Poker World Series to stay at Binion's

The World Series of Poker will remain at Binion's Horseshoe, the Las Vegas casino's new owner said.

Becky Behnen, who acquired her siblings' stakes in the Horseshoe last week, said she was surprised to read the Sun's report Monday that the casino's poker room manager had been fired and the legendary tournament cancelled.

"I remember when my father hosted the very first event," she said. "I would never cancel the World Series. It will be here next May."

Behnen confirmed that a second major poker tournament, the Hall of Fame Classic, will no longer be sponsored by the Horseshoe.

But she said she wasn't aware longtime Horseshoe executive Jim Albrecht was told last week that she was cancelling the World Series and that he would not be brought back as poker room manager after time off for a knee operation.

Behnen assumed control of the property late last Thursday, but said she's still learning the intricacies of running the Horseshoe.

"Things have been very hectic since the sale closed," she said. "I'm still waiting to see all the paperwork from my lawyers.

"There's been a lot of uncertainty among some employees who were told they might be losing their jobs," Behnen said. "Some have been quitting in anticipation of being laid off."

Behnen bought the Horseshoe interests of her brothers Jack and Teddy Binion and sister Brenda Binion Michael following a highly publicized family feud over allegations of mismanagement of the property.

Behnen had sued Jack, former Horseshoe majority owner, claiming he was neglecting the Las Vegas operation to concentrate on his highly successful Horseshoe casinos in Louisiana and Mississippi.

In settling the lawsuit, Jack Binion bought the interests of Ted and Brenda, then sold theirs and his to Behnen. If she defaults on a $20 million, two-year note, he could regain control of the property.

Behnen obtained the rights to the World Series when she acquired the Horseshoe, which was left to the four Binion children by their late father Benny.

The World Series is normally scheduled for late April and early May. Next year's would be the 30th anniversary of the event. This year's awarded more than $13 million in prize money.

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