Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Despite objection, Binion’s deposition begins

Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Bill Curran has refused to resolve a dispute over the use of cameras in today's public deposition of suspended Horseshoe Club executive Ted Binion.

Binion's lawyers and the State Gaming Control Board, which scheduled the unprecedented deposition, were expecting Curran to intervene.

Richard Wright, Binion's lead attorney, said his client planned to testify today in the presence of television and newspaper cameras, but a formal objection would be lodged.

After the deposition was delayed Tuesday, Curran told both sides in a conference call that he believed he did not have jurisdiction to issue a ruling, and he left the matter up to the Control Board.

"It's our position he has jurisdiction, and he should have intervened," Wright said late Tuesday.

State gaming regulations clearly give Curran the authority to resolve disputes over discovery matters, a Control Board source said.

Wright again accused the Control Board of "changing the rules."

"I just wish they'd stop playing games and take the deposition," he said.

That brought a terse response today from Control Board Chairman Bill Bible, who said: "We haven't changed the rules."

The deposition is being taken in conjunction with an April 29 hearing before the Gaming Commission on whether to ban Binion from the casino industry.

Board members want to grill Binion about allegations he violated a Sept. 15, 1994, agreement to temporarily remain drug free and stay out of the Horseshoe.

The procedure of taking depositions in the case was set up by the Gaming Commission earlier this year. It bypassed the board's usual method of conducting an open hearing on the disciplinary matter.

Last week, Curran sided with the board and ruled the deposition could be taken in public. Binion's lawyers had objected.

Curran said Binion had waived his right to a closed-door proceeding when he gave an interview to the SUN.

The Control Board has uncovered evidence that the 53-year-old Binion has continued to use drugs and has wielded influence, including comp power, at the Horseshoe since his 1994 suspension.

Though he has failed three hair tests since October, Binion has insisted he has not done drugs since his heroin conviction in 1987.

But Binion, amid the board's investigation, has admitted that he established a relationship with reputed underworld figure Herbie Blitzstein, once a top lieutenant of the late Chicago mobster Anthony Spilotro. Gaming licensees are not supposed to associate with "unsavory" characters.

Control Board sources said Binion's relationship with Blitzstein is far deeper than what has been made public.

Blitzstein recently asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when gaming agents questioned him about Binion.

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