Two recommended for Nevada ‘black book’

Brendan Riley

Friday, June 4, 2004 | 11:06 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Two men involved in sophisticated slot-cheating scams that cost Las Vegas resorts millions of dollars were recommended Thursday for "black book" listings to keep them out of any Nevada casinos.

The state Gaming Control Board nominated computer expert Dennis McAndrew, who changed his last name from Nikrasch; and Eugene Bulgarino, a member of a ring headed by McAndrew who has been imprisoned twice for schemes that netted about $16 million from slot machines.

McAndrew used a concealed, hand-held computer to program slots so they'd pay off big jackpots. Expected to be released from prison this summer, he's been labeled "the mastermind of the biggest slot-cheating schemes in Nevada history," Deputy Attorney General Darlene Caruso told the Control Board.

"The evidence in this case overwhelmingly supports the nomination," Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said.

"Clearly he's very bright," said board member Scott Scherer. "Unfortunately, this is the way he's chosen to ply his talents."

As for Bulgarino, regulators noted his involvement with McAndrew and his lengthy criminal record dating to 1961. "He's a direct threat to the gaming industry and the state of Nevada," Neilander said.

The nominations will be reviewed by the board's parent state Gaming Commission, which has final say.

McAndrew was first convicted in a $10 million slot scheme in 1986 and served five years in prison before being paroled in 1991.

He was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison in 1998 for his role in setting up another scam that costs six Las Vegas resorts a total of $6 million. Prosecutors said 10 rigged jackpots were involved, ranging from one for $30,000 at the Rio to others for $1.7 million at the Luxor and $3.7 million at Harrah's.

Bulgarino was given a nearly 4-year prison sentence for his involvement in the $6 million scheme. In all, 13 defendants were indicted in that case.

The "black book" is actually a silver-colored booklet of mug shots, officially called the "List of Excluded Persons." The 37 people now on the list are banned for life from entering Nevada casinos. If authorities spot someone on the list in a casino, the club could face licensing sanctions.