Part III: Slot Machine Cheating · Electronic & Digital Cheating Methods

SCAM #2: Keno/Lottery RNG Prediction (Ron Harris Method)

How it works

Ron Harris, a Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) computer technician, used his privileged access to confidential source code to reverse-engineer the PRNG algorithms used in electronic keno games and slot machines. For keno, he developed a predictive algorithm that could determine which numbers the game’s PRNG would select in advance based on the machine’s internal clock state. For slot machines, he reprogrammed EPROM chips during routine NGCB inspections, embedding hidden “backdoor” code that would trigger jackpots when specific coin insertion sequences were performed. His method exploited the deterministic nature of early PRNGs, which used machine time as their primary seed value. Harris could predict keno outcomes down to the exact second, giving his accomplice an effectively guaranteed winning ticket.

Where it appears

Electronic keno machines, Universal Distributing slot machines, IGT Player’s Edge Plus video poker machines — primarily in Nevada casinos and at Bally’s Park Place in Atlantic City

On the record

Ron Harris operated from 1993-1995. His accomplice Reid McNeal attempted to cash a $100,000 keno ticket at Bally’s Park Place in Atlantic City on December 5, 1995 — casino executives became suspicious and contacted New Jersey gaming investigators. Harris was sentenced to seven years in prison in January 1998 (served two years). He was permanently banned from all Nevada casinos (Black Book entry February 20, 1997) and added to New Jersey’s exclusion list June 21, 1995. The case exposed massive vulnerabilities in gaming regulatory oversight.

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.