The Nevada Gaming Commission has unanimously approved a recommendation from the state’s Gaming Control Board (NGCB) to include convicted illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix in its Black Book, which prohibits individuals from entering any commercial gaming establishments.
Nix pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business in April 2022, as well as one count of subscribing to a false tax return.
He would allegedly accept bets in California prior to traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada with cash proceeds, carrying “high-demonstration” bills in duffle bags, paper bags and leather purses.
The MGM Grand accepted $4m from Nix, leading MGM Resorts International to eventually be fined $8.5m by the NGCB in 2025 for anti-money laundering failures.
Nix failed to attend the Nevada Gaming Commission hearing in which his addition to the Black Book was unanimously recommended, nor responded to a letter sent through certified mail.
Nevada Senior Deputy Attorney General Mike Somps spoke to the Commission prior to Nix’s Black Book addition, having said, “Over the course of six years from 2014 to 2020, Nix took millions of dollars in illegal wagers and frequented Las Vegas casinos and used those illicit proceeds from his illegal bookmaking business to gamble millions of dollars and pay off casino markers.
“He also solicited new customers from casino marketing hosts at the casinos that he frequented, including offering a commission or gratuity for customer referrals.
"Mr. Nix also associated with Scott Sibella, the former president of the MGM Grand who is not a revoked licensee, associated with MGM casino hosts and with Cosmopolitan casino hosts. All knew Mr. Nix was the illegal bookmaker and continued to allow Mr. Nix to use illicit proceeds.”
Bowyer was nominated to the state’s Black Book on January 15, having pleaded guilty to federal charges of running an illegal gambling business, money laundering and filing a false tax return in 2023.
The NGCB reported the state’s total gaming activity for January 2026 on February 27, as revenue fell 6.6% to $1.4bn and represents the second consecutive month in which gaming revenue decreased
