Field guide

Tommy Glenn Carmichael (1980s-1990s)

How it works

The most notorious slot machine cheat in history, who invented and used a series of devices (top-bottom joint, monkey paw, light wand) to steal millions over two decades. How It Was Executed: Carmichael started with the top-bottom joint in 1980, moved to the monkey paw after his 1987 prison release to beat new machines, and developed the light wand in the early 1990s. He also sold devices to others. At his peak, he reportedly made $10,000 per day.

This entry documents the method only. Detection and prevention guidance for this technique is covered under related methods in Historical Famous Cases.

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.