SEARCH NEWS:

 

Investigators Say They've Broken Slot Cheating Ring that was Family Affair

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "In 1979, Michael Joseph Balsamo was arrested on charges of cheating at gambling. Since then, he has racked up 25 investigations and six convictions and has been listed in Nevada's Black Book of Excluded Persons.

"Add another charge to the list.

"Now 47, Balsamo has been indicted by a grand jury on several counts of manufacturing and possessing a cheating device.

"This time, gaming enforcement officials allege, he had some help from his family, working with his wife, stepson and mother-in-law to cheat slot machines in Clark County

"His wife, Stephanie, 45, mother-in-law, Lavonna Wallace, 68, and stepson, Derrick Bowman, 24, were booked into the Clark County Detention Center this month on the charges.

"...Investigators think the suspects used a 'light optic' device to trick slot machines into paying more coins than they should when players win.

"...On April 28, Stephanie Balsamo and Wallace were caught cheating with the light optic devices at two casinos, Whiskey Pete's in Primm and Nevada Landing in Jean, arrest reports said.

"...Michael Balsamo remains in custody in the Clark County jail on $34,000 bail, as does his wife on $39,000 bail..."

< Gaming News