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HARRISBURG, Pa. (Associated Press) "” Pennsylvania's gambling board is barring the flamboyant alleged head of the Philadelphia Mafia "” who's currently facing racketeering charges "” from all casinos in the state.
The state Gaming Control Board voted Wednesday to ban Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino.
Board spokesman Doug Harbach tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that proceedings against Merlino began following a March incident at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, in which he says members of Merlino's group were involved in a physical altercation with other gamblers.
The ban is permanent, though Merlino can petition the board to have his name removed from the list.
Merlino has already been barred from Atlantic City casinos.
He was arrested last month and is currently free on $5 million bail as he awaits trial.
