“I’ve heard that the organized crime sydnicates have used programmers to write programs for their slot machines for years now. In fact, I think some federal crimininal or civil cases have been filed because of it if my memory serves correct.”
Having worked for a company that builds video slot machines I can tell you that embedded code to rig the machines would be discovered — most likely before the first game of its type was “approved”. The code must be supplied beforehand and working prototypes are extensively tested. Plus everyone connected with the manufacture & sale goes thru a thorough & I mean thorough background check. Get caught attempting it and you’re banned for life every where.
Gaming is a lucrative business but the barriers to entry in the marketplace are high.
> Having worked for a company that builds video slot machines I can tell you that embedded code to rig the machines would be discovered — most likely before the first game of its type was “approved”. The code must be supplied beforehand and working prototypes are extensively tested. Plus everyone connected with the manufacture & sale goes thru a thorough & I mean thorough background check. Get caught attempting it and you’re banned for life every where.
I’m talking about modifications made after the manufacturing process. As to the background check process, I’m one of the guys who conducts those “thorough background checks” and know how the system can be exploited to get people to approve things they normally wouldn’t for a fee of course. Those types of background checks are only conducted in jurisdictions within the U.S. Sometimes they might check Interpol if its warranted but still some can fall through the cracks. On a large percentage of white collar cases there will be very little past criminal history found though more than average lawsuits, judgments, liens, and bankruptcy cases will be found. I also know how criminal history can be wiped or expunged using attorneys and clerks on the take.
Lots of money can get people to turn their heads especially when there’s lots of money to be made from it. They know people are watching during the manufacturing process and when the machines will be inspected later. They just keep it straight when they need to. And of course it may not happen in every casino but I bet it happens more iften than it doesn’t just because of the very nature of the business. I’ve never known of any poor casino operators...: )