Nevada regulators are preparing to review two high-profile cases involving the state’s list of excluded persons, commonly known as the Black Book. The Nevada Gaming Commission is set to consider whether to add a convicted bookmaker while also examining a long-standing ban that could potentially be lifted.
Commission to Review Additions and Removal
The cases scheduled for discussion involve Matthew Bowyer and Francis Citro Jr., each representing different aspects of enforcement and rehabilitation within Nevada’s gaming oversight system.
Bowyer, a Southern California resident, operated an illegal gambling business for at least five years until October 2023. Authorities reported that his operation at times involved more than 700 bettors, including Ippei Mizuhara, the interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani. Bowyer’s case gained attention due to its connection to the baseball star’s former interpreter, who is now serving a prison sentence.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board recommended in January that Bowyer receive a permanent placement on the Black Book. He was sentenced in August to 12 months in prison and began serving his term in October, with an expected release in August followed by two years of supervision.
Bowyer also maintained a presence in Nevada casinos over several years. He was a patron at Caesars properties from 2017 until January 2024, when activity ceased after federal agents executed a search warrant at his residence. In November, the Gaming Commission fined Caesars $7.8 million, citing failures to act on suspicions regarding Bowyer’s activities and the origin of his funds. Over a seven-year period, Caesars reported winnings of $2.6 million from Bowyer.
Regulators also fined Resorts World Las Vegas $10.5 million in March, citing conditions that allowed individuals with suspected ties to illegal bookmaking to access its facilities.
Longstanding Ban Faces Review
In contrast to Bowyer’s case, the Commission will also consider whether to remove Francis “Frankie” Citro Jr. from the Black Book. Citro has been barred from Nevada casinos since 1991, when regulators cited his criminal history alongside what was described as a “notorious and unsavory reputation.”
Citro currently performs at the Italian American Club in Las Vegas, where he sings Italian folk songs and delivers comedy routines tied to mob-related themes. If the Commission grants his request, he would regain the ability to appear in casino venues.
However, earlier discussions suggest that approval may be difficult. Reports indicate that Citro has multiple felony convictions, including a 1980 guilty plea for extortion, a 1987 guilty plea related to counterfeit credit cards, and a 1986 conviction under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act in California.
Ongoing Enforcement Actions
The cases come amid broader regulatory efforts targeting unauthorized gambling activity. Nevada authorities have recently taken action against platforms offering event-based contracts.
In March, a state court issued a preliminary injunction blocking Coinbase from offering prediction contracts, following a temporary restraining order in February. Regulators have also filed a civil complaint against Polymarket, seeking to halt operations they classify as unlawful under state law.
These developments reflect continued enforcement across traditional and emerging betting activity. The Commission’s upcoming decisions will determine whether the Black Book expands or changes after decades of enforcement.
Source:
“Nevada Gaming Commission to consider Black Book addition and removal”, cdcgaming.com, April 20, 2026
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