Nevada’s “Black Book”

BLACKLISTED

By Richard N. Velotta • Las Vegas Review-Journal

When Nevada regulators established the List of Excluded Persons, their intent was to keep “the worst of the worst” out of the state’s casinos. Over time, the “Black Book” and its criminal roster has changed. These stories explain the evolution of the book, share some of the stories of the people forever banned from enjoying Nevada’s famed entertainment venues and casinos as well as the methods and devices they used.

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PART 1

How did Nevada’s List of Excluded Persons come to be?

It started with the listing of mobsters and gangsters regulators did not want to allow in casinos. Over time, it evolved to include casino cheats and then thieves who disrupted play. Today, it includes people banned for other illegal behavior, including pimping.

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PART 2

Getting on the list

What’s the procedure to nominate and list someone in Nevada’s List of Excluded Persons? How many people are on the list?

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PART 3

Mobsters and gangsters

The first inductees to the Black Book were mobsters and gangsters with notorious pasts. Names out of gambling lore on the list included Herbert “Fat Herbie” Blitzstein, Frank Rosenthal, Sam Giancana and Anthony Spilotro.