The Las Vegas Black Book: Secrets Revealed

What Is the Las Vegas Black Book?

First introduced in 1960, the Black Book was created to shield the casino industry from criminal influence and maintain public trust in gaming. Over the years, it has served as a public deterrent — a warning that bad actors will be named and banned.

Inclusion isn’t taken lightly. A person must go through a formal process, including a hearing, before their name is added. Once they’re in, it’s for life.

Who Gets Listed — And Why?

Historically, the Black Book focused on mob figures and cheats. Today, the criteria are broader but the goal remains the same: keep casinos clean. People land on the list for reasons like:

• Known links to organized crime
• Cheating scams (card marking, dice manipulation, etc.)
• Financial crimes like money laundering
• Acts of violence or credible threats on casino property

Mobster Tony “The Ant” Spilotro — the real-life inspiration behind Joe Pesci’s character in Casino — is one of the most infamous entries. More recently, tech-savvy criminals have appeared on the list for orchestrating online scams or manipulating games electronically.

The Process: How Someone Ends Up in the Book

Here’s how it works:

1. Investigation: NGCB investigators gather evidence.
2. Hearing: The individual is given a chance to respond during a public administrative hearing.
3. Decision: If the board rules against them, they’re added to the list — permanently.

The NGCB then publishes the list on its official website, complete with names and photos.

What Happens If They Violate the Ban?

Being on the list isn’t symbolic — it has teeth. Anyone caught entering a Nevada casino after being blacklisted is committing a criminal offense. They can be arrested, fined, or both. Casinos are legally required to deny them entry.

Some have tried to challenge their listing in court, but the NGCB’s authority has held strong.

A Modern Shift in Focus

Today’s Black Book isn’t just about mobsters. It reflects the changing face of casino threats. Think bonus abusers, identity thieves, and online scam artists. The NGCB has shown that it’s keeping up with the times — and the tech.

Does the Black Book Affect Online Gambling?

Technically, the Black Book applies to land-based casinos in Nevada. But its ripple effects are felt across the industry:

• Other regulatory bodies may use it as a reference
• Online casinos implement similar exclusion policies
• Affiliates like Casinofy advocate for transparency and player safety

Want to stick with verified platforms? See our list of licensed online casinos for safe, regulated options.

Why This Matters to Players

This isn’t just an inside-baseball story. The Black Book serves as a public reminder that casinos take integrity seriously. For the everyday player, it’s a sign that gambling isn’t the wild west — it’s a tightly controlled industry with real accountability.

At Casinofy, we believe players should feel safe and informed. From understanding bonus terms to knowing how casinos deal with fraud, education is part of responsible gambling. Learn more about how we support this on our Responsible Gambling page.

👁️ FAQ: What People Ask About the Black Book

Q: Can someone ever be removed from the Las Vegas Black Book?
A: Removal is extremely rare. Once you’re in, it’s considered a lifetime ban — unless there’s a major legal reason to appeal.

Q: Is the Black Book public?
A: Yes. The NGCB publishes the full list on their website, including names, photos, and offenses.

Q: Does this affect online gambling?
A: Not directly, but online operators and other licensing bodies often consider these bans when reviewing applicants or investigating fraud.

Q: How many people are on the list?
A: The list typically includes a few dozen active entries at any given time, though it changes periodically.

Q: Are there any famous people in the Black Book?
A: Yes — especially from the 1970s–90s, including organized crime figures like Tony Spilotro.

Final Thoughts

The Las Vegas Black Book may not be on display at your favorite casino, but it’s one of the most important tools in Nevada’s gambling ecosystem. It protects honest players, discourages crime, and upholds the fairness of the game.

And now that you know about it — you’re in on one of Vegas’s best-kept secrets.

Sources & References:

• Nevada Gaming Control Board: Official List of Excluded Persons
• Las Vegas Review-Journal archives
• UNLV Center for Gaming Research