Slot machines are some of the most lucrative games on the casino floor, offering huge payouts that attract players and, unfortunately, cheaters. Over the years, countless individuals have tried to manipulate these machines to their advantage using clever and devious methods. While these techniques are illegal and strongly discouraged, here’s a look at 12 of the most notorious cheats at slots throughout history.
1. Cheat Code: The Engineer’s Trick
The world of slot machine cheating isn’t just about physical devices; sometimes it’s about hacking the code. One infamous example is Ronald Dale Harris, an engineer at the Nevada Gaming Commission. By manipulating the source codes of slot machines, Harris was able to rig the machines in his favor. His scam lasted years until it was uncovered when his partner won $100,000 in a Keno game in 1995.
2. Shaved Coins: An Old-School Scam
While rare today, the shaved coin method was once a go-to for cheaters. Older slot machines relied on light sensors to detect coins, and a shaved coin, when used with the right object, would trick the machine into accepting it. The cheater would then start the game, and the machine would register the payment.
3. Fake Coins: Louis “The Coin” Colavecchio
One of the most infamous con artists in the world of slot machine cheats was Louis Colavecchio, known as “The Coin.” Using fake coins, Colavecchio managed to scam casinos for years. After being arrested in 1998, he continued his cheating ways upon his release in 2006, only to be caught again shortly thereafter.
4. Using a Magnet: Old Machines, Big Wins
Before modern slot machines were fully computerized, magnets were used to cheat at slots. By attaching a magnet to the outside of the machine, players could halt the spinning reels when a winning combination appeared. This method is no longer effective with today’s digital machines.
5. The Yo-Yo Trick: A Coin on a String
The yo-yo method involved attaching a string to a coin. The cheater would insert the coin into the slot machine, and when the game started, they’d pull the coin back out using the string. This simple trick allowed players to get a free spin or a win without actually betting.
6. The Light Wand: Tommy Glenn Carmichael’s Creation
Tommy Glenn Carmichael, one of the most notorious slot cheats, invented the light wand, a device used to blind the optical sensors in slot machines. This trick allowed him to manipulate the machine, making small wins appear as large jackpots. Carmichael was responsible for several successful cheats throughout his career.
7. Piano Wire: Jamming the Wheel
In 1982, a group of men used piano wire to jam the clock in a slot machine, allowing them to manipulate the spins and land a $50,000 jackpot. Their plan was foiled when the scam was caught on tape, and the cheaters were arrested before they could leave the casino.
8. Top-Bottom Joint: A Two-Part Tool for Jamming Machines
This method was a favorite of slot cheats in the 1970s and 1980s. A special tool consisting of a top and bottom part would be inserted into the coin chute and slot, jamming the machine and forcing it to release its stored coins. This clever method allowed players to walk away with big payouts.
9. Monkey Paw: Carmichael Strikes Again
The monkey paw was another devious device created by Carmichael. This simple yet effective tool used a bent metal rod and a guitar string to trigger the coin hopper mechanism, causing the machine to dump coins into the player’s hands.
10. Bill Validator Device: Faking High Bills
A more recent scam involved using a bill validator device, which would make the machine believe it was accepting a high-value bill (like a $100) when it was actually accepting a lower denomination (such as a $1 bill). This trick allowed players to receive payouts far greater than they had actually wagered.
11. Computer Chip Replacement: Dennis Nikrasch’s Mastermind
Dennis Nikrasch changed the game of slot machine cheating when he discovered that the internal computer chips in slot machines could be reprogrammed. By switching out the legitimate chips for his manipulated ones, Nikrasch was able to ensure the machines paid out jackpots on command. His scam continued for years before he was finally caught.
12. Software Glitches: Exploiting Errors
Software glitches have long been exploited by slot cheats. By triggering specific patterns or stake levels, cheaters could cause a glitch that would result in the jackpot being triggered. One of the most famous cases involved a 90-year-old woman winning $41 million on a Miss Kitty slot machine, only for the casino to claim the win was a result of a glitch.
Conclusion: Why Cheating at Slots Is Not Worth It
While it’s fascinating to look back at these cheating methods used in slots, remember that these practices are illegal, and casinos work hard to detect and prevent such fraud. Slot machines today are more secure than ever, and attempting to cheat will not only result in severe penalties but will also damage the integrity of the game. Always play fairly and enjoy the excitement of slots the right way!