On December 10, 2025, Nevada’s gaming authorities proposed new measures to ensure immediate notification when individuals on the state’s exclusion list, often referred to as the Black Book, are identified in casinos. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) aims to enhance the current system to facilitate quicker responses and reduce the time it takes for casinos to alert regulators about these incidents.
The NGCB’s initiative seeks to address delays in communication between casinos and regulatory bodies. Historically, casinos have been required to report such incidents to both law enforcement and the NGCB, though often with significant lags. This delay can hinder effective enforcement as perpetrators might leave the premises before action is taken. The proposed changes would streamline this process, mandating immediate alerts directly to the NGCB, while still allowing casinos to carry out necessary expulsions.
A key aspect of the proposal is the shift from paper to digital lists. Under current procedures, casinos receive paper copies of the exclusion list, which can be cumbersome and outdated. Moving to an online system that casinos can access directly via the NGCB’s website would ensure they have up-to-date information instantly. Mike Somps, a senior legal advisor for the state, emphasized that the digital approach minimizes errors and improves the speed of communication.
The issue of timely reporting has been a longstanding challenge. Ryan Sullivan, an enforcement agent with the NGCB, highlighted that while casinos are often prompt in reporting incidents of cheating, they tend to procrastinate on Black Book notifications. This leads to unnecessary complications in enforcement, as regulators might need to pursue suspects after they have left casino grounds, complicating the need for warrants and additional investigations.
The discussion around the proposal also considered the physical handling of banned individuals. Board Chair Mike Dreitzer endorsed the changes, describing the rigorous reporting requirements as appropriate for today’s regulatory landscape. However, the question of whether casinos should detain individuals on the exclusion list until authorities arrive was met with caution.
Kristi Torgerson, head of the NGCB’s enforcement division, explained the complexities involved in detaining individuals. While casinos can legally hold someone on the exclusion list, mandating this practice could lead to potential legal risks, especially if individuals are mistakenly identified. Such situations could result in wrongful detainment, which has previously led to complications for casino operators. Torgerson advised that casinos should adhere to their standard protocols, stepping in to detain individuals only when absolutely necessary.
The proposal’s intent is not to encourage detainment but to ensure proper identification and notification. Torgerson reiterated that the main priority is to identify the person, bar them from the premises, and promptly inform the Board. She emphasized that detaining someone should be a rare necessity rather than a standard procedure.
Representatives from large casino operators, like MGM Resorts International, have expressed a need for clarity in the proposed regulations. Chandler Pohl, a lawyer for MGM, sought specifics on the expectations for casino responses—whether physical detainment is required or if notifying regulators suffices. Torgerson assured that the primary objective remains swift reporting, with detainment as a discretionary action based on the circumstances.
This move by the NGCB comes as part of a broader effort to tighten regulatory oversight in Nevada, a state renowned for its extensive gambling industry. The gambling sector in Nevada is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, generating billions in revenue annually and supporting a vast number of jobs. This makes effective regulation crucial not only for maintaining industry integrity but also for safeguarding the state’s economic interests.
However, the proposal is not without its challenges and potential downsides. Critics argue that increased regulatory burdens could strain casino resources and complicate operations. Additionally, the emphasis on digital systems raises concerns about cybersecurity and data privacy. With the growing threat of cyberattacks, casinos must ensure that their systems are secure to protect sensitive information related to both their operations and individuals on the exclusion list.
The changes proposed by the NGCB also mirror trends in global gambling regulation where technology is increasingly used to enhance monitoring and enforcement. Similar efforts have been seen in other jurisdictions where digital tools are employed to track problematic gamblers and ensure compliance with exclusion mandates.
Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on the balance between robust enforcement and practical application. The NGCB’s focus on improving real-time communication is a step towards more effective regulation, but it must be mindful of the operational realities faced by casinos. As these proposals progress, ongoing discussions between regulators and industry stakeholders will be essential in crafting a framework that mitigates risks while achieving the desired outcomes of quicker and more efficient reporting.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
