There weren’t very many sweaters watching the games, and the rope was only a few feet away. Benny was a super outlaw. The early series were an annual convention for bookmakers, dice men, con men, and some professional poker players. These folks and the writers had a cult-like loyalty to the Binions. Writers could roam in and out of the offices, get access to press releases with chip counts, and photos provided by the casino. The press tourney was a ton of fun. All of the big players were available for interviews, especially Amarillo Slim. Chip would serve as a commentator if he got knocked out. Everything was tiny compared to today.

Johnny Hughes

I also gotta say I was happy to see the agents were kept away for the most part, too — no pokerstars or full tilt patches on these guys. The agents have been the asswads of “poker media” in my opinion this year. How’d they get their credentials anyway?

Dan, what Mekhi does to me is a private matter.

If I was in a gang of super rich celebrity types playing in a poker tournament, I wouldn’t want anyone hawking me either. And if I was Harrah’s I would do whatever the people playing the most money wanted.

Mike G, Mekhi is the dark-handsome Hollywooder that make Jen goes tickle in her secret spot.

Just hide your badge, problem solved.