Nevada’s Black Book Faces Potential Updates Amid Controversies
Proposed Revisions to Nevada’s Exclusion List
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is contemplating changes to the state’s notable exclusion list known as the Black Book. Officially termed the List of Excluded Persons, this list prohibits individuals deemed threats to the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry from entering casino premises. Additions to the list are infrequent, and removals are exceptionally rare.
The Controversial Case of Mathew Bowyer
A significant point of discussion involves Mathew Bowyer, a convicted bookmaker implicated in a high-profile sports betting scandal involving figures like Ippei Mizuhara and Shohei Ohtani. Bowyer was sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to charges including running an illegal gambling operation and money laundering. Earlier this year, the NGCB recommended his inclusion on the exclusion list to safeguard the industry.
Board officials stress that this action goes beyond disciplining an individual; it is about preserving Nevada’s reputation as a rigorously regulated gaming hub. Bowyer reportedly operated his illicit bookmaking business openly from within Las Vegas casinos, revealing vulnerabilities in current oversight mechanisms.
Several board members have condemned Bowyer’s conduct as both audacious and harmful. Investigations revealed he not only placed bets at major casino properties but also attempted to steer customers toward his illegal enterprise. Prominent operators like Resorts World Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment incurred significant penalties due to their indirect involvement, spotlighting ongoing compliance challenges.
Frankie Citro’s Potential Removal and Redemption
While Bowyer’s case emphasizes stringent enforcement, another case presents questions about redemption. The NGCB is reviewing the potential removal of Frankie Citro from the Black Book after over thirty years. Citro was added in the early 1990s following convictions related to racketeering and extortion.
Since marking the list, Citro has led a peaceful life in Las Vegas, establishing himself as a performer and respected community member. Advocates argue that his prolonged positive contributions warrant a second chance. If the Board approves his removal, it would mark a rare deviation from the norm, as names on the list have historically only been removed posthumously, signaling a possible shift in regulatory approach.
The Evolving Role of Nevada’s Black Book
These two contrasting cases highlight the transformation of Nevada’s Black Book from a tool primarily targeting organized crime into a dynamic instrument addressing current risks to the state’s gaming reputation. The upcoming decisions by the NGCB may redefine how integrity issues are managed within Nevada’s gambling industry.
