Las Vegas Considers Removing Living Individual from Casino Black Book
Tradition of Lifetime Exclusion in Las Vegas Casinos
The city of Las Vegas is considering a change to its longstanding policy regarding individuals placed on the so-called Black Book, an exclusion list that bans certain people from all major casinos throughout Nevada. Until now, entry into this registry has meant a permanent ban, typically lasting for the person’s entire life, with removals only occurring posthumously.
The Case of Francis Citro
Francis Citro, who has been barred since November 1991, is at the center of this potential shift. His name has been included on the List of Excluded Persons due to serious past convictions including extortion, racketeering, and conspiracy related to counterfeit credit cards. These offenses, which date back to the 1980s, led to his lifetime casino ban.
Despite his criminal record, Citro’s legal representative claims he has made significant efforts to turn his life around over the past 30 years. Since the early 1990s, Citro has led a low-profile life in Las Vegas, dedicating himself to community-based entertainment and charitable activities. Known for his performances featuring bebop classics, Italian folk music, and humor related to Las Vegas’ historical mob influences, he has also been active in organizing fundraisers and holiday events.
A Request for Reconsideration
Citro’s attorney has petitioned the Nevada Gaming Commission to reconsider his client’s lifelong exclusion from casinos. The Commission must first decide whether to hold a formal hearing to evaluate his request. While the rules technically allow individuals to apply for removal if they can prove substantial rehabilitation, the vague nature of this criterion means that such petitions are rare and approvals even rarer.
Supporters from various sectors of the community, including fellow entertainers and local leaders, have provided letters endorsing Citro’s petition. They argue he has fulfilled his societal obligations and transformed into a positive force within the community.
Implications of the Commission’s Decision
If the Commission agrees to a hearing, it would be the first major case in recent history seeking to lift a lifetime exclusion on a living person. Citro himself intends to attend this proceeding and hopes to regain the ability to perform legally within casino venues—something he has been prohibited from doing for over three decades.
This potential development places the Nevada Gaming Commission at a crossroads, requiring it to reconsider a policy designed to impose permanent penalties in favor of a more flexible approach that acknowledges rehabilitation and change.
