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Las Vegas Man Seeks Removal from Nevada's 'Black Book'
Francis Citro's petition for a hearing delayed until February as gaming regulators review his past.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:55pm
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Francis Citro, a Las Vegas man who was placed on Nevada's List of Excluded Persons, known as the 'Black Book', in 1991, has petitioned the Nevada Gaming Commission to be removed from the list. However, the commission has delayed a decision on whether to grant Citro a hearing until February, as they review the details of why he was originally placed on the list over 30 years ago.
Why it matters
The 'Black Book' is a list of individuals banned from entering Nevada's largest casinos due to their perceived unsavory reputations and potential threat to the gaming industry. Citro's petition marks the first time someone has sought removal from the list, raising questions about the commission's criteria for inclusion and the possibility of redemption for those previously excluded.
The details
Citro, now 80 years old, was placed on the 'Black Book' in 1991 following convictions for extortion, conspiracy to use counterfeit credit cards, and racketeering. His attorney, Michael Lasher, has argued that Citro has since reformed his character and now engages in charitable fundraising as an entertainer. However, the gaming commissioners indicated they wanted to review the details of Citro's original listing before deciding whether to grant him a hearing for potential removal.
- Citro was placed on the List of Excluded Persons on November 21, 1991.
- Citro's attorney submitted the petition for removal from the list in November 2025.
- The Nevada Gaming Commission delayed a decision on the petition until their February 26, 2026 meeting.
The players
Francis Citro
An 80-year-old Las Vegas man who was placed on Nevada's List of Excluded Persons, also known as the 'Black Book', in 1991 due to his criminal history and perceived threat to the gaming industry.
Michael Lasher
The attorney representing Francis Citro in his petition to be removed from Nevada's 'Black Book'.
Jennifer Togliatti
The chair of the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Abbi Silver
A commissioner on the Nevada Gaming Commission who expressed reluctance to make a decision on Citro's petition until learning more about the details of why he was originally placed on the 'Black Book' list.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Michael Lasher, Attorney (reviewjournal.com)
What’s next
The Nevada Gaming Commission will review the details of why Francis Citro was originally placed on the 'Black Book' list at their February 26, 2026 meeting before deciding whether to grant him a hearing for potential removal.
The takeaway
Citro's petition highlights the complex and long-lasting consequences of being placed on Nevada's 'Black Book' list, as well as the potential for rehabilitation and redemption for those previously excluded from the gaming industry. The commission's decision on whether to grant Citro a hearing will be closely watched as a precedent-setting case.
