Two Men Fight to Escape Nevada's Notorious Casino Blacklist After Decades

One wants to perform in casinos; the other has fought for a decade. Their cases could rewrite the rules of Nevada's most feared exclusion list.

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2026 January 27 . 10:17 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster advertising a casino in Paris featuring a gorilla and a woman. The poster... — The image shows a poster advertising a casino in Paris featuring a gorilla and a woman. The poster has text written on it, likely describing the casino and its features.

Two Men Fight to Escape Nevada's Notorious Casino Blacklist After Decades

Two men are pushing to have their names removed from Nevada's infamous casino blacklist. Wayne Newton has long sought to clear his reputation, with a review scheduled for this week. Meanwhile, Francis Cittro Jr., a former loan shark, is making his own case after 33 years on the list.

Francis Cittro Jr. was added to Nevada's 'Black Book' in 1991 for his 'notorious and unsavoury reputation'. The list bars individuals from entering casinos, and Cittro Jr. has remained on it ever since. Unlike most, he is the first living person to formally request removal.

Cittro Jr. argues that his past crimes—loan sharking and illegal bookmaking—do not justify a lifetime ban. He points out that others with felony records in Las Vegas face no such restrictions. His last conviction dates back decades, and he claims to have stayed out of trouble since then. The entertainer now performs mob-themed jokes and Italian folk songs at the Italian American Club in Las Vegas. But he wants to take his act to casino stages, which the blacklist prevents. He also believes the list unfairly targets Italian Americans, noting that many names on it share his heritage. The Nevada Gaming Commission will discuss Cittro Jr.'s request at its meeting on Thursday. Wayne Newton, another long-time figure on the list, will have his case reviewed at the same session. Newton has sought removal for over a decade.

A decision on Cittro Jr.'s appeal could set a precedent for others on the blacklist. If approved, he would become the first person removed while still alive. The commission's ruling will determine whether he can finally perform in casinos again.