Merlino’s penchant for high stakes gambling is well known in underworld and law enforcement circles.
But of being placed on the exclusion list, he quipped, “They’re doing me a favor.” While Merlino’s criminal history and organized crime ties are believed to be the driving force behind the move, an “altercation” at the SugarHouse Casino on March 9 has precipitated the action, according to documents filed by gaming board investigators back in April.Ĭontacted this week by text message, Merlino, who now lives in Florida, declined to comment about the incident or the petition. Skinny Joey has been on the New Jersey casino exclusion list since 1988. Investigators for the state Gaming Control Board have filed a petition asking that Merlino’s name be added to the casino exclusion list, a move that would prohibit the 54-year-old mobster from entering any casino in Pennsylvania.
Or any other Pennsylvania casino for that matter. It looks like reputed mob boss Joey Merlino has played his last hand of blackjack at the SugarHouse Casino.
