10 Most Common Techniques People Have Cheated Slot Machines

Prepare to be astonished as we delve into the thrilling world of slot cheats! In this eye-opening article, we’ll uncover 10 of the most common techniques people have employed to cheat slot machines. These crafty tactics range from the ingenious to the downright outrageous, showing just how far some individuals are willing to go to gain an edge over the house. So, buckle up as we embark on a fascinating journey through the history of cheating slot machines and learn about the cheat techniques that have made headlines, along with the best slots that have managed to thwart these efforts. Remember, cheating is illegal and strongly discouraged, but understanding these methods can provide an intriguing glimpse into the minds of those who dared to deceive.

10 – Cheat Code: Hacking the System

Slot Machines - Cheated Slot Machines
Slot Machines

Let’s dive into the world of cheat codes, a method that emerged with the rise of computerized slot machines. By exploiting software vulnerabilities, some cheaters managed to manipulate a machine’s programming to trigger a jackpot payout. One such individual, Ronald Dale Harris, was a computer programmer for the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Harris used his inside knowledge to alter the machines’ source code, enabling him to predict when a jackpot would be triggered. He and his accomplices cashed in on their ill-gotten gains until they were eventually caught and prosecuted. Today, casinos and gaming regulators use sophisticated security measures and encryption techniques to prevent such hacking attempts, ensuring the integrity of the gaming experience for all players.

09 – Light Wand

Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget

Back in the day, when slot machines started using the optical sensor technology, Tommy Glenn Carmichael invented a light wand that could blind these small, magical sensors. It was something like battery-powered mini light attached to a wire.

08 – Fake Coins: A Cunning Counterfeit Approach

Nevada
Nevada

To kick things off, let’s explore one of the oldest and most straightforward methods of cheating slot machines: using fake coins. Back in the day, when slot machines relied on mechanical systems and coin validators, some crafty players found a way to dupe the machines by using counterfeit coins or slugs. These bogus coins, made from inexpensive materials, closely resembled the real deal in shape and size. Consequently, slot machines would accept them as valid currency, allowing cheaters to rack up credits without spending a dime. However, as technology advanced, this method became increasingly obsolete. Today, most slot machines use advanced coin validators that can quickly detect and reject fake coins, making this cheating technique a relic of the past.

07 – Software Glitch

Las Vegas
Las Vegas

Sometimes the cheat comes with the slot machine built in. The most known slot machine with its glitch was ‘’The Game King’’. To exploit the glitch, the gambler would put more money into the machine after the “double up” prompt and then switch back to the original game they were playing for $1.00. Then player would then up their stakes to the highest allotted amount and cash out.

06 –Top-bottom Joint

Chips (2)
Chips (2)

The top-bottom joint was a trick created by Tommy Carmichael and Ray Ming. The duo created a slider, which was made of a guitar wire and a piece of spring steel. They would snake the payout chute using the top-bottom joint until tripping the switch. Once the switch was tripped, the slot machine would empty out its payload.

05 – Computer Chip Replacement

Computer Chips
Computer Chips

Dennis Nikrasch bought a computerized slot machine and played with it in his garage till he found a method to manipulate the computer chip inside to give him a jackpot whenever he wanted. For this purpose, he ordered the standard chips from a real manufacturer. Then he team up to obtain keys on the black market that opened slot machines. After that he would be able to open the machine to replace the chip under three minutes!

04 – Shaved Coins

Coins - Cheated Slot Machines
Coins

As slot machine technology advanced, machine manufacturers changed optic verification sensors to prevent scams. Improved mechanisms use a beam of light to register payment as the coin dropped in. Ironically, this innovation was used against itself to perform a cheat. Shaved coins are registered by the machine but once it gets to its comparitor new mechanism which is the piece of equipment that measures the size and weight of the coin, it will be immediately kicked out because of the coins minute size discrepancy. Of course then you can use it again…

03 – Piano Wire

Piano wires
Piano wires

This method dates back to 1982. At the Caesars Boardwalk Regency in Atlantic City, a group of cheaters surrounded a slot machine. Each of them had a job. One of the cheaters dubbed the mechanic, pried open the front and inserted 20-inch piano wires into the slot machine’s whirring guts. The group used the piano wires to jam the clock that timed each wheel’s rotation. With the help of this method, he was able to manipulate and spin the wheels till he wins.

02 – Monkey Paw: A Devious Device

Gambling Machines - Cheated Slot Machines
Gambling Machines

Next up, we have the infamous Monkey Paw, a devious device invented by Tommy Glenn Carmichael, a notorious slot cheat. The Monkey Paw, named for its hooked shape, was made from a piece of flexible metal that could be inserted into a slot machine’s payout chute. By maneuvering the device inside, cheaters could trip the payout switch, tricking the machine into releasing a jackpot. This sneaky method was used to great effect until the advent of modern slot machines with advanced security measures, which rendered the Monkey Paw obsolete. Carmichael’s luck eventually ran out, and he was caught and sentenced to prison, marking the end of his cheating career.

01 – YO-YO

Chips - Cheated Slot Machines
Chips

The cheater ties a thin cord around a coin and then places it in the slot until it registers a payment. Then yank out the coin and do the whole process over and over again. That simple!

We’ve reached the end of our thrilling exposé on the 10 most common techniques people have used to cheat slot machines. From magnets to software manipulation, these audacious attempts have showcased human ingenuity and risk-taking behavior. While we’ve explored the darker side of gaming, it’s essential to emphasize that cheating is illegal and unethical. Today, casinos are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems and technology, making it virtually impossible for cheats to succeed. So, let’s appreciate these stories for their entertainment value, and remember to always play fair and enjoy the excitement of the casino responsibly!

FAQs:

Q: What are some common techniques used to cheat slot machines?
A: Techniques include using magnets, manipulating the coin mechanism, using fake coins or tokens, and tampering with the machine’s software.

Q: Have people been caught and punished for cheating slot machines?
A: Yes, many slot cheats have been caught and faced legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

Q: Are modern slot machines less susceptible to cheating?
A: Absolutely, advancements in technology and security measures have made it increasingly difficult to cheat modern slot machines.

Q: Can casinos detect cheating attempts?
A: Indeed, casinos employ various security measures and surveillance systems to detect and prevent cheating attempts.

Q: What are the consequences of being caught cheating at a casino?
A: Consequences may include being banned from the casino, facing legal charges. And in some cases, additionally imprisonment.