World Series of Poker

WSOP 2005 - Hall of Fame

Jack Binion - For over 50 years, the innovations and style of Jack Binion has led to unparallel success in the casino industry. Inheriting the Horseshoe legacy from his father, Benny Binion, Jack developed the downtown Horseshoe Casino into a Las Vegas icon renowned for its high limits and generous odds - a reputation cemented when the Horseshoe first hosted the World Series of Poker in 1970.

Binion has always measured his success by satisfied customers who have remained loyal to all of his properties, including casinos in Bossier City, Louisanna, Tunica, Mississippi, Hammond, Indiana and Joliet, Illinois. In 1999, he sold these Horseshoe gaming properties to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Last summer, Jack Binion was deservedly inducted into the American Gaming Associations Gaming Hall of Fame.

In September 2003, less than 10 years after starting the company, Binion entered into a contract to sell Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. and its properties to Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., for $1.45 billion. Once finalized, it would be one of the largest casino transactions ever.

Crandell Addington - World-Famous poker ambassador and consistent high stakes winner. Crandell Addington enjoyed an extremely successful poker career from 1963 until he retired in the Mid 80's after playing against the game's biggest names. Described by Doyle Brunson as a "No Limit Hold'em Legend" and "one of the most colorful and greatest players of poker history." His even, polite demeanor earned him the 1973 World Series of Poker "Most Congenial Player" trophy.

As one of 7 Texas gamblers who introduced Texas Hold'em to Nevada in the 60's, he won the first professional gamblers tournament in Reno, the forerunner of the World Series of Poker. In 1985, at the request of Benny Binion, Addington served as the official poker ambassador to Great Britain, resulting in a tremendous increase in Texas Hold'em's popularity abroad.

In addition to the above Crandell also one of the main investors in Phoenix Biotechnology. The companies main product is Anvirzel, a powder derived from the flowering Oleander plant and now being use in the treatment and suppression of some forms of Cancer. Poker Playing CEO's Company bets it can put a hold on Cancers