In the small, rural town of Pilot Grove, north of Dallas, Benny Binion’s story began. His early years were marked by challenges; poor health kept him from attending school, a circumstance that shaped much of his childhood. However, these trials also brought opportunities. Accompanying his father, a horse trader, on various trips, young Benny found himself immersed in the vibrant and often rough world of county fairs and trade days. It was in this environment, amid horse traders, farmers, and merchants, that Binion first encountered gambling. This early exposure was more than just a pastime; it was a schooling in the art of risk, reward, and reading people, skills that would later define his career.

Benny’s lack of formal education did not hinder his sharp mind. Instead, his experiences during these formative years honed his instincts for business and risk-taking. The outdoor life not only restored his health but also instilled in him a resilience and adaptability that would become his trademarks.

As Binion grew, so did his ambitions. His journey from the dusty roads of Texas to the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas was not just a change of location; it was a transformation from a young gambler to a casino mogul. His early experiences in Texas, where he established illegal gambling operations, were just the beginning of a career that would see him leave an indelible mark on the world of gambling.