Tommy Carmichael, a notorious figure in the gambling industry, left an indelible mark on Las Vegas casinos and beyond. His journey from a television repair technician to one of the most infamous slot cheats in history has captivated the attention of gaming companies and law enforcement alike. Carmichael's ingenious slot machine cheating devices and techniques revolutionised the world of illicit casino winnings, prompting a cat-and-mouse game with authorities that spanned decades.
The rise and fall of this casino conman is a tale of cunning, innovation, and eventual downfall. From mastering the art of slot machine manipulation to expanding his criminal network, Carmichael's career reached dizzying heights before crashing down. His legacy continues to shape casino security measures, influencing the development of random number generation and other anti-cheating technologies. This article delves into Carmichael's life, exploring his methods, the police chase that led to his capture, and the lasting impact of his actions on the gambling world.
The Making of a Casino Conman
Tommy Glenn Carmichael's journey from a struggling television repair technician to one of the most notorious slot cheats in history began in the 1980s. Even as a child, Carmichael was fascinated by technology and how things worked, which led him to open a television merchandise and repair shop in Oklahoma 1. Despite initial success, increased competition soon left Carmichael's business struggling to stay afloat.
Carmichael's life was unravelling due to a failing business, community service for drug offences, and the process of a third divorce 1. It was during this tumultuous time that an old school friend introduced him to a tool that would change his life forever: a top-bottom joint used to rig casino machines 1. Carmichael quickly mastered the use of this cheating device on slot machines, and after a successful test run that yielded GBP 27.50 in minutes, he went on to win GBP 7,856.30 over the course of a weekend 2 1.
Armed with this new skill, Carmichael spent the next few years accumulating millions of dollars from casinos on the Las Vegas Strip 2 1. His success, however, did not go unnoticed by the casinos. As they became more aware of cheaters' tools like Carmichael's, they began updating their machines with the latest technology, including Random Number Generators (RNGs) 2 1.
Undeterred by these advancements, Carmichael turned his attention to smaller casinos, where his activities were more noticeable without the cover of large crowds 1. After a week-long police chase, Carmichael was finally apprehended with his cheating tool in his possession 2 1. This marked the beginning of a cat-and-mouse game between Carmichael and the authorities that would span decades, as he continued to develop new cheating devices and techniques to stay ahead of the evolving technology in the gambling industry.
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Mastering the Art of Slot Machine Manipulation
Carmichael's journey into the world of slot machine manipulation began when his high school friend, Ray Ming, introduced him to a device called the "top-bottom joint". This tool, consisting of a curved piece of metal and a guitar string, could effectively short-circuit the coin hopper of older, electromechanical slot machines, triggering an illicit payout 3.
Learning to use the top-bottom joint
The top-bottom joint works by using a bent piece of guitar string, known as the "bottom tool", which is inserted into the bottom left corner of the machine and positioned against the circuit board. This draws a low wattage of electricity through the slot machine. The "top tool", a piece of metal shaped like the number nine, is then inserted into the coin slot, completing an electrical circuit powerful enough to activate the hopper and dispense coins 4.
Carmichael quickly mastered the use of this cheating device. After practising extensively, he felt confident enough to test his skills in a Las Vegas casino. On his first attempt, he used the trick on a nickel machine and won GBP 27.50 in just a few minutes 4 5.
Early successes and winnings
Carmichael's initial success with the top-bottom joint was staggering. In his first week of cheating in Las Vegas, he walked away with more than GBP 7856.30 5 6. He continued to make trips between Tulsa and Las Vegas every couple of months, spending months running the casinos and robbing their machines before returning to check on his TV repair shop 4.
As his cheating activities became more lucrative, Carmichael eventually shut down his TV repair shop to become a full-time slot cheat 4. He honed his skills and technique, becoming adept at using the top-bottom joint without getting caught.
Developing a systematic approach
Carmichael's success as a slot cheat was due in part to his systematic approach. He started with smaller machines and gradually moved on to bigger ones in Las Vegas 5. He also developed a keen understanding of how slot machines worked, which allowed him to adapt his cheating methods as technology advanced.
For nearly 20 years, Carmichael cheated Las Vegas casinos without getting caught 5 6. He accumulated millions of dollars in illicit winnings during this time 3, cementing his reputation as one of the most skilled and prolific slot cheats in history.
However, as casinos became more aware of cheating tools like the top-bottom joint, they began updating their machines with the latest technology, including Random Number Generators (RNGs) 3. This forced Carmichael to constantly innovate and develop new cheating devices to stay ahead of the evolving technology in the gambling industry.
The Cat and Mouse Game with Casinos
As [Tommy Carmichael](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat) honed his skills in [slot machine cheating](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos), a cat-and-mouse game ensued between him and the casinos. Carmichael's early successes relied on exploiting vulnerabilities in mechanical slot machines, but as casinos caught on to his tactics, they began to upgrade their security measures and technology 2 1.
Carmichael's first arrest in 1985 at a Las Vegas Denny's marked a turning point in his criminal career 2 1. Casinos were becoming increasingly aware of cheating devices like the top-bottom joint found in Carmichael's possession, prompting them to invest in more advanced slot machine technology, such as Random Number Generators (RNGs) 2 1.
Undeterred by these advancements, Carmichael continuously adapted his cheating methods to stay ahead of the game. He targeted smaller casinos that lacked the resources to upgrade their machines, taking advantage of their outdated security systems 1. However, this move also made him more noticeable to authorities, eventually leading to a week-long police chase and his arrest with the cheating tool in hand 2 1.
Carmichael's ingenuity and determination to outsmart casino security became the driving force behind his criminal enterprise. He developed new devices, such as the monkey paw and light wand, which allowed him to manipulate even the most advanced slot machines of the time 3 6. His inventions were so effective that they proliferated throughout the cheating underworld, costing casinos millions in losses 3 6.
As Carmichael's notoriety grew, so did the efforts of casinos and law enforcement to bring him to justice. Surveillance cameras were upgraded to detect his cheating methods, and undercover agents were deployed to gather evidence against him and his crew 5 6. The cat-and-mouse game reached its climax in 1996 when Carmichael was arrested at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, effectively ending his reign as the slot machine king 5 6.
Carmichael's legacy, however, extends beyond his criminal exploits. His innovations forced casinos to continually improve their security measures and develop new technologies to combat cheating. Today, casinos employ state-of-the-art surveillance systems, advanced analytics, and machine learning algorithms to detect and prevent slot machine fraud, all thanks in part to the ingenuity of Tommy Glenn Carmichael.
The Evolution of Cheating Techniques
As slot machines evolved from mechanical to electronic and computerised versions, [Tommy Carmichael](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat) had to continuously adapt his cheating methods to stay ahead of the game. In the early days, he used simple devices like the top-bottom joint to manipulate mechanical [slot machines](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos). However, as casinos upgraded their machines with advanced technology, such as Random Number Generators (RNGs), Carmichael had to invent new tools to continue his illicit activities 2 1.
One of Carmichael's most notorious inventions was the Monkey Paw, a device he created in 1990 after having a dream about its design 7. The Monkey Paw consisted of a flexible piece of metal with a wedged tip that could be inserted into the payout chute of a slot machine, triggering a microswitch and fooling the machine into releasing its payload 7. This ingenious device allowed Carmichael to earn thousands of dollars an hour, leaving entire rooms of slot machines empty 7.
However, the Monkey Paw's effectiveness was short-lived, as casinos quickly caught on to this cheating method and implemented countermeasures 7. Undeterred, Carmichael visited the showroom of International Game Technology (IGT), a leading slot machine manufacturer, and posed as a customer to gain insight into their latest machines 7. Armed with this knowledge, he invented the light wand, a device that blinded the machine's sensor, making it oblivious to the number of coins being dispensed 7 8.
The light wand, which cost only GBP 1.96 to build, enabled cheaters to make up to GBP 7856.30 a day 7. Its proliferation throughout the cheating underworld cost casinos millions in losses, making it one of the most devastating cheating devices in history 7. Carmichael's inventions forced casinos to continually improve their security measures and develop new technologies to combat cheating 8.
As Carmichael's notoriety grew, so did the efforts of casinos and law enforcement to bring him to justice. Surveillance cameras were upgraded to detect his cheating methods, and undercover agents were deployed to gather evidence against him and his crew 7. Despite the increasing pressure, Carmichael remained confident in his abilities, believing that he could beat any slot machine that the casinos put in front of him 7.
Carmichael's cheating career reached its peak in the mid-1990s, as he toured the country and the Caribbean with his light wand, raking in thousands of dollars a day 8. However, his luck eventually ran out when he was arrested at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1996 8. This marked the beginning of the end for the [slot machine](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) king, as he faced multiple arrests and legal troubles in the following years.
Despite the consequences of his actions, Carmichael's legacy in the world of casino cheating remains unparalleled. His innovative devices and techniques forced the [gambling industry](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) to constantly adapt and improve its security measures, ultimately shaping the landscape of modern slot machines and casino security.
Expanding the Criminal Network
As [Tommy Carmichael](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat)'s notoriety grew in the world of [[slot machine cheating](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos)](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos), he began to expand his criminal network by partnering with other professional cheats and training them in the use of his innovative devices. Carmichael's [slot machine cheating devices](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos), such as the monkey paw and light wand, were so effective that they proliferated throughout the cheating underworld, costing casinos millions in losses 7.
Carmichael's associate, Balsamo, introduced him to Ramon David Pereira, forming a close-knit group of professional cheaters 9. Together, they scouted other scammers who had been active in the industry for years and quickly began making huge amounts of money every day 9. Carmichael himself performed almost daily, mostly in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, but he did not limit himself to the US 9.
In 1995, Carmichael and Balsamo travelled to the Caribbean seven times in six months, taking advantage of the onboard casinos to make thousands of dollars every day 9. Carmichael's worldwide [slot machine theft](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) network netted thousands of dollars from casinos, making it the largest slot machine scam in history 9.
In addition to partnering with other cheats, Carmichael also trained and sold his cheating devices to others in the industry. By 1992, the light wand was successfully hacking slot machines across the world, and Carmichael was swiftly making thousands of dollars by distributing it to other [slot machine scammers](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) 9. This allowed him to expand his criminal enterprise and increase his illicit profits.
Carmichael's international casino scams took him beyond the borders of the United States. He and his associates targeted casinos in the Caribbean, where they took advantage of the onboard gaming establishments to make thousands of dollars every day 9. These international heists further cemented Carmichael's reputation as a master [slot cheat](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) and expanded the reach of his criminal network.
As Carmichael's [criminal network](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) grew, so did the efforts of casinos and law enforcement to bring him to justice. Surveillance cameras were upgraded to detect his cheating methods, and undercover agents were deployed to gather evidence against him and his crew 7. Despite the increasing pressure, Carmichael remained confident in his abilities, believing that he could beat any slot machine that the casinos put in front of him 7.
However, Carmichael's luck eventually ran out when he was arrested at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1996 8. This marked the beginning of the end for the slot machine king, as he faced multiple arrests and legal troubles in the following years. Despite the consequences of his actions, Carmichael's legacy in the world of casino cheating remains unparalleled, with his innovative devices and techniques forcing the [gambling industry](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) to constantly adapt and improve its security measures.
The Height of Carmichael's Criminal Career
As [[Tommy Carmichael](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat)](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat)'s notoriety grew in the world of [[slot machine cheating](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos)](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos), he reached the pinnacle of his criminal career in the mid-1990s. Armed with his innovative cheating devices, such as the monkey paw and the light wand, Carmichael embarked on a relentless campaign to defraud casinos across the United States and beyond.
Daily winnings in the thousands
Carmichael's [slot machine cheating devices](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) proved to be incredibly lucrative, enabling him to amass thousands of dollars in illicit winnings on a daily basis. The light wand, in particular, was a game-changer, costing a mere GBP 1.96 to build while allowing cheaters to make up to GBP 7856.30 a day 7. The proliferation of this device throughout the cheating underworld cost casinos millions in losses, making it one of the most devastating cheating tools in history 7.
Carmichael himself performed almost daily, primarily in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, raking in enormous sums of money 9. His success allowed him to live a lavish lifestyle, complete with a house in Rancho Bel Air, a Jaguar XJ6, and a relationship with a topless dancer 8. He dutifully paid his taxes, further cementing the illusion of legitimacy surrounding his ill-gotten gains 8.
Targeting casinos across the US and Caribbean
Carmichael's criminal enterprise extended far beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He toured the country in a mobile home, targeting casinos in Connecticut, Colorado, Louisiana, and other states 8. His cheating methods were so refined that he could leave entire rooms of slot machines empty, walking away with thousands of dollars in a matter of hours 7.
In 1995, Carmichael's audacity reached new heights when he took seven cruises in six months, exploiting the onboard casinos to make thousands of dollars every day 9. He and his associate, Balsamo, travelled to the Caribbean, scamming casinos in Nassau, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Aruba 9. These international heists further solidified Carmichael's reputation as a master [slot cheat](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) and expanded the reach of his criminal network.
Becoming a legend in the gambling underworld
As Carmichael's success grew, so did his reputation within the [gambling industry](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos). He formed a close-knit group of professional cheaters with his associates, Balsamo and Ramon David Pereira 9. Together, they scouted other scammers who had been active in the industry for years, quickly amassing huge sums of money on a daily basis 9.
Carmichael's worldwide [slot machine theft](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) network netted thousands of dollars from casinos, making it the largest slot machine scam in history 9. His ingenuity and determination to outsmart casino security became the stuff of legend, inspiring both admiration and fear within the gambling underworld.
However, as Carmichael's criminal empire reached its zenith, the authorities were closing in. Surveillance cameras were upgraded to detect his cheating methods, and undercover agents worked tirelessly to gather evidence against him and his crew 7. Despite his confidence in his ability to beat any slot machine put before him, Carmichael's luck was about to run out, setting the stage for a dramatic downfall.
The Beginning of the End
As [Tommy Carmichael](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat)'s notoriety grew in the world of [[[slot machine cheating](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos)](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos)](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos), so did the efforts of casinos and law enforcement to bring him to justice. Surveillance cameras were upgraded to detect his cheating methods, and undercover agents were deployed to gather evidence against him and his crew 7. Despite the increasing pressure, Carmichael remained confident in his abilities, believing that he could beat any slot machine that the casinos put in front of him 7.
Increased casino surveillance
As Carmichael's criminal empire reached its zenith, the authorities were closing in. Surveillance cameras were upgraded to detect his cheating methods, and undercover agents worked tirelessly to gather evidence against him and his crew 7. The cat-and-mouse game between Carmichael and the casinos had reached a critical point, with both sides employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to outmanoeuvre the other.
Multiple arrests and convictions
Carmichael's luck eventually ran out when he was arrested at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1996 8. This marked the beginning of a series of legal troubles for the [slot machine](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) king, as he faced multiple arrests and convictions in the following years.
In 1998, Carmichael was arrested in Laughlin, Nevada, on charges similar to his 1996 arrest 8. The following year, his luck ran out once again in Atlantic City, where he was caught using an improved light wand 8. These arrests and convictions dealt a significant blow to Carmichael's criminal enterprise, as he found himself increasingly entangled in legal battles.
The final capture on camera
The year 2000 proved to be a turning point for Carmichael, as he was arrested and charged with being a key player in a nationwide cheating scheme 6. Unbeknownst to Carmichael, new surveillance cameras had been installed in the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, capable of seeing past the blockers he had relied on to evade detection 6. These cameras played a crucial role in his capture, as they provided irrefutable evidence of his cheating activities.
As a result of his involvement in the nationwide cheating scheme, Carmichael was sentenced to 326 days in jail and three years of probation 6. The court also ordered him to stay away from casinos for the duration of his probation 6. This marked a significant fall from grace for the once-legendary [slot cheat](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos), as he found himself facing the consequences of his actions and barred from the very establishments he had once exploited.
The beginning of the end for Tommy Glenn Carmichael was a culmination of years of cat-and-mouse games with casinos and law enforcement. As technology evolved and surveillance methods improved, the net began to close around the notorious [slot machine](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) cheat. Despite his confidence and ingenuity, Carmichael ultimately found himself facing the consequences of his actions, with multiple arrests and convictions effectively ending his reign as the king of [slot machine cheating](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos).
Carmichael's Legacy in Casino Security
As [[Tommy Carmichael](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat)](https://ie.fortunegames.com/blog/outsmarting-the-odds-a-guide-to-the-slot-machine-monkey-paw-tool-cheat)'s criminal career came to an end, he made a surprising move that would leave a lasting impact on the [gambling industry](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos). Claiming to have had a change of heart, Carmichael decided to use his extensive knowledge of [[slot machine cheating](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos)](https://www.fortunegames.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-slot-machine-cheating-a-comprehensive-guide-in-online-casinos) to help casinos protect themselves against the very techniques he had pioneered 6.
From conman to consultant
In a remarkable turn of events, Carmichael began sharing his expertise on [slot machine cheating](