PokerGo Releases Legends of the Game Series

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PokerGo has created quite the niche for itself with original poker programming. On Saturday, the online poker streaming service released its new original series, Legends of the Game.

Legends of the Game is a series that will take a look at the history of poker and casino gambling, featuring iconic stories focused primarily on Las Vegas.

Benny Binion Featured in First Episode

The six-episode original series Legends of the Game premiered on Saturday on PokerGo featuring the story of Benny Binion and the origins of the World Series of Poker. While many true poker fans already know the backstory for the WSOP, this episode tells you more about the rise of Binion’s Horseshoe in Las Vegas and gives you details on the formative years of the largest poker series in the world.

Legends of the Game is a limited-run series that will feature the following episodes:

• Benny Binion – The Story of the World Series of Poker
• Stu Ungar – The Tragic Hero (Premiers October 5)
• The Poker Trail – The Birth and Rise of Poker (Premiers October 12)
• Il Ridotto – The Story of the First Casino (Premiers October 19)
• Mob Vegas (Premiers October 26)
• The Incomparable “Chip” Reese (Premiers November 2)

According to Sam Simmons, Poker Central President, “The history of poker has birthed some incredible stories that have shaped the world of gambling today. Our goal is to share these compelling stories to an audience of poker fans and beyond in a way that has never been done before.”

Series Takes Documentary Approach to Poker

The first episode of this series dropped on Saturday and we have already had a chance to review it. The series comes across as a documentary-style portrayal of Benny Binion and his rise to greatness in Las Vegas. Throughout the episode, various poker pros and Poker Hall of Fame members appeared in the series.

Doyle Brunson, Mike Sexton, Jack Binion, and Steve Zolotow are among the most notable players and industry members to make an appearance in the episode. All share stories about Binion and recount the early days of Binion’s Horseshoe as well as their memories of the early years of the World Series of Poker.

For those that only know the World Series of Poker at the Rio in Las Vegas, this episode is a wonderful look back at the history of the WSOP and its original home. Binions Gambling Hall still exists but the Horseshoe name was purchased by Harrah’s Entertainment back in 2004. The WSOP moved to the Rio in 2005 and has been there ever since

One thing that we notice watching this episode is that certain aspects of Binion and certain poker players have been downplayed. For example, when talking about Johnny Moss and Puggy Pearson, a lot of players overlook some of their shady undertakings outside of a few passing mentions.

For example, Moss was once banned from Las Vegas for a cheating scandal, but that was only briefly mentioned. Pearson was well known for being abusive to dealers and staff members at casinos and poker rooms, but that was never really mentioned.

Series Will Be Entertaining Outside Being a Bit Watered Down

For those that do not have a lot of knowledge about Old School Las Vegas and the early days of poker in Sin City, this should be a very entertaining series. For those that have some knowledge of the past, it will probably come across as a watered-down retelling of history.

Of course, this is to be expected from a channel who focuses on promoting the game of poker in general. While we will likely watch the remaining episodes, the show would be better served to give a more “no holds barred” retelling of history.

Photo Credit  – Poker Central