Sylvester Stallone produces series on Benny Binion's life.
Cole Hauser cast as Binion, exploring his impact on poker.
Part of a wave of gambling-related media productions.
The origins of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the Horseshoe Casino are set to hit the small screen. Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions, in partnership with MGM Television, is developing a new series based on the 2014 biography Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker. The book, authored by veteran reporter Doug J. Swanson, chronicles the complex life of one of poker’s most influential and controversial figures.
The Story of a Poker Icon
The series will trace Binion's journey from his early days in Texas to the bright lights of Nevada.
Era
Key Milestones
Texas Years
Running underground gambling dens in Dallas; facing two murder charges.
1949
Relocated to Las Vegas to found the Horseshoe Casino.
1970
Established the World Series of Poker alongside his son, Jack Binion.
Legacy
Posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1989.
Cast and Production Details
While a release date has not yet been finalized, the production has secured significant star power. Cole Hauser, widely known for his role as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone, has been cast to portray Benny Binion.
Hauser’s company, American Outlaw Entertainment, will also serve as a production partner. Sylvester Stallone expressed high confidence in the casting, noting that the role is "made for Cole Hauser."
This production is part of a broader wave of gambling-related content currently in development. Other upcoming projects include a Starz series centered on the Shohei Ohtani/Ippei Mizuhara sports betting scandal and a Netflix casino drama from the creators of Rounders, produced by Martin Scorsese.
Why Benny Binion’s Story Matters to Players
Benny Binion didn't just build a casino; he built the framework for modern tournament poker. By understanding his transition from a "Texas Gangster" to the founder of the WSOP, players can appreciate how the game moved from the shadows into the global spotlight.
Binion This series promises to show the "New West" icon's role in connecting the glamorous and dangerous worlds that birthed Las Vegas.
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