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. Codified in NRS 463.151, the list empowers the Nevada Gaming Commission to ban individuals from all gaming establishments.

The Standard

If individuals possess a felony record, a history of gaming violations, or a "notorious and unsavory reputation," they can be added to the Black Book. The deliberately vague language gives regulators flexibility to exclude anyone deemed a threat.

Historic Exclusions

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. The first eleven names were all alleged mob figures.

Constitutional Validation

The constitutionality of the list was upheld in Spilotro v. State (1983), affirming the state's right to police its "privileged industry." Tony Spilotro argued the list violated his rights; the Nevada Supreme Court disagreed.

Modern Entries

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.