The Nevada Black Book (officially the List of Excluded Persons) was established in 1960 under Regulation 28 as a strategic response to federal pressure regarding organized crime in Las Vegas. It empowers the Nevada Gaming Commission to ban individuals from all gaming establishments.

The Criteria

Individuals can be placed in the Black Book if they possess a felony record, a history of gaming violations, or a "notorious and unsavory reputation." The standard is deliberately broad, giving regulators flexibility to exclude anyone they deem a threat to the industry.

The Mob Era

Historically, the list served as a tool to purge La Cosa Nostra affiliates (such as Marshall Caifano and Tony Spilotro) and sever the link between casino operators and the mob. Being in the Black Book meant being unable to set foot in any Nevada casino.

Constitutional Challenge

The constitutionality of the list was upheld in Spilotro v. State (1983), affirming the state's right to police its "privileged industry." The court found that the state's interest in maintaining gaming integrity outweighed individual rights of excluded persons.

Modern Evolution

Over time, the list's demographic has shifted from violent organized crime figures to sophisticated slot cheats (e.g., Tommy Carmichael) and technical fraudsters, reflecting the industry's transition from skimming operations to combating technological threats.