the Nevada Gaming Commission removed two departed Kansas City mobsters from its infamous Black Book. The list—officially known as the List of Excluded Persons—has always been a tough club to exit, with death being the only surefire way out. Earlier this year, regulators cemented this stance by denying a hearing for the still very much alive petitioner, Francis Citro Jr.
In This News
Origin of the Black Book
First published in 1960, the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s makeshift binder—affectionately dubbed the “Black Book”—initially featured eleven individuals marked as criminal threats to the state’s gaming industry. These were figures deemed too dangerous to even set foot in a Nevada casino. The number of names has expanded over the years to about three dozen, though the list mostly comprises more contemporary figures like slot cheats and scammers who lack the notoriety of their predecessors. Think Matthew Bowyer—the bookie who nearly toppled the Las Vegas Strip just last year. But it’s the historical heavyweights tied to Las Vegas’s mob era that draw the most attention, even decades later.
Notorious Names in Gaming Infamy
Let’s start with John “The Bat” Battaglia. Still, added in 1960, he was a well-known name in the L.A. crime family, a close ally of mob boss Louis Tom Dragna. His antics hastened the creation of the Black Book after he was caught, along with Dragna, mingling at the Desert Inn’s posh Sky Room. Then there’s Joseph “Wild Cowboy” Sica. Another 1960 addition, Sica was famous for his brutal methods, eventually finding himself guilty in a federal extortion case with fellow mobsters. But louis Tom Dragna, known as “The Reluctant Prince,” preferred running a legitimate garment business to mob violence. Still, his ties to the L.A. crime family meant he was essential to the early mob operations on the Strip. He was the last surviving original inductee, removed only after his death in 2012. Strategically important was Murray “The Camel” Humphreys, a Chicago Outfit lieutenant who helped transform union pension funds into the financial backbone of Vegas casino construction. And while less of a visible presence, his influence was monumental. Marshall Caifano, another early addition, brazenly challenged Nevada’s authority over the Black Book. His legal battle set an enduring precedent for the state’s regulatory power.
Modern Myths of the Mob Era
Figures like Nicholas Civella and Frank Cullotta entered the book due to their involvement in infamous casino skimming operations. Civella’s silent control over casinos like Stardust and Tropicana yielded millions. Cullotta, however, later turned informant, unraveling many mob secrets. Sam Giancana might be the most notorious mobster of the 1960 class. His skimming operations, tying the Chicago Outfit to high-profile names like Sinatra and JFK, were the stuff of legend—and scandal. The fallout from his activities saw Sinatra lose his Nevada gaming license. Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal personified the idea of hiding in plain sight as the public face of the mob’s Vegas interests. His audacious persona was immortalized in the film Casino, providing a chilling yet fascinating window into mob life. Finally, Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro, famously portrayed by Joe Pesci, was a vicious enforcer. His violent reputation and defiance made him the most feared figure ever to grace Las Vegas, with the FBI suspecting him in numerous murders.
What’s Next?
The Nevada Black Book remains a relic, a testament to a bygone era of gambling history. With each removal of deceased members, it’s clear that the mob’s stranglehold on Vegas is long over. Regulators will keep watch, but for now, death is the only ticket out. Expect the next review to occur as naturally as the city breathes—at its own pace.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
