Mathew Bowyer Nominated for Nevada Black Book
The Nevada Black Book welcomes a New Nominee. The convicted bookmaker Mathew Bowyer faces a lifetime casino ban.
In a continued effort to safeguard the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has nominated Mathew Bowyer, a convicted illegal bookmaker, for inclusion in the state’s infamous List of Excluded Persons—commonly known as the Black Book.
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Bowyer currently Serving Sentence
This nomination, announced on January 14, 2026, marks the latest chapter in the Board’s crackdown on illicit gambling activities tied to Las Vegas casinos.
Bowyer, currently serving a 12-month federal prison sentence in Lompoc, California, for operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return.
He could soon be permanently barred from entering any licensed casino in Nevada if the Nevada Gaming Commission approves the recommendation at its upcoming meeting, potentially on January 29.
Matthew Boyers’ Activities and Damage
Bowyer’s case gained national attention due to his connections to high-profile figures, including taking thousands of sports bets from Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
Federal investigations revealed that Bowyer operated an underground betting ring from 2014 to 2023, handling tens of millions in illegal wagers from over 700 clients.
His activities also led to significant fines for major casino operators: Resorts World Las Vegas was penalized $10.5 million, and Caesars Entertainment faced a $7.8 million fine for anti-money-laundering violations linked to his patronage.
Bowyer began his prison term in October 2025, and as part of his sentence, he must undergo gambling addiction counseling and pay $1.6 million in restitution.
More Nominations
This nomination is the second in just two months, signaling an accelerated pace in the Board’s enforcement actions.
In December 2025, the NGCB nominated Wayne Nix, another convicted illegal bookmaker and former minor league baseball player, for the Black Book.
Nix, whose operations similarly involved Las Vegas casinos like MGM Grand and the Cosmopolitan, pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and filing a false tax return.
His sentencing will take place in March 2026, and the Commission is going to vote on his exclusion soon.
Prior to these recent moves, the last addition to the Black Book occurred in April 2024. Neal Ahmad Hearne, a 45-year-old North Las Vegas resident, became a member for repeatedly stealing casino chips from blackjack tables.
What Is the Nevada Black Book?
The Nevada Black Book, officially titled the List of Excluded Persons, is a registry maintained by the Nevada Gaming Control Board to ban individuals deemed a threat to the state’s gaming industry.
Established in 1960 amid fears of organized crime infiltrating Las Vegas casinos, it began as a list of 11 people with “notorious and unsavory reputations” to prevent federal intervention in Nevada’s gambling operations.
The name “Black Book” originated from its initial black-bound publication, though it was renamed in 1975 to avoid racial connotations and given a silver cover.
People are added to the list for activities that undermine the integrity of gaming, such as involvement in organized crime, cheating, fraud, money laundering, or illegal gambling operations.
The process involves the NGCB reviewing evidence and nominating candidates, followed by a vote from the Nevada Gaming Commission. Nominees can request a hearing to contest the decision, but approvals are often unanimous based on convictions, prior bans, or demonstrated threats.
Once they are on the list, individuals commit a crime by entering a casino. Establishments face penalties for allowing them to gamble.
As of the latest update in April 2024, the Black Book contains 37 names.
If Bowyer and Nix enter, the list could grow to 39 in early 2026. For a deeper dive into the Black Book’s history and operations, see this comprehensive overview.
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Notable Names in the Black Book
The list includes a mix of mobsters, cheaters, and fraudsters whose actions have tarnished the industry. Here are a few examples:
- Archie Karas: Added in 2015 for cheating at blackjack by marking cards with black dye. Known for his legendary poker runs, he had prior arrests in Las Vegas.
- Tony Spilotro (aka ‘The Ant’): A notorious Chicago Outfit enforcer, banned for ties to organized crime and intimidating casino staff.
- John and Sandra Kay Vaccaro: Orchestrated a massive slot-fixing scam in the 1980s, defrauding casinos of millions. Sandra is the only woman on the list.
- Louis Tom Dragna: One of the original 1960 entrants, alleged boss of the Los Angeles crime family with a long arrest history.
- Tasia Musa: Included for multiple gambling-related convictions, though specifics remain non-public.
These cases underscore the Black Book’s role in maintaining Nevada’s reputation as a regulated gaming hub. As regulators like NGCB Chair Kirk Hendrick emphasize, “Nevada gaming is a privilege,” and threats like illegal bookmaking will continue to face swift action.
With Bowyer’s nomination, the industry watches closely for the Commission’s decision. It could set a precedent for future enforcement against underground operations.
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