A First-of-Its-Kind Challenge to Gaming History (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Nevada Gaming Commission members delayed consideration of an 80-year-old Las Vegas performer’s request to exit the state’s casino exclusion list during their latest meeting.
A First-of-Its-Kind Challenge to Gaming History
Francis Citro stands as the initial individual to formally petition for removal from Nevada’s List of Excluded Persons while still alive.[1][2]
Commissioners reviewed the matter on January 29 but opted to postpone action until February 26. They expressed reluctance to proceed without revisiting the details of Citro’s 1991 placement on the list, known widely as the Black Book.[1]
The Black Book currently bars 37 people from entering Nevada’s major casinos. Regulators maintain the list to shield the gaming industry from those deemed detrimental.[1]
Background of Citro’s Longstanding Exclusion
Officials added Citro to the Black Book on November 21, 1991, following a unanimous commission vote. The decision stemmed from four felony convictions and concerns over his reputation’s impact on gaming.[1]
Key offenses included a guilty plea to extortion in U.S. District Court in Nevada on August 18, 1980. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy involving counterfeit credit cards in Nevada District Court on July 31, 1987. Additionally, a February 3, 1986, conviction under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act occurred in California’s Central District federal court, leading to a two-year prison term and probation.[1]
- Extortion guilty plea: 1980
- RICO conviction: 1986
- Counterfeit credit card conspiracy guilty plea: 1987
Claims of Reformation in the Petition
Citro’s attorney, Michael Lasher, filed a 10-page petition in November arguing for a hearing on removal. The document asserted that Citro’s character had transformed over decades into one of stellar repute.[1]
Lasher highlighted Citro’s role as a community entertainer focused on charity fundraising. The performer, known for appearances at the Italian American Club, specializes in bebop tunes, Italian folk songs, and tales of Las Vegas history. He recently entertained at a New Year’s Eve event in Arizona and seeks opportunities in casino lounges.[2]
In the petition, Lasher stated, “In the decades that have passed, petitioner’s character and reputation have become stellar. He is a reformed man, doing good for his community by charity fundraising as an entertainer.”[1]
Why Commissioners Paused the Process
Chair Jennifer Togliatti announced the deferral after Commissioner Abbi Silver voiced concerns. Silver insisted on details from the 1991 proceedings before deciding on a hearing.[1]
Neither commission staff nor the attorney general’s office supplied 1991 hearing materials initially. Officials now plan to obtain the transcript to evaluate if Citro poses ongoing risk to gaming. Citro agreed to waive the 90-day decision deadline during a meeting break.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Citro’s case marks the first live petition for Black Book removal in state history.
- Review now set for February 26 amid calls for 1991 records.
- Success would break precedent, as names typically exit only post-mortem.
This delay underscores the commission’s cautious approach to altering a decades-old safeguard for Nevada’s casino sector. As February approaches, the outcome could redefine possibilities for those on the list. What do you think regulators should decide? Share in the comments.
