Nevada regulators are weighing updates to the state’s Black Book, balancing strict enforcement with potential pathways for redemption in the gambling industry.
Key Takeaways
* The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is considering adding Mathew Bowyer to the Black Book following his conviction in a major sports betting scandal.
* Frankie Citro’s case could mark a precedent for removal from the list after decades, testing the concept of redemption within gaming regulations.
* The Black Book’s role is evolving to address modern threats to the integrity and public image of Nevada’s casino sector.
Nevada’s Casino Exclusion List Under Scrutiny
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is evaluating potential modifications to the state’s List of Excluded Persons, commonly known as the Black Book. This list prohibits individuals deemed a threat to the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry from entering casinos. Historically, new additions have been infrequent, and removals have been rare.
Bowyer Case Highlights Regulatory Concerns
The current discussions center on Mathew Bowyer, a convicted bookmaker involved in a sports betting scandal linked to Ippei Mizuhara and Shohei Ohtani. Bowyer received a 12-month prison sentence after admitting guilt to charges, including operating an illegal gambling business and money laundering. Earlier this year, the Board recommended his inclusion on the exclusion list.
Regulators have framed this case as a measure beyond individual punishment. Mike Dreitzer, Board chair, previously stated the recommendation aims to safeguard the state’s reputation as a tightly regulated gaming market. Officials noted Bowyer conducted his illegal bookmaking operation from within Las Vegas casinos, exposing vulnerabilities in the system.
Some board members have expressed concerns, describing Bowyer’s actions as direct challenges to regulatory oversight. Investigations indicate Bowyer not only placed bets at major properties but also attempted to direct customers to his illegal business. Major casino operators, including Resorts World Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment, faced fines in the aftermath, raising additional compliance questions for the industry.
Citro Seeks Removal After Decades
While the Bowyer case emphasizes enforcement, another situation is testing the boundaries of rehabilitation. The NGCB is also considering the potential removal of Frankie Citro from the Black Book after more than three decades. Citro was added to the list in the early 1990s following multiple criminal convictions, including racketeering and extortion.
Despite his past, Citro has resided in Las Vegas for decades, establishing a career as a performer and community figure. Supporters advocate for his removal, citing years dedicated to local causes. If approved, this decision would be unusual. Historically, individuals have typically been removed from the list only posthumously, making this a potential shift in regulatory approach.
These two cases illustrate the ongoing evolution of Nevada’s Black Book. Once primarily a tool to deter organized crime figures from casinos, it now addresses contemporary threats to the public image of Nevada’s gambling sector. As the Commission prepares to make its decisions, the outcomes could influence how the state manages matters of integrity within its gaming industry.
I remember the first time I saw Kai Tak, Hong Kong’s gambling city, I thought I was in a fairy tale. All the lights blinking, the music and the monumental buildings, what 9-year-old wouldn’t think they’ve come to a magical place? It was my father who brought me, dragging me along and when inside I was hit by the smell of frying duck. As soon as I hit 21 I returned to Kai Tak, A bit nervous to see if my mind had embellished the memory, but it hadn’t. Kai Tak was still a magical place. I decided I wanted to spend as much time as I could at this place, so I did.
