Nevada's Unyielding Stance: Regulators Eye 'Black Book' for Notorious Bookmaker

There’s a rather significant decision looming for Nevada’s gaming industry, one that truly underscores the state's unwavering commitment to keeping its casinos clean and legitimate. On October 26th, the Nevada Gaming Commission is set to convene, and high on their agenda is a petition to add Arthur David Nigro – a figure with a lengthy and, frankly, quite unsavory past – to the state's infamous "Black Book." This isn't just a formality; it’s about protecting the very integrity of a multi-billion-dollar industry.

For those unfamiliar, the "Black Book," officially known as the List of Excluded Persons, is precisely what it sounds like: a roster of individuals deemed so detrimental to the state's gaming reputation that they are permanently barred from entering any Nevada casino. Think of it as Nevada’s ultimate "persona non grata" list for anyone tied to illegal activities or organized crime. Nigro, unfortunately, fits that bill rather perfectly, if the allegations and his past convictions are anything to go by.

Indeed, his rap sheet reads like something straight out of a mob movie script. Nigro isn't just some small-time hustler; he's been identified as an associate, and at one point even a captain, within New York's notorious Genovese crime family. We’re talking about serious charges here, ranging from racketeering and extortion to fraud and, naturally, illegal gambling. He’s already served significant time in federal prison for these offenses, which, you know, really doesn't help his case when it comes to being considered a legitimate patron of a regulated gaming establishment.

Specifically, the Nevada Gaming Control Board's petition outlines a history that includes convictions for enterprise corruption, racketeering conspiracy, and operating an illegal gambling business. It paints a picture of a man deeply entrenched in illicit activities, often preying on others and undermining the very principles of fair play that Nevada's regulated gaming embodies. The concern, quite rightly, is that allowing someone with such a background to freely access casinos could jeopardize public trust and open doors to further criminal infiltration.

The implications of being placed in the Black Book are, to put it mildly, severe. If the Commission votes to approve the petition – and historically, they often do when the Gaming Control Board presents a strong case – Nigro would be forbidden from setting foot in any licensed gaming establishment across Nevada, period. Even just showing up on a casino floor would be a felony offense. It’s a powerful deterrent, designed to send a clear message: those who threaten the honesty and reputation of Nevada gaming are simply not welcome here.

This process isn't undertaken lightly, mind you. The Nevada Gaming Control Board meticulously builds a case, presenting a comprehensive dossier of an individual's criminal history and associations to the Commission. It’s a testament to the rigorous oversight that has long defined Nevada’s approach to gaming regulation. This upcoming vote on Arthur David Nigro is yet another crucial moment, a reiteration of the state’s unwavering stance against anything that could tarnish its hard-earned reputation as the gold standard for regulated gaming worldwide.