Field guide

Light Wand

How it works

A handheld device that emits intense light into a slot machine’s payout chute or coin sensor to blind optical sensors, tricking the machine into releasing coins or registering false credits. Tommy Glenn Carmichael developed the light wand after slot manufacturers defeated his monkey paw. The bright light overwhelmed optical sensors that counted coins during payout, causing the machine to continue dispensing until manually stopped. Later versions targeted bill validator light sensors.

On the record

Tommy Glenn Carmichael used the light wand to steal thousands daily in the early 1990s. He also sold devices to other cheaters before his eventual arrest. His devices are now in the Mob Museum.

Published as a detection reference for surveillance, compliance and gaming-operations professionals. Thresholds and tuning are set by the property. Nothing here is instruction — the method is described so it can be recognised.