Nevada’s Black Book is the state’s infamous List of Excluded Persons — a lifetime ban aimed at mobsters, cheats, and anyone who threatened the integrity of casino gaming. This deep dive explores how the list began, why it mattered, and how it shaped Nevada’s modern gaming industry.
Wilbur Clark was a prominent figure in Las Vegas’s development, recognized for his significant contributions to the casino industry and luxurious resorts. His friendly, approachable personality made him a relatable figure, inspiring trust and confidence among visitors. Las Vegas was never perfect, but the right frontman, like Clark, helped shape its welcoming image. In the … Read more
Moe Dalitz was a prominent American businessman and organized crime figure who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. Born on December 25, 1899, in Boston, Massachusetts, he grew up in a Jewish family and dropped out of school at 14 to work in the garment industry. However, he realized quickly he could make more … Read more
Tony Cornero (born Anthony Cornero Stralla in Northern Italy in 1899) was a leading figure in the California rum-running enterprises of the 1920s and an early Las Vegas casino owner. When his father lost the family farm in Italy due to gaming losses, young Tony vowed to be on the other side of the cards … Read more
“Bugsy” Siegel’s story begins with a tough childhood in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg district, where no one expected the skinny kid to leave a lasting impact, which can inspire curiosity and empathy in the audience. Siegel was already street-wise by the age of nine, rolling drunks and stealing from merchants, and he and Moe Sedway set up … Read more