Published on: April 23, 2026, 06:23h.

Updated on: April 23, 2026, 06:26h.

• Mathew Bowyer, a known illegal sports bettor, has been officially listed in Nevada’s “Black Book,” banning him from all casinos.
• Prominent Las Vegas casinos accrued over $30 million in fines connected to money laundering efforts linked to Bowyer’s illicit operations last year.
• Nevada regulators also turned down 80-year-old Frankie Citro’s plea to be removed from the Black Book.

The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) took a significant step against illegal gambling on Thursday, unanimously agreeing to add convicted bookmaker Mathew Bowyer to the state’s Excluded Persons List — commonly known as the “Black Book,” which bars individuals from Nevada casinos indefinitely. Additionally, they dismissed a request from Francis “Frankie” Citro Jr., an 80‑year‑old Las Vegas performer, for a hearing to appeal his own Black Book status.

Notorious Bettor

Bowyer’s addition to the Black Book solidifies his reputation as one of the most disruptive forces in contemporary gaming history, following nearly a decade of activities that ignited regulatory turmoil along the Las Vegas Strip. His actions resulted in over $30 million in fines levied against casinos for money-laundering infractions last year.

Currently serving a one-year home confinement sentence in California, Bowyer chose not to attend the NGC meeting and made no request for a hearing. Commissioners remarked that his absence didn’t lessen the seriousness of his actions.

Deputy Attorney General Nona Lawrence elaborated on his case, indicating that from 2014 to 2023, Bowyer took in tens of millions in illegal sports bets from over 700 clients. He frequented Las Vegas casinos, utilizing the illegal proceeds to gamble, settle debts, and attract more clientele. Lawrence informed the commissioners that Bowyer even sought out casino hosts, valet staff, and others for customer leads, offering commissions for referrals.

Scandalous Ties

Bowyer’s operations gained national attention in 2024, when federal authorities disclosed that he was the bookmaker for an interpreter who embezzled $16 million from Los Angeles Dodgers ace Shohei Ohtani.

This scandal led to rigorous regulatory inspections in Nevada, culminating in over $30 million in penalties against MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, and Resorts World for lapses in anti-money-laundering protocols.

With the recent vote, Bowyer becomes the 39th individual ever listed in Nevada’s Black Book — a designation earmarked for those deemed ongoing threats to the integrity of the state’s gaming sector.

His saga is now considered a pivotal moment in Nevada gaming history — illustrating how modern Las Vegas can mirror the mob-influenced operations of its past.

Citro’s Appeal Denied

Commissioners also denied Citro’s separate request for a hearing to lift his Black Book ban. His attorney argued that Citro’s former mob associations have all passed away and that he now works as a lounge singer.

The board remained unyielding. Commissioner Abbi Silver, a former judge, stated that Citro’s historical actions still met the statutory criteria for exclusion and highlighted that being in the Black Book does not prevent him from performing at numerous licensed venues across Nevada.