Nationality
American citizen of Jewish heritage
- Direct message
- Leave a review
- Bookmark
- Share
- Report
- prev
- next
Born (date and place of birth)
June 1, 1910 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Residence (current location)
Primarily lived in Las Vegas, Nevada; later spent time and passed away in Los Angeles, California
Year started playing poker
Approximately 1940s as a St. Louis bookmaker, moved into Vegas poker scene post-1948
Age when started playing
Likely in his late 30s to early 40s based on career timeline
Year turned professional
1948 (transitioned to Las Vegas casino and poker career)
First major win (amount, tournament, year)
Trophy for "Most Respected Player" at WSOP event, likely in 1974 when he finished fifth
First important tournament
Early WSOP event participation, notably fifth place in Main Event in 1974
Main motivation for turning pro
Pursuit of action and high-stakes games, driven by love for gambling
Initial bankroll
Earnings from bookmaking business in St. Louis (operation valued at $5 million/year during late 1940s)
Total live tournament winnings
$19,225 in officially recorded WSOP/Hendon Mob tournament cashes
Number of final tables
At least one WSOP Main Event final table (1974, 5th place)
Largest tournament win (amount, tournament, year)
Reported $250,000 won in a single poker hand; fifth place WSOP Main Event 1974 (no payout for that position at the time)
WSOP cashes (number)
At least 1 recorded cash
WSOP final tables
1 (1974 Main Event, 5th place)
Best WSOP Main Event result
5th place, WSOP Main Event 1974
Main cash game limits
Known for playing big-bet poker games, specifics not documented
Highest stakes played
Played high-stakes "Big Game" at Dunes Casino; reported $250,000 single hand win
Notable high stakes sessions
Hosted and participated in Dunes "Big Game" 1969, competed among poker legends
"Big Game" participation
Yes, active participant and host in Dunes Casino big-stakes games
Statistics by year (best/worst year)
Career peaked in 1950s-1970s, WSOP Main Event final table in 1974
Main discipline (Hold'em, Omaha, Mixed games)
Mixed games, No-Limit Hold'em (WSOP Main Event), and big-bet poker
Format specialization (tournaments/cash/online/live)
Primarily live high-stakes cash games and tournaments
Preferred table size (6-max, full ring, heads-up)
Full ring and big-stakes tables (Big Game)
Known formats (NLHE, PLO, HORSE, others)
No-Limit Hold'em, mixed poker, cash games
Specialization limits
High stakes, big bet poker
Favorite casinos/locations
Dunes, Sands, Riviera, Royal Nevada (as co-owner and host)
Style characterization (TAG, LAG, nitty, aggressive)
Aggressive and action-seeking, known as a lively and generous personality at the table
Known for bluffs/traps
Noted for bold, big bet actions and a reputation for being "the action" rather than strictly calculated bluffing
Mathematical or intuitive approach
Intuitive gamer, driven by love for action, rather than systematic mathematical strategies
Style adaptability
Adapted to Vegas casino management and big game environments through decades in the industry
Playing strengths
Casino operations knowledge, attracting high rollers, commanding high-stakes games
Television appearances (list of shows with specific episodes/dates)
Appeared in early poker TV features as Vegas casino boss and player; specifics undocumented
Documentary films featuring (titles and links)
Referenced and featured in various Vegas/poker history documentaries; specifics not detailed
Major publication interviews (publication names, article titles, links)
Willingly profiled by Pulitzer prize sportswriters (e.g., Jim Murray, 1963)
Own business (business names, descriptions, websites)
Co-owner/manager of Las Vegas casinos: Sands, Riviera, Royal Nevada, Dunes
Poker project investments (project names, involvement details)
Invested in multiple Las Vegas casino properties
Poker scandal involvement (scandal names, details, outcomes)
Associated with Mob-connected casino operations in Las Vegas
Legal proceedings (case details, outcomes, court documents)
Managed and operated casinos often linked with Mob involvement; no direct documented legal proceedings
Tournament rule violations (tournament names, violations, penalties)
Nevada gaming board banned casino owners from playing at own casino tables due to Wyman's enthusiasm as a player
Poker community criticism (specific criticisms, responses)
Criticized for alleged Mob connections and running casino operations under scrutiny
Poker industry awards (award names, years, organizations)
Poker Hall of Fame charter member (1979)
Hall of Fame inclusion (hall names, induction years)
Poker Hall of Fame induction, 1979
Peer recognition (specific recognitions, award details)
Voted “Most Respected Player” at early WSOP events
Special achievements (achievement descriptions, recognition details)
Charter member of Poker Hall of Fame, trophy for Most Respected Player, built several iconic Vegas casinos
Records associated with name (record descriptions, verification)
Fifth place in 1974 WSOP Main Event (no payout for that position)
Contribution to poker development (specific contributions, recognition)
Helped popularize high-stakes poker and Vegas casino gaming
Legacy in poker world (specific legacy aspects, community impact)
Legendary character in Las Vegas poker and casino history, remembered as a central figure in mainstreaming poker
Industry influence (specific influences, changes attributed)
Developed and managed key Las Vegas casinos, helped shift poker towards mainstream acceptance
WSOP (World Series of Poker) - all events all years
1974 | United States | WSOP Main Event | Binion's Horseshoe | Main Event | | 5 | | | |
High Stakes cash games
Hosted and participated in Dunes "Big Game" and other high-stakes cash games at Las Vegas casinos
Casino cash game sessions
Dunes Casino high-stakes sessions, 1969, including $250,000 single hand win