Notorious Casino Scammers: Where Are They Now

In this article, we dive into the stories of some of the most notorious casino scammers in history and explore where they are now. These individuals have made headlines for their elaborate schemes and cunning tactics to cheat casinos out of millions of dollars. Although we don’t condone their actions, their stories provide a fascinating insight into the lengths some people go to in their pursuit of easy money.

The MIT Blackjack Team

The MIT Blackjack Team is a group of students and ex-students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who used their mathematical skills to beat casinos at blackjack. The team employed card counting techniques and sophisticated strategies to gain an edge over the house. They operated from 1979 to the early 2000s and reportedly won millions of dollars from casinos around the world.

Today, the members of the MIT Blackjack Team have moved on to various pursuits. Some have chosen to remain in the world of gambling, while others have ventured into different industries. For example, Bill Kaplan, the team’s founder, has become a successful entrepreneur and investor. Meanwhile, Jeff Ma, a former member, has written books on gambling and now works as an analytics consultant for sports teams and businesses.

Richard Marcus and the Savannah Scam

Richard Marcus, a former casino dealer, is known for his infamous Savannah Scam, which he used to cheat casinos out of millions of dollars. The scam involved placing a high-value chip beneath a low-value chip on the roulette table. If Marcus won, he’d reveal the hidden high-value chip; if he lost, he’d remove the high-value chip unnoticed.

After nearly two decades of cheating casinos, Marcus retired in the late 1990s. He eventually turned to writing, penning several books about his experiences as a casino scammer. Marcus now works as a consultant for casino security, sharing his expertise to help prevent others from exploiting casinos the way he did.

Ron Harris and the Slot Machine Scam

Ron Harris was a computer programmer for the Nevada Gaming Control Board who used his technical skills to rig slot machines. He created a computer program that would predict the outcome of a spin, allowing him to win jackpots on command. Harris’s scam was finally uncovered in 1995, and he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Since being released from prison, Harris has maintained a low profile, and his current whereabouts are unknown. Despite his criminal past, Harris’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of using technical expertise for unethical purposes.

Tommy Glenn Carmichael and the Light Wand Scam

Tommy Glenn Carmichael is infamous for his light wand scam, which involved using a small device to manipulate the inner workings of slot machines. Carmichael’s light wand tricked the machine’s sensors into paying out large sums of money, earning him a fortune in the process.

Carmichael was eventually caught in 1996 and served time in prison. After his release, he vowed to change his ways and started working with the Nevada Gaming Commission to develop anti-cheating technology. Carmichael’s story is a prime example of how a former scammer can use their knowledge to help improve the security and integrity of the casino industry.

Conclusion

The stories of these notorious casino scammers are a fascinating glimpse into the world of casino crime. While they managed to cheat casinos out of millions of dollars, their actions eventually caught up with them, leading to criminal convictions and prison sentences. Today, most of these scammers have either turned their lives around or disappeared from the public eye, but their tales serve as a reminder that the casino industry is constantly evolving to counteract new threats and maintain its integrity.

As a responsible gambler, it’s essential to play within the rules and remember that casinos are designed to provide entertainment, not a guaranteed source of income. For more information on responsible gambling and smart gambling practices, visit our Smart Gambling Practices and Responsible Gambling Principles guide categories.