Five Notorious Individuals Permanently Excluded from Las Vegas Casinos
The Origin and Purpose of Nevada’s Infamous Black Book
Las Vegas is globally recognized for its vibrant gaming culture, but not everyone is welcome inside its glittering casinos. To help protect the industry from repeat offenders, the Nevada Gaming Commission created a system known as the “Black Book.” When first introduced, compiling a public registry of casino cheaters and notorious criminals was groundbreaking, yet it quickly became a standard for keeping unscrupulous individuals out of the game.
The Black Book, officially titled the “Excluded Person List,” is regularly updated with the names of people convicted or strongly suspected of cheating, theft, or other gaming-related crimes. Any casino that knowingly allows a listed person to gamble could face heavy fines and regulatory penalties. This zero-tolerance policy means that the ban is strictly enforced across the state.
Understanding How the Exclusion List Works
The purpose of Nevada’s exclusion list extends beyond simple notification. By sharing data statewide, casinos are empowered to bar entry to those who have harmed or attempted to exploit the industry. Anyone named in this register is forbidden from setting foot in any licensed gaming venue within Nevada. Offenders can be added for a variety of reasons, but each has garnered attention due to the scale or cleverness of their schemes.
Profiles of Five Infamous Individuals Barred from Las Vegas Casinos
The following are five of the most notorious persons permanently banned from Las Vegas casinos, revealed through the Black Book and public records:
| Name | Date Banned | Estimated Amount Involved | Description of Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominic Anthony Spinale | January 26, 1994 | Unknown | A repeat offender with two bookmaking convictions and known affiliations with New England organized crime. Authorities wasted no time banning this mob figure from the casino floors. |
| Ronald Dale Harris | February 20, 1997 | Over $100,000 | Once a trusted technician with the State Gaming Control Board, Harris leveraged his insider role to manipulate slot machines and rig Keno games, ultimately scamming six-figure sums before his arrest and inclusion in the Black Book. |
| Douglas Joseph Barr | November 29, 1990 | Unknown | Arrested approximately 30 times by the age of 31—many infractions tied to gaming. Notably, Barr’s father later joined the list after being caught cheating on slot machines as well. |
| Joseph Whit Moody | August 23, 2018 | Unknown | Specializing in sleight-of-hand distractions, Moody targeted visitors at redemption kiosks and ATMs, often preying on tourists by blocking their view while they withdrew cash, then swiftly making off with the money during the confusion. |
| Sandra Kay Vaccaro | October 2, 1986 | Millions | The only woman currently on the list, Vaccaro worked in tandem with her husband, an associate of the Los Angeles crime syndicate, to fix slot machines and illegally claim progressive jackpots. Their crew siphoned millions from various properties before being caught. |
How Offenders Are Added to the Black Book
Listing someone in the Black Book is not taken lightly. It typically follows evidence of criminal convictions or consistent allegations of fraud within the gaming industry. Surveillance footage, law enforcement investigations, and testimony from victims and insiders often contribute to the final decision.
Some entries, like those of Sandra Vaccaro and her husband, result from extensive operations involving technology or organized crime, while others, such as the case of Joseph Whit Moody, come from persistent petty theft designed to exploit the trust and distraction of unsuspecting tourists.
The Impact and Ongoing Relevance of the Black Book
The Nevada exclusion list continues to play a vital role in protecting casinos, patrons, and the integrity of gaming. By acting as a deterrent and by facilitating rapid response to attempts at fraud or cheating, the Black Book helps uphold Las Vegas’s reputation as a destination for fair and fun gambling.
Casino operators remain vigilant, employing tight security and advanced surveillance to ensure these banned individuals cannot slip through the cracks.
Conclusion: Security and Fairness in Las Vegas Gaming
While Las Vegas is a city built on risk and excitement, it is also protected by some of the strictest security practices in the gambling world. The Black Book stands as a symbol of this commitment. The stories of these five banned individuals highlight both the ingenuity and the consequences faced by those who attempt to outwit the system. For most visitors and residents, the casino floor remains an arena for entertainment and luck—provided that play is fair and within the rules.
References
– https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/knowing-vegas-whats-the-story-behind-nevadas-black-book/
– https://gaming.nv.gov/index.aspx?page=75
– https://gaming.nv.gov/index.aspx?page=207
– https://gaming.nv.gov/index.aspx?page=126
– https://gaming.nv.gov/index.aspx?page=190
– https://gaming.nv.gov/index.aspx?page=336
– https://www.cdcgamingreports.com/two-time-convicted-felon-nominated-to-nevadas-black-book/
– https://gaming.nv.gov/index.aspx?page=211
– https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/816/443/137475/
