What would it take to get Miss Sarah to put her story telling skills to the morass of confusion surrounding the Art Bell story? Some of us old listeners of Coast to Coast from the high desert of Parump, NV have never been told what really happened those few fateful years ago. What better way to finally be informed than by the Wonderhussy! Yay!
Art's life was full of a lot of drama, especially in his last 20 years. He retired and came back multiple times because of legal issues and a terrible sexual assault committed against his son, and he was slandered by other radio hosts (mostly infamously Michael Savage) for who knows what reasons besides jealousy! People in the same industry can be such shits against each other! There was a lot of ugliness that happened around Art. I don't know how much of it he brought on himself BUT he was the most successful late night AM host in the country for years... Being #1 automatically make a target for people who want to be in your position!!! He was NOT popular with a lot of people who hated the conspiracy stories and thought he was spreading lies. I don't know what their problem was because the show is what it was. I guess a lot of us skeptics would have LIKED IT BETTER if Art or his successors had challenged some of his wackier guests more but that's not Coast to Coast. I don't listen to C2C now -- and never did much during the Art Bell era(s) -- but the main reason I don't bother anymore is because A) I find the current host incredibly boring; B) the only stand-in host I have use for is George Knapp; and C) the show repeats too many of the same people including guys I can't stand like the remote viewers, etc. I stopped cold turkey years ago! I listened to C2C AM the most during the 3 years I worked a third-shift security job. It was so boring I brought in a portable radio and tuned it in to listen to C2C or BBC (well before BBC went total propaganda). The C2C stuff was weird and I sometimes switched it off because I felt the subject matter was junk but this was during the "return years of Bell" before he left for good. I think Bell got exiled from C2C because of disputes between himself and the people he sold the show to. There were hard feelings between him and his successor, George Noory. Noory's been honest enough to admit it (even I think in retrospect he's far from the ideal host for this program; I think Art died with bitterness because of losing his show to THIS guy!). One thing most people agree is that George Noory is no Art Bell! Sorry! Art's last radio show only lasted a few months and I don't think it could make it on satellite radio. NOTHING is really "making it" on satellite radio. Sirius XM has been losing money since the beginning and most people don't want to bother with satellite radio even if it's offered for free! I was offered free satellite radio which was ridiculous because my current car doesn't have the antenna for it and I wouldn't bother anyway because I don't drive enough! Good luck finding out more info about Art than what is on the web, or what he revealed in his books. I don't think his surviving family would talk. I don't even know where his last wife is living, if she stayed in the US, or went back to the Philippines with Art's last child.
@@jnielsen1956 Pain killers/opiates? Oh, yeah... Those things are addictive! He had a lot of other crap, drama going on. What happened to his son was horrific... and then there were the legal problems with getting his last wife into the country. One thing after another happened and the smoking habit caught up with him. I think the big thing after his son's assault was losing C2C. That has to be the most bitter thing that happened to him professionally. They really stabbed him in the back for a number of years... Now, they really pimp out his old shows and virtually beg people to subscribe to get the old shows from the back catalog! Fans on TH-cam still work around this because I don't think a lot of people want money to go back to the company that owns C2C or George Noory. I have no beef, no personal stake in this but this is what I gather from what I've heard, read, and observed over the years.
When big money comes in the door, a lot of things fly out the window. If all the people who mysteriously met their end In Nevada, came back, they could hold a convention. What a great story .
My great grandmother's cousin worked for Benny Binion in Dallas back in the 40's when Benny was running numbers and illegal gambling dens all over North Texas. Whenever Benny had a problem with someone he would send my relative out to take care of the problem, there is said to be a dozen or more bodies buried around Lake Worth that are connected to Benny.
The bodies were buried around Lake Worth because all of that land is owned by the federal govt. because Lake worth is adjacent to Carswell AFB (Now NAS Carswell). Therefore, unless the tract was leased to a homeowner, it was all "No Trespassing" and therefore very unlikely that anyone would ever dig anything up.
Fantastic video! I learned in Las Vegas at the time of that case really fascinating! I was a real estate broker from 1990 to 2010. You mentioned a cohort of Tony splottro I worked with his brother who claimed he was not in the life listing his home for sale. I used to drop him off at the Orleans to play poker frequently. This was after Tony and his other brothers were killed in Chicago. The house he had for sale was pretty nice, over 5000 ft.² custom home on half an acre in the southwest. Tony was required by the mafia to come to Las Vegas to oversee the casino they were scamming via I think it was Sam Rothstein and I think it was the sands or The Stardust. Anyway he must have had his brother come to live in Vegas. When I worked with him he wasn’t working and I often wondered if he wasn’t involved in the mafia where did he get his money for a house like that. A piece of trivia.
I lived down Bonanza rd from Bennies house - it was a huge lot landscaped with large lawns and mature trees along with stables in the back - brought back some good times - Thanks!
My Uncle was a Cattleman and knew Binion through the livestock business. Binion always wanted my Uncle to come to Vegas where he would "roll out the red carpet". My Uncle wasn't a "Las Vegas Type" so never did go down there. My Uncle suggested that I go instead but I never did.
Sarah should have never left Vegas. This was the best video she has produced imo in a long while. Sandy Murphy got out of jail and married an art dealer out Cali. way. Wonderhussy is a part of Las Vegas.
You are such an amazing storyteller!! I always watch all your videos, which I rarely do to any other of my subscriptions. Your on-screen presence is so enjoyable to obsreve. You are very creative, and entertaining. I hope you soon get 1m subs, because you certainly deserve that large of an audience. Keep the videos coming! God bless!
Sara, Where the Ditch begins is where about the Vault was. I was out there in the Late 90s having Lunch with my Dad at the Burger King and we saw them digging up the Vault (just Behind the Burger Kind were the Pahrump Nugget is now (was the site of the Vault)) . There use to be a Vent Silo that was on site, locals said that he Silo use to be a Grain Milling Site. My dad and I look at each other and ask "What in the Hell are they Digging up"? the Vault was LARGE, about the size of a Connex (8X40). My Mom said they got caught when they made the attempt to move the Vault on a Tractor Flatbed Trailer at night. They had put it on and started to leave when the Trailer broke in half was was ripping/digging up HWY 160 through town. The Sheriffs stopped them and that's where everything started to unravel for this caper/Murder Mystery....
Never heard of the property behind Smith's being Teds. I know of Ted's property behind Walmart, not directly behind Walmart, but about three plots West behind Walmart on the North side of East Wilson Road. There was a fire on the property a few weeks ago. I knew Becky Binion Behnen between 1978 and 1980, she was as ruthless as her dad.
Sarah...I always find your stories about the seedier side of Las Vegas to be some of your best. I'm sure you have a few more and I would love for you to share them with us. Thanks!
Binions was the last place in Vegas that operated like the Vegas of the 1960s and 80s. That is to say cheap accommodations and cheap quality food, free drinks at the betting tables and slot machines with good customer service and genuine VIP treatment for VIPs or near VIPs. You just were expected to haunt the casino hard making constant (if not always large) bets. Back then it was good adult fun if you could look like you were gambling more than you were. Usually The House could turn a profit if you made the slightest mis step. (A little money laundering on the side helped The House a lot.) Now all the casinos are run by corporations trying to max out profits for their investors and CEOs any way they can so they nickel and dime you on everything. It’s sad and telling a bunch of mobsters (and pretty crazy mobsters at that) could run a joint better than Ivy League MBAs.
Yea I remember the silver hoard. He took the best of the Morgan silver dollars collected from the slot machines( blows my mind actual silver dollars were used at one time in slot machines rather than the tokens used today) and stored them. A home shopping channel on television got a hold of these silver dollars and sold them as individual pieces (graded by grading company like NGC) to the public. Yes I collected Morgan silver dollars at one time. The same shopping network sold those 10,000 dollar bills used to make up that one million dollar photo op.
Super Sleuth Sara digs up another mystery. Keep 'em coming! Also when are you going to head up to Cerro Gordo to see Brent? That's the one I'm waiting for... 😊
Hi Wonderhussy, fascinating story! Wouldn’t you know, just a few days after viewing it I came across an article on the vault they found 12 feet under Ted’s Pahrump home. All that silver went to his daughter and she’s been selling it off. People are actually paying extra for old silver dollars certified to be part of the “Binion collection!”
Dang ! These stories of Las Vegas. What a wild place. I say it is brilliant of Sarah to bring forward these stories/records. I'm all ears! Very interesting indeed. Keep up the good work!!
Wow, such an interesting series of events. I remember the Casino had all the money out that you could take a photo with. There are so many stories/events attributed to him. Thank you for sharing this with us, from Henrico County Virginia
Worked for the Fred Harvey company in death valley in the 80s and used to drive the dirt roads to pahrump before they were paid in some parts of the story but wasn't sure now I'm positive have a nice day thanks have fun in the desert
I love that story. That was really interesting. I remember years ago hearing about some of it, but never got the whole scoop on it. Thanks, Wonderhussy!!!
Thanks for producing this vlog of Binions. I still have memories of the good times I enjoyed while visiting the Horseshoe in Downtown Vegas. You did a great job doing your presentation. Keep-up the great work and continue to be that awesome young lady! Stay safe and happy. 🧧🤙😄
*Loved* hearing your take on this crazy story!! I was just googling where Ted's property might be in Pahrump, since I'm getting to know Pahrump. I'll look at the Pahrump Smiths in a whole new light, haha! ❤️
Interesting story Wonderhussy and a very informative video. I wonder where you got all the information. You seem to keep us well inform about the shady dealings in your area. And now that you got your truck back you can take some back water adventures.
Well done! I actually went to parties hosted by them with my late wife. We did no dope, but fear not; we dun sum drinkin'! LOL That Rick gent had a leased truck, not a company. He was as vial as the day is long. Smurf, as we called her, was a serious diz-wit that would follow any treasure map that led to Gucci. Ted was your typical rich guy conflicted with money vs. friendship syndrome. He was a stoner, but not with a psychotic severity. I never saw suicide, yet the OD didn't shock anybody. You explained it as if you'd been there. Lots and lots of question marks. We rode in many limos in those days. It was a sad ending. Almost a guilt complex, considering all the fun that turned south like it did. Alas, Vegas. Thx!
Nice video WH, I remember watching a couple of crime drama TV shows years ago about Ted Binion's 'murder/drug overdose' and his buried treasure, very interesting !
Great story, Wonderhussy. Every time I think of mobsters and people who do dirt. I think of that scene in _The Return of the King_ when Frodo is taken to the castle tower like outpost in Mordor. The goblins and the orcs get into a fight over his mithril mail, then proceed to wipe each other out in a matter of minutes. I mean, it seems that every malevolent government, mob family or group of criminals' story has the same ending. The only difference is the number of bodies left in their wake. There is always a point in the story where all reason is abandoned. It's like whoever writes their story, as they live it, is forced to write the same conclusion. Every time I hear about, read about or watch a movie about these people I think, I know how this is going to end. But, it's fun to watch how creative real people get to achieve that preordained final act. Always thinking that they will become the exception to the rule and be the last man standing holding all the ill gotten booty. Oh, the charm of a pirate's bitter pill, the curse of the bejeweled grave. Fifteen men on a dead man's chest Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum Drink and the devil had done for the rest Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum. Twas a cutlass swipe or an ounce of lead Or a yawing hole in a battered head And the scuppers' glut with a rotting red And there they lay, aye, damn my eyes Looking up at paradise All souls bound just contrariwise Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.
Hey Sarah, great video but, wrong location, the silver was buried next door by the old Cotton Gin, where the Pahrump Nugget is now located. There is much more to this story, no one would have found the folks digging it u if a deputy hadn’t investigated construction equipment in the location on a Sunday. There were rumors the sheriff had told people to ignore the construction equipment. Binion also owned land nearby that looked like a genuine mob hangout, a huge ranch with gazelles and wild life, it’s behind the Walmart and rumor is there is still treasure buried. A further interesting note, Google censors searches in the 1998 attempt to steal the silver. Use Duck Duck go to get any real info
I knew the guy who sold Ted his last bit of heroin. They grew up in the same neighborhood and had been friends from a very young age. He said Ted bought his regular balloon and did it before he left. Ted knew exactly how much he could do. It wasn't a case of Ted quitting then over dosing because his resistance had been lowered. He never quit. So, there was no way he over dosed. The heroin that was in his stomach had been added after my friend went home. Sandy was the only one who was there. She hated his drug habit. She envisioned herself driving luxury cars and being elegant, not wiping Ted's butt. Everyone who knew them was positive she did it. I still am. Yes, Ted was a drug addict but he didn't deserve to fall in love with a black widow gold digger. Crazy times. PS, When Sandy was going through the house picking up items for insurance paperwork, her actions wete beyond strange. One day, I hope she gets what she deserves.
Another wonderful story Sarah thank you. You're so good at telling stories I don't know why you don't have millions of listeners I think somehow because your name I think TH-cam tries to hide you sometimes
Very interesting…I’d love to see you do a series of videos on many of the other colorful characters and/or infamous crimes and historical events that occurred in Las Vegas.
Hey Sarah, The vault was where the Burger King now stands. If you drive down Crawford Way heading towards Wheeler pass you will see a place called preferred RV Resort, right across from there which will place you behind the nugget you will see giant chunks of concrete, rubble rebar etc. those are the remains of the vault after it was demolished. Keep up the great work really enjoy your videos.😉
WH you did a excellent job telling this story. I remember following every detail back when it happened. The one aspect I will never forget is the paramedics taking Sandy away the day Ted died. The theatrics were way over the top.
Hi I'm from northern Michigan. I spent last winter in Arizona. While I was there I visited a mining town called Bagdad. It was so cool the drive out to it was through the Prescott valley. It was so beautiful. Maybe you can do a video on that place.
There is stuff buried all over Vegas. I was sent to the jobsite of the Aladdin Casino to fix a piece of equipment when they were preparing the Aladdin for demolition. On that day as they were digging under a parking lot to access utilities they dug into a buried cache of $1 slot machine tokens, said to be in the millions. I could get nowhere near as that shut the whole jobsite down, and cops were everywhere. I told the cop who quickly confronted me I needed to get in to fix some equipment. He said "Not today you're not." Supposedly, the coins were reburied (I doubt that).
Harrah's initially agreed in January 2004, to buy the Horseshoe in a $50 million deal, mostly in the form of assumed Horseshoe liabilities. They instantly recouped $10 million of that $50 million, by liquidating the Million dollar Horseshoe of pristine, ten thousand dollar bills. In February, Harrah's negotiated another agreement with MTR to buy the Horseshoe directly from owner Becky Binion Behnen for an undisclosed amount. Harrah's would still pick up the brand name and the World Series of Poker, which were its main interests in the original deal. You gave me a much broader picture of the deal than I previously had. It was definitely a great deal for both Harrah's and MTR gaming. Thanks for, as Paul Harvey said, "the rest of the story," Wonderhussy.
This video brings back memories. At the time I used to be the Limo Driver for the Crazy Horse 2 where Rick Tabish hung out frequently at night. I would take Rick from Strip Club to Strip Club often. Wonderhussy's video is reasonably accurate. However, I had no idea what was about to happen.
When I lived briefly in Las Vegas in early 80s there was a saying that at least once a week, a body would mysteriously be found out in the desert. Whether true or not, one needed to keep all one's chips in a row, so to speak, or you might not live to tell another tale about one's winnings at the tables or in one's hotel room.
It was insane while all that bru-ha-ha was going on! I never was totally convinced those two had done it. But it sure looked suspicious. It was crazy. Nice one WH!! Stay safe out there, don’t go looking for Binion treasure!! 😂😂❤️❤️
Smiths was there back in the 90's. Burger King wasn't built yet. 160 & 372 was still a 4 way stop. Terribles Casino (now Gold Town Casino) was there. Vault was around the Southwest part of the Pahrump Nugget. They had construction equipment surrounding the area they were digging at. That's what I remembered growing up.
I've only stayed in Parump so I can't compete with all of the interesting comments that precede me. But I'd never have thunk it!! Sarah, you manage to find the underbelly of the most boring looking places. To everyone, I recommend finding Wonderhussy's many stories about the weirder parts of Las Vegas...even weirder than the houses she vlogged about last week.
That was very interesting. I’m heading to Death Valley with my grandson this next Saturday, spending Saturday nite in Pahrump. Coming from Ohio. Keep up the interesting videos.
While I lived in Las Vegas for 29 years I knew Sandy Murphy. She used to visit a now closed bar where I used to frequent. This bar was closed to her home so Sandy was a somewhat regular patron. Sandy Murphy always carried three cell phones with her. One being paid for by Teddy Binion, one for Sandy’s business and was her private line. I was fortunate enough to be be in the bar when Sandy went to the bar the day after Teddy shaved all the hair off his body. Sandy was sure to mention the fact that he had done that for “hygienic” reasons. Sandy would always stop at the bar after each day of the trial. One day she was so thrilled as to the days events that she even pulled her top up and flashed her boobs to the patrons of the bar. Ah, how I miss seeing Sandy Murphy walk into my favorite watering hole!
Never met Ted (that I'm aware of, although I spent a lot of time at the Horseshoe in the '90s), but met Jack more than once during the WSOP events and then later at the Horseshoe in Tunica. I have no idea if Tabish or Murphy killed Ted, but I take exception to characterizing the first trial as being overturned on a "technicality." That "technicality" was the fact that judge Bonaventure had run an unfair trial. This is not uncommon; judges often help the prosecution by putting their thumb on the scale of admissibility. Amongst other tactics, Bonaventure had allowed the prosecution to join into the trial another violent crime that Tabish had been charged with -- but Murphy had not -- thus unfairly bolstering the murder charges against both. The court of appeals would have let the verdict stand but found no significant evidence of guilt. Perhaps it could be said that any trial that gets overturned is overturned on a "technicality", but those "technicalities" are rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including the right to a fair trial.
A super story on Ted Binion. And super research behing the man himself. It amazes me the character and the strenghts behind men like Ted. So gifted and brave. Really a giant of a man.
back in the day i shook Benny Binion's hand. Jack was bizz, Ted was wacko. Benny died the day after Christmas. Becky was bizz also. Should have kept the dang silver dollars in the Horseshoe basement. And me and my old bubby used to eat in the steakhouse in the Horseshoe basement, he had pretty much unlimited R F B . Room, food, and beverage. The tourists would look at us funny when we would go to the front of the line , 8 am, order steak and eggs, champagne , and huge 5 inch long shrimp. Truly the good old days. Thanks for the memorys Wonderful Hussy.
Hi Sarah..., "WOW" Great true story... I read several books on the account, and everything you said is..., ( true )... * One Question: "Was it Sandy or Rick..., who was from Missoula, Montana ?" Other videos on the story have said, "Sandy lives a quiet life in southern California." Excellent video, and thank you for sharing the video... Mike in Montana P.S.: "May I wish you and yours a very "Happy Saint Patrick's Day"... :)
Hussy, have you ever done a video like this about Art Bell & his influence in Pahrump & radio etc.. bet that would go over well, he was great..
Yep, I did like his Coast to Coast AM.
Maybe a story about George Knapp, as well.
What would it take to get Miss Sarah to put her story telling skills to the morass of confusion surrounding the Art Bell story? Some of us old listeners of Coast to Coast from the high desert of Parump, NV have never been told what really happened those few fateful years ago. What better way to finally be informed than by the Wonderhussy! Yay!
Great idea!
Art's life was full of a lot of drama, especially in his last 20 years. He retired and came back multiple times because of legal issues and a terrible sexual assault committed against his son, and he was slandered by other radio hosts (mostly infamously Michael Savage) for who knows what reasons besides jealousy! People in the same industry can be such shits against each other! There was a lot of ugliness that happened around Art. I don't know how much of it he brought on himself BUT he was the most successful late night AM host in the country for years... Being #1 automatically make a target for people who want to be in your position!!!
He was NOT popular with a lot of people who hated the conspiracy stories and thought he was spreading lies. I don't know what their problem was because the show is what it was. I guess a lot of us skeptics would have LIKED IT BETTER if Art or his successors had challenged some of his wackier guests more but that's not Coast to Coast. I don't listen to C2C now -- and never did much during the Art Bell era(s) -- but the main reason I don't bother anymore is because A) I find the current host incredibly boring; B) the only stand-in host I have use for is George Knapp; and C) the show repeats too many of the same people including guys I can't stand like the remote viewers, etc. I stopped cold turkey years ago! I listened to C2C AM the most during the 3 years I worked a third-shift security job. It was so boring I brought in a portable radio and tuned it in to listen to C2C or BBC (well before BBC went total propaganda). The C2C stuff was weird and I sometimes switched it off because I felt the subject matter was junk but this was during the "return years of Bell" before he left for good.
I think Bell got exiled from C2C because of disputes between himself and the people he sold the show to. There were hard feelings between him and his successor, George Noory. Noory's been honest enough to admit it (even I think in retrospect he's far from the ideal host for this program; I think Art died with bitterness because of losing his show to THIS guy!). One thing most people agree is that George Noory is no Art Bell! Sorry!
Art's last radio show only lasted a few months and I don't think it could make it on satellite radio. NOTHING is really "making it" on satellite radio. Sirius XM has been losing money since the beginning and most people don't want to bother with satellite radio even if it's offered for free! I was offered free satellite radio which was ridiculous because my current car doesn't have the antenna for it and I wouldn't bother anyway because I don't drive enough!
Good luck finding out more info about Art than what is on the web, or what he revealed in his books. I don't think his surviving family would talk. I don't even know where his last wife is living, if she stayed in the US, or went back to the Philippines with Art's last child.
That is a great idea ! Loved listening to Art Bell
In one of her videos she pointed out Art Bells studio (and home?) location.
@@jnielsen1956 Pain killers/opiates?
Oh, yeah... Those things are addictive!
He had a lot of other crap, drama going on. What happened to his son was horrific... and then there were the legal problems with getting his last wife into the country. One thing after another happened and the smoking habit caught up with him.
I think the big thing after his son's assault was losing C2C. That has to be the most bitter thing that happened to him professionally. They really stabbed him in the back for a number of years... Now, they really pimp out his old shows and virtually beg people to subscribe to get the old shows from the back catalog! Fans on TH-cam still work around this because I don't think a lot of people want money to go back to the company that owns C2C or George Noory.
I have no beef, no personal stake in this but this is what I gather from what I've heard, read, and observed over the years.
When big money comes in the door, a lot of things fly out the window. If all the people who mysteriously met their end In Nevada, came back, they could hold a convention. What a great story .
My great grandmother's cousin worked for Benny Binion in Dallas back in the 40's when Benny was running numbers and illegal gambling dens all over North Texas. Whenever Benny had a problem with someone he would send my relative out to take care of the problem, there is said to be a dozen or more bodies buried around Lake Worth that are connected to Benny.
The bodies were buried around Lake Worth because all of that land is owned by the federal govt. because Lake worth is adjacent to Carswell AFB (Now NAS Carswell). Therefore, unless the tract was leased to a homeowner, it was all "No Trespassing" and therefore very unlikely that anyone would ever dig anything up.
Thanks for another great story from the greatest storyteller on TH-cam.
Fantastic video! I learned in Las Vegas at the time of that case really fascinating! I was a real estate broker from 1990 to 2010. You mentioned a cohort of Tony splottro I worked with his brother who claimed he was not in the life listing his home for sale. I used to drop him off at the Orleans to play poker frequently. This was after Tony and his other brothers were killed in Chicago. The house he had for sale was pretty nice, over 5000 ft.² custom home on half an acre in the southwest. Tony was required by the mafia to come to Las Vegas to oversee the casino they were scamming via I think it was Sam Rothstein and I think it was the sands or The Stardust. Anyway he must have had his brother come to live in Vegas. When I worked with him he wasn’t working and I often wondered if he wasn’t involved in the mafia where did he get his money for a house like that. A piece of trivia.
Sam Rothstein was the character that was played by Robert DeNiro in ‘Casino’. The character was based on Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal.
Did you never see The Godfather?
I lived down Bonanza rd from Bennies house - it was a huge lot landscaped with large lawns and mature trees along with stables in the back - brought back some good times - Thanks!
My Uncle was a Cattleman and knew Binion through the livestock business. Binion always wanted my Uncle to come to Vegas where he would "roll out the red carpet". My Uncle wasn't a "Las Vegas Type" so never did go down there. My Uncle suggested that I go instead but I never did.
Thanks WH. What an interesting and compelling story. The intriguing and mysterious stories you dig into are always amazing!
Great job Sarah !! I could watch your stories all day, please keep it up.....
Sarah should have never left Vegas. This was the best video she has produced imo in a long while. Sandy Murphy got out of jail and married an art dealer out Cali. way. Wonderhussy is a part of Las Vegas.
Nicely presented an interesting and curious tale. Well done.
You’re the best storyteller, ever. I always learn something of interest, when I watch your videos. Thank you!
You are such an amazing storyteller!! I always watch all your videos, which I rarely do to any other of my subscriptions. Your on-screen presence is so enjoyable to obsreve. You are very creative, and entertaining. I hope you soon get 1m subs, because you certainly deserve that large of an audience. Keep the videos coming! God bless!
Sarah, thanks for sharing this with us that watch your channel. Well done young lady.
Watched both Wonderhussy videos today. My Wednesday is complete.
You're a great story teller, Sarah.
Sara, Where the Ditch begins is where about the Vault was. I was out there in the Late 90s having Lunch with my Dad at the Burger King and we saw them digging up the Vault (just Behind the Burger Kind were the Pahrump Nugget is now (was the site of the Vault)) . There use to be a Vent Silo that was on site, locals said that he Silo use to be a Grain Milling Site. My dad and I look at each other and ask "What in the Hell are they Digging up"? the Vault was LARGE, about the size of a Connex (8X40). My Mom said they got caught when they made the attempt to move the Vault on a Tractor Flatbed Trailer at night. They had put it on and started to leave when the Trailer broke in half was was ripping/digging up HWY 160 through town. The Sheriffs stopped them and that's where everything started to unravel for this caper/Murder Mystery....
You have no idea how traumatized I am that you refer to the 1990's as 'Way Back When.'
Great job climbing the ladder. I knew you would do it. Love your channel.
Never heard of the property behind Smith's being Teds. I know of Ted's property behind Walmart, not directly behind Walmart, but about three plots West behind Walmart on the North side of East Wilson Road. There was a fire on the property a few weeks ago. I knew Becky Binion Behnen between 1978 and 1980, she was as ruthless as her dad.
Sarah...I always find your stories about the seedier side of Las Vegas to be some of your best. I'm sure you have a few more and I would love for you to share them with us. Thanks!
That's quite the wild yarn Lass - and well told! Well researched too - time to get the GPR out and stroll around some of those areas!
Binions was the last place in Vegas that operated like the Vegas of the 1960s and 80s. That is to say cheap accommodations and cheap quality food, free drinks at the betting tables and slot machines with good customer service and genuine VIP treatment for VIPs or near VIPs. You just were expected to haunt the casino hard making constant (if not always large) bets. Back then it was good adult fun if you could look like you were gambling more than you were. Usually The House could turn a profit if you made the slightest mis step. (A little money laundering on the side helped The House a lot.)
Now all the casinos are run by corporations trying to max out profits for their investors and CEOs any way they can so they nickel and dime you on everything. It’s sad and telling a bunch of mobsters (and pretty crazy mobsters at that) could run a joint better than Ivy League MBAs.
Yea I remember the silver hoard. He took the best of the Morgan silver dollars collected from the slot machines( blows my mind actual silver dollars were used at one time in slot machines rather than the tokens used today) and stored them. A home shopping channel on television got a hold of these silver dollars and sold them as individual pieces (graded by grading company like NGC) to the public. Yes I collected Morgan silver dollars at one time. The same shopping network sold those 10,000 dollar bills used to make up that one million dollar photo op.
Super Sleuth Sara digs up another mystery. Keep 'em coming! Also when are you going to head up to Cerro Gordo to see Brent? That's the one I'm waiting for... 😊
And now Bally's is set to get a remodel as the Horseshoe this year..... interesting history, thanks Sarah!
Hi Wonderhussy, fascinating story! Wouldn’t you know, just a few days after viewing it I came across an article on the vault they found 12 feet under Ted’s Pahrump home. All that silver went to his daughter and she’s been selling it off. People are actually paying extra for old silver dollars certified to be part of the “Binion collection!”
Yeah Geraldo Rivera's going to dig it up. Oh no not again
Dang ! These stories of Las Vegas. What a wild place. I say it is brilliant of Sarah to bring forward these stories/records. I'm all ears! Very interesting indeed. Keep up the good work!!
Love these story episodes Sarah.
Great story telling as always wonder girl. I recall this story well and thought I heard sandy died some years ago. Thanks for story time.
Wow, such an interesting series of events. I remember the Casino had all the money out that you could take a photo with. There are so many stories/events attributed to him. Thank you for sharing this with us, from Henrico County Virginia
Great video! You must have put a ton of effort in that story. You rock Sarah!
Worked for the Fred Harvey company in death valley in the 80s and used to drive the dirt roads to pahrump before they were paid in some parts of the story but wasn't sure now I'm positive have a nice day thanks have fun in the desert
I love that story. That was really interesting. I remember years ago hearing about some of it, but never got the whole scoop on it. Thanks, Wonderhussy!!!
That's awesome !
I love History ❤
I'd like to hear more and see more histories around Vegas
Thanks for producing this vlog of Binions. I still have memories of the good times I enjoyed while visiting the Horseshoe in Downtown Vegas. You did a great job doing your presentation. Keep-up the great work and continue to be that awesome young lady! Stay safe and happy. 🧧🤙😄
*Loved* hearing your take on this crazy story!! I was just googling where Ted's property might be in Pahrump, since I'm getting to know Pahrump. I'll look at the Pahrump Smiths in a whole new light, haha! ❤️
Interesting story Wonderhussy and a very informative video. I wonder where you got all the information. You seem to keep us well inform about the shady dealings in your area. And now that you got your truck back you can take some back water adventures.
Great video Sarah 👍 The binion story has always been fascinating. Keep up the good work Ms. 🤙🙏👍
My late wife and I got a picture of us in front of the big money, what a memory. Thanks Wonder Hussy for sharing this 💞. Those were the days.
All your videos are great but this one was very interesting because of being so recent. GOOD JOB! THANKS. Steve in Rhome tx
That fun & exciting story....thanx4sharing.
Well done! I actually went to parties hosted by them with my late wife. We did no dope, but fear not; we dun sum drinkin'! LOL That Rick gent had a leased truck, not a company. He was as vial as the day is long. Smurf, as we called her, was a serious diz-wit that would follow any treasure map that led to Gucci. Ted was your typical rich guy conflicted with money vs. friendship syndrome. He was a stoner, but not with a psychotic severity. I never saw suicide, yet the OD didn't shock anybody. You explained it as if you'd been there. Lots and lots of question marks. We rode in many limos in those days. It was a sad ending. Almost a guilt complex, considering all the fun that turned south like it did. Alas, Vegas. Thx!
Nice video WH, I remember watching a couple of crime drama TV shows years ago about Ted Binion's 'murder/drug overdose' and his buried treasure, very interesting !
Great story, Wonderhussy.
Every time I think of mobsters and people who do dirt. I think of that scene in _The Return of the King_ when Frodo is taken to the castle tower like outpost in Mordor. The goblins and the orcs get into a fight over his mithril mail, then proceed to wipe each other out in a matter of minutes. I mean, it seems that every malevolent government, mob family or group of criminals' story has the same ending. The only difference is the number of bodies left in their wake. There is always a point in the story where all reason is abandoned. It's like whoever writes their story, as they live it, is forced to write the same conclusion. Every time I hear about, read about or watch a movie about these people I think, I know how this is going to end. But, it's fun to watch how creative real people get to achieve that preordained final act. Always thinking that they will become the exception to the rule and be the last man standing holding all the ill gotten booty.
Oh, the charm of a pirate's bitter pill, the curse of the bejeweled grave.
Fifteen men on a dead man's chest
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum
Drink and the devil had done for the rest
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.
Twas a cutlass swipe or an ounce of lead
Or a yawing hole in a battered head
And the scuppers' glut with a rotting red
And there they lay, aye, damn my eyes
Looking up at paradise
All souls bound just contrariwise
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.
Another great video and storyline!
Thanks again!!
Hey Sarah, great video but, wrong location, the silver was buried next door by the old Cotton Gin, where the Pahrump Nugget is now located.
There is much more to this story, no one would have found the folks digging it u if a deputy hadn’t investigated construction equipment in the location on a Sunday. There were rumors the sheriff had told people to ignore the construction equipment.
Binion also owned land nearby that looked like a genuine mob hangout, a huge ranch with gazelles and wild life, it’s behind the Walmart and rumor is there is still treasure buried.
A further interesting note, Google censors searches in the 1998 attempt to steal the silver. Use Duck Duck go to get any real info
I knew the guy who sold Ted his last bit of heroin. They grew up in the same neighborhood and had been friends from a very young age. He said Ted bought his regular balloon and did it before he left. Ted knew exactly how much he could do. It wasn't a case of Ted quitting then over dosing because his resistance had been lowered. He never quit. So, there was no way he over dosed. The heroin that was in his stomach had been added after my friend went home. Sandy was the only one who was there. She hated his drug habit. She envisioned herself driving luxury cars and being elegant, not wiping Ted's butt. Everyone who knew them was positive she did it. I still am. Yes, Ted was a drug addict but he didn't deserve to fall in love with a black widow gold digger. Crazy times. PS, When Sandy was going through the house picking up items for insurance paperwork, her actions wete beyond strange. One day, I hope she gets what she deserves.
Another wonderful story Sarah thank you.
You're so good at telling stories I don't know why you don't have millions of listeners I think somehow because your name I think TH-cam tries to hide you sometimes
I was tired and listened to the video twice tonight it helped me fall asleep.
Very interesting…I’d love to see you do a series of videos on many of the other colorful characters and/or infamous crimes and historical events that occurred in Las Vegas.
Hey Sarah, The vault was where the Burger King now stands. If you drive down Crawford Way heading towards Wheeler pass you will see a place called preferred RV Resort, right across from there which will place you behind the nugget you will see giant chunks of concrete, rubble rebar etc. those are the remains of the vault after it was demolished. Keep up the great work really enjoy your videos.😉
Im crazy bout buried treasure. Especially old treasure in the desert! Thank you amiga!
I think I heard a little about the Binions a long time ago. Thanks for filling us in with all the juicy details.
WH you did a excellent job telling this story. I remember following every detail back when it happened. The one aspect I will never forget is the paramedics taking Sandy away the day Ted died. The theatrics were way over the top.
Hi I'm from northern Michigan. I spent last winter in Arizona. While I was there I visited a mining town called Bagdad. It was so cool the drive out to it was through the Prescott valley. It was so beautiful. Maybe you can do a video on that place.
Better and more concise than the 20/20 version which is 2 hours long. It is one interesting story.
Just joining your channel thanks to Larry! Great videos!
There is stuff buried all over Vegas. I was sent to the jobsite of the Aladdin Casino to fix a piece of equipment when they were preparing the Aladdin for demolition. On that day as they were digging under a parking lot to access utilities they dug into a buried cache of $1 slot machine tokens, said to be in the millions. I could get nowhere near as that shut the whole jobsite down, and cops were everywhere. I told the cop who quickly confronted me I needed to get in to fix some equipment. He said "Not today you're not." Supposedly, the coins were reburied (I doubt that).
This iss the kind of story that I love, real life stories.
Thanks Sarah. I've driven by that ranch house many times but never realized it was Benny's.
Harrah's initially agreed in January 2004, to buy the Horseshoe in a $50 million deal, mostly in the form of assumed Horseshoe liabilities. They instantly recouped $10 million of that $50 million, by liquidating the Million dollar Horseshoe of pristine, ten thousand dollar bills. In February, Harrah's negotiated another agreement with MTR to buy the Horseshoe directly from owner Becky Binion Behnen for an undisclosed amount. Harrah's would still pick up the brand name and the World Series of Poker, which were its main interests in the original deal. You gave me a much broader picture of the deal than I previously had. It was definitely a great deal for both Harrah's and MTR gaming. Thanks for, as Paul Harvey said, "the rest of the story," Wonderhussy.
Another great vid! Be safe,sarah!
You are a wonderful story teller! Love your videos.
This video brings back memories. At the time I used to be the Limo Driver for the Crazy Horse 2 where Rick Tabish hung out frequently at night. I would take Rick from Strip Club to Strip Club often. Wonderhussy's video is reasonably accurate. However, I had no idea what was about to happen.
Wonder world was right around the corner.. nice job..
Always entertaining.........Thank you!
Good One Sarah! Regards from Ody Slim
verrrrryyy interesting.......................... great story and story telling...............!!!
When I lived briefly in Las Vegas in early 80s there was a saying that at least once a week, a body would mysteriously be found out in the desert. Whether true or not, one needed to keep all one's chips in a row, so to speak, or you might not live to tell another tale about one's winnings at the tables or in one's hotel room.
It was insane while all that bru-ha-ha was going on! I never was totally convinced those two had done it. But it sure looked suspicious. It was crazy. Nice one WH!! Stay safe out there, don’t go looking for Binion treasure!! 😂😂❤️❤️
Panhump and all the places you bean on the last videos it just amazing to see home 🤠 Nevada thru your eyes 🤩🙌🏻 always great videos. God bless 🇺🇲📍
Great Story...and you are a Great Story Teller
Gold bars in the Desert. Great Video, 🃏🃏🃏🃏🃏 at Binion's . I remember this, trial on court TV
Great video this the kind of stories we wanna hear about old Vegas. Well done
I remember watching that trial on television, it was awesome! I guess money really can't solve everyone's problems?
wow!! look how many subscribers now! congrats to you and well deserved!
Smiths was there back in the 90's. Burger King wasn't built yet. 160 & 372 was still a 4 way stop. Terribles Casino (now Gold Town Casino) was there. Vault was around the Southwest part of the Pahrump Nugget. They had construction equipment surrounding the area they were digging at. That's what I remembered growing up.
I've only stayed in Parump so I can't compete with all of the interesting comments that precede me. But I'd never have thunk it!! Sarah, you manage to find the underbelly of the most boring looking places. To everyone, I recommend finding Wonderhussy's many stories about the weirder parts of Las Vegas...even weirder than the houses she vlogged about last week.
That was very interesting. I’m heading to Death Valley with my grandson this next Saturday, spending Saturday nite in Pahrump. Coming from Ohio. Keep up the interesting videos.
Love Wonderhussys videos. Need more hot springs time.
While I lived in Las Vegas for 29 years I knew Sandy Murphy. She used to visit a now closed bar where I used to frequent. This bar was closed to her home so Sandy was a somewhat regular patron. Sandy Murphy always carried three cell phones with her. One being paid for by Teddy Binion, one for Sandy’s business and was her private line. I was fortunate enough to be be in the bar when Sandy went to the bar the day after Teddy shaved all the hair off his body. Sandy was sure to mention the fact that he had done that for “hygienic” reasons. Sandy would always stop at the bar after each day of the trial. One day she was so thrilled as to the days events that she even pulled her top up and flashed her boobs to the patrons of the bar. Ah, how I miss seeing Sandy Murphy walk into my favorite watering hole!
Cool story WH! Love it when you tell us historical facts right from the scene of the crime. J
What a great story teller you are!! 🙂
Thank god for dispensaries. Love listening to you Sarah. Be careful on some of those industrial site visits.
Great story WH. Love the Vegas tales.
You are a phenomenal story teller.
Pretty neat tale! Now I need to see 'Showgirls'!!
I watched the whole trial on court tv. I was riveted!!! Got me hooked on court tv…. And Nancy Grace.✌🏻😂😂😂🤩🤩
Never met Ted (that I'm aware of, although I spent a lot of time at the Horseshoe in the '90s), but met Jack more than once during the WSOP events and then later at the Horseshoe in Tunica. I have no idea if Tabish or Murphy killed Ted, but I take exception to characterizing the first trial as being overturned on a "technicality." That "technicality" was the fact that judge Bonaventure had run an unfair trial. This is not uncommon; judges often help the prosecution by putting their thumb on the scale of admissibility. Amongst other tactics, Bonaventure had allowed the prosecution to join into the trial another violent crime that Tabish had been charged with -- but Murphy had not -- thus unfairly bolstering the murder charges against both. The court of appeals would have let the verdict stand but found no significant evidence of guilt. Perhaps it could be said that any trial that gets overturned is overturned on a "technicality", but those "technicalities" are rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including the right to a fair trial.
Great story, thanks! I believe the vacant land is covered by creosote bush. Didn't see sagebrush.
Happy 200KKKKK Wonderhussy!
I love 💕 the way you tell stories 💕…… you are very interesting and very funny! 😘Love your channel 😘!!
Thank you WH enjoyed the story Very much.
A super story on Ted Binion. And super research behing the man himself. It amazes me the character and the strenghts behind men like Ted. So gifted and brave. Really a giant of a man.
back in the day i shook Benny Binion's hand. Jack was bizz, Ted was wacko. Benny died the day after Christmas. Becky was bizz also. Should have kept the dang silver dollars in the Horseshoe basement. And me and my old bubby used to eat in the steakhouse in the Horseshoe basement, he had pretty much unlimited R F B . Room, food, and beverage. The tourists would look at us funny when we would go to the front of the line , 8 am, order steak and eggs, champagne , and huge 5 inch long shrimp. Truly the good old days. Thanks for the memorys Wonderful Hussy.
Hi Sarah..., "WOW" Great true story... I read several books on the account, and everything you said is..., ( true )... * One Question: "Was it Sandy or Rick..., who was from Missoula, Montana ?" Other videos on the story have said, "Sandy lives a quiet life in southern California." Excellent video, and thank you for sharing the video... Mike in Montana P.S.: "May I wish you and yours a very "Happy Saint Patrick's Day"... :)
Love these videos and your channel!
Great storytelling Wonder.
good story sarah.
Great story Sarah ,
I knew a little about this from my time out West and a tealative who owned the
Sands ...love your tales
Thanks