Nevada Considers Updating Its Black Book

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is weighing changes to the state’s infamous Black Book. The list, formally known as Nevada’s List of Excluded Persons, bans individuals considered a threat to the integrity of the state’s gaming industry from entering casinos. New additions are rare, and removals are almost unheard of.

Bowyer Faced Harsh Criticism from the Regulator

The current debate centers on Mathew Bowyer, a convicted bookmaker linked to a major sports betting scandal involving Ippei Mizuhara and Shohei Ohtani. Bowyer received a 12-month prison sentence after he admitted guilt to multiple charges, which included operating an illegal gambling business and laundering money. Earlier this year, the Board recommended adding Bowyer to the exclusion list.

Regulators have framed the case as more than just punishment for one individual. Board chair Mike Dreitzer previously noted that the recommendation aims to protect the state’s reputation as a tightly regulated gaming market. Officials state that Bowyer openly conducted his illegal bookmaking operation from Las Vegas casinos, exposing vulnerabilities in the system.

Some board members have been especially critical, describing Bowyer’s actions as brazen and damaging. According to investigators, Bowyer not only placed bets at major properties but also tried to direct customers to his illegal business. Major operators, including Resorts World Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment, were also caught in the fallout and received hefty fines, raising additional compliance concerns.

Citro Seeks Redemption for His Past Crimes

While Bowyer’s case highlights the importance of enforcement, a different case could test the boundaries of redemption. The NGCB is also considering the possibility of removing Frankie Citro from the Black Book after more than three decades. Citro joined the list during the early 1990s after multiple criminal convictions, such as racketeering and extortion.

Despite his turbulent past, Citro has lived peacefully in Las Vegas for decades, building a career as a performer and community figure. Supporters argue he deserves to receive a second chance after dedicating years to helping local causes. If approved, his removal would be highly unusual. Historically, names have only been removed from the list after death, making this decision a potential turning point for the regulator.

The two cases show how Nevada’s Black Book continues to evolve. Once seen primarily as a tool to keep organized crime figures out of casinos, it must now address modern threats to the public image of Nevada’s gambling sector. As the Commission prepares to make its decisions, the outcome could change how the state approaches matters of integrity.