Nevada Considers Removing Deceased Mobsters from Black Book

Nevada gaming regulators are preparing to consider the removal of two deceased Kansas City mobsters from the state’s Black Book, the list that bars certain individuals from entering casinos. The Nevada Gaming Commission will review the cases of William Cammisano Jr. and Peter Ribaste at the conclusion of its upcoming meeting. This follows the Commission’s established practice of removing deceased persons from the list to keep it current and relevant.

The Black Book, formally known as the List of Excluded Persons, is a key regulatory tool used to protect players and casinos by prohibiting individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to organized crime from Nevada gaming venues. Both Cammisano and Ribaste were linked to the Kansas City crime family and were added to the Black Book in the late 1990s due to their alleged involvement in organized crime and casino-related illegal activities.

William Cammisano Jr., who passed away in 2023, was the son of William “Willie the Rat” Cammisano Sr., a known mob enforcer. Cammisano Jr. was accused of violent acts to maintain his standing within organized crime, including allegations of killing two organized-crime figures. He was also connected to schemes involving casino skimming and illicit profits. The Nevada Gaming Control Board added him to the Black Book in 1997 after reports surfaced of multiple visits by reputed Kansas City mob members to Las Vegas.

Peter Ribaste, who died in 2021, had longstanding ties to the Kansas City mob and was involved in business dealings in Las Vegas that raised regulatory concerns. A 1998 Las Vegas Sun article detailed Ribaste’s connections, including receiving direct orders from Kansas City mob leaders and involvement in a car dealership financed by a loan from a casino co-owner later stripped of his gaming license. Ribaste’s associations with organized crime continued up to the time of his Black Book inclusion.

For players and casino visitors, the removal of deceased individuals from the Black Book has little direct effect on daily gaming activities. Instead, it reflects the Commission’s effort to maintain an accurate and focused list targeting living individuals who may pose ongoing risks to gaming integrity and player safety.

Keeping the Black Book updated helps ensure casinos remain safe environments by preventing access to those with histories of criminal conduct related to gambling. Players can be reassured that regulatory bodies actively manage these protections, contributing to fair and secure gaming experiences.

Those interested in player protections or concerned about gambling harm can find resources on responsible gambling and regulatory oversight. The Nevada Gaming Commission’s actions demonstrate ongoing vigilance in safeguarding the industry and its patrons.

For further information, see the CDC Gaming report. Related coverage on casino revenues and regulation is available here.

Explore more about Nevada gaming regulation and player protections at GamblingNews.today USA and learn about broader regulatory developments under Regulation.

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David Rossi

David Rossi reports on international gambling markets, operator strategy, racing business, and cross-border industry developments. His coverage focuses on verified company announcements, regulatory context, and market impact.