Ted Binion; Ex-Casino Executive

LAS VEGAS — Former casino executive Ted Binion was found dead in his home Thursday of an apparent prescription drug overdose, police said. He was 55.

Binion, son of legendary casino owner Benny Binion, was found by his girlfriend, Sandy Murphy, about 4:05 p.m., police said. Foul play was not suspected. The coroner was investigating the death as an accidental overdose.

Binion was discovered on the den floor in front the television, with a bottle of his prescription medication at his side. Paramedics were unable to revive him.

Binion had a history of drug use and association with reputed mob figures. His gaming license was suspended in March because of those associations. His license also was suspended in May 1997 because of his admitted drug use.

“I don’t know any other way to make a living but this,” Binion told the Nevada Gaming Commission during the May 1997 hearing.

Binion, his older brother and their two sisters had been involved in a bitter dispute over control of the family’s casino, the Horseshoe, which has an estimated worth up to $80 million.

Unlike his siblings, Ted Binion was often in the limelight. In June 1997, Binion’s home was sprayed with bullets in a drive-by shooting.

Two months later, Binion got into an argument with a gas station attendant and later returned to threaten the man with a shotgun.