Slot machines are one of the primary sources of income in casinos, making them a prime target for cheaters. Common techniques involve manipulating machines by using special devices that trigger specific payouts – these devices can also be used online but require much time and effort to set up and run properly. Here we explore 15 methods used to cheat slot machines ranging from low-tech tricks like stringing coins together on string to advanced Russian scams that require extensive setup efforts and running. Such acts of cheating are strictly illegal in gaming jurisdictions with fines and prison sentences applied against those caught engaging in such schemes if caught; fines may apply, depending upon each case and nature of cheating activities involved.
Cheaters have attempted to alter the outcome of slot games since their invention. Cheers have developed numerous methods ranging from tampering with electronics inside of machines, to physically entering them to bypass security measures installed by manufacturers; some of these tactics no longer work, though savvy cheaters may use some or all of them in order to overcome casino odds and beat slot machines.
Climbing into a slot machine to manipulate its spins and reels is probably one of the oldest and most-utilized methods of cheating at slot machines, though this form of fraud requires highly experienced players who know how to avoid detection by security teams at casinos. As this form of cheating has proven so dangerous, most jurisdictions have banned such practices as well.
Cheating at slot machines these days usually involves altering its software. Some of the world’s most famous slot machine hackers such as Ronald Dale Harris were able to crack into slot machine codes and use them for personal gain; one such instance saw Harris use one such machine to pay him enormous sums of money!
Other methods of slot cheating involve making devices that can be inserted into the slots of machines to manipulate their operation, including devices made of piano wires that can be manipulated to change spin rotations on slot machines and top-bottom joints designed by Tommy Glenn Carmichael that consist of metal rods connected by guitar strings that push against each other to push against coin hoppers; then when placed inside coin chutes of machines this forces it to release all stored coins automatically.
One of the more widely used strategies for cheating slot machines involves using fake money to trick it into thinking you are winning, which can be accomplished due to how slot machines are programmed to detect wins. Most machines feature optic verification sensors which register payments when coins are dropped in, but these sensors may be fooled by smaller coins due to size variations.