert Noble attempted to cheat, Binion placed a maximum bet and ensured Noble lost.
Doyle Brunson
Brunson was fondly known as Texas Dolly among his peers and won 10 World Series of Poker tournaments – second only to Phil Hellmuth who amassed 16. In 1976 and 1977 he also captured consecutive world championships before being honored with induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988.
Brunson had planned on becoming a professional athlete after high school but an injury prevented that path from opening up. Instead, Brunson turned to card games where he earned enough money that kept him off of casinos and off of the streets.
He wrote Super System, one of the first books to teach strategy, making an indelible mark on the game. Additionally, he was regularly seen on televised poker shows such as PokerGO’s High Stakes Poker as well as several documentary films and biopics.
Scott Stevens
Scott Stevens was a businessman with a six-figure income and two country clubs. He worked hard, was dedicated to his family, and captained the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cup victories under him as their captain.
Stevens began gambling more often after hitting a slot machine jackpot during a 2006 trip to Las Vegas; and began visiting Mountaineer Casino several times each week even if his losses exceeded his annual salary.
Stacy Stevens claims her husband never discussed gambling, so she wasn’t aware of his habit until a phone call on January 30. During that call he provided five pages of instructions regarding changing bank accounts to avoid paying a $4,000 debt to Bellagio Hotel; filing tax returns; and applying for Social Security survivor benefits.
Kenny McKinley
Kenny McKinley was one of the greatest players ever to don South Carolina uniform. At just 23 years old when he took his life due to a knee injury that ended his NFL career, leaving behind him gambling debts and an orphaned son.
According to a 131-page sheriff’s department report, McKinley owed $65,000 in debts owed by various people. To repay these obligations he drained his bank accounts and sold his home.
Meghan Jones recalls not thinking of McKinley as a gambler but had heard rumors. They had formed an intensely close bond; Jones was devastated to learn he took his own life despite her best efforts but lack of funds. She tried helping but it proved futile.
Tim Oakley
Tim Oakley seemed destined for greatness as a fast bowler for the Redbacks when he took 32 wickets during his rookie year – an impressive start that seemed certain to lead him on to great things. Yet tragedy would soon strike.
His story should serve as a warning against gambling addiction, which can be both dangerous and debilitating – impacting anyone regardless of social standing or financial situation.
Nick the Greek was legendary among Chicago card clubs for his skill at bluffing and winning at cards. However, his life tragically came to an end due to gambling addiction; not because of money itself but rather from feeling trapped into dependency and unending anxiety. His death serves as an example of this fact.
