Tommy Carmichael’s Monkey Paw Tool Explained
Slot machines have long appealed to those looking for an edge. Among the most notorious figures to emerge during a time when mechanical weaknesses could still be exploited was Tommy Carmichael. His homemade “Monkey Paw” became one of the more talked-about devices during an era of escalating tension between opportunists and casino security.
This blog post explores what the Monkey Paw was, how Carmichael came to prominence, how the tool operated on early machines, and why it no longer poses any challenge to modern systems. It also outlines why interference with machines is taken seriously under UK law, and what fair play means in a regulated environment.
If you’re curious about how one device shaped an entire response from the industry, read on.
What Was the Slot Machine Monkey Paw Tool?
The Monkey Paw was a compact and bendable device created for use with certain slot machines. At a time, it could be used to tamper with internal components in ways that triggered outcomes the machine hadn’t actually awarded.
On some older machines—especially early designs—there were still access points inside the coin path that weren’t fully shielded. The Monkey Paw could be manoeuvred to make contact with hidden mechanisms, causing the machine to respond as if coins were due. Because of its size and appearance, it could be carried and used discreetly, making it difficult to detect in the moment.
It worked only under specific conditions—ones that relied on machines being built in a particular way. As its use became known, manufacturers began reinforcing those machines to make that kind of approach impossible. In doing so, they changed how machines were designed and monitored going forward.
But the real significance of the Monkey Paw lies in how it came to be—and who made it.
Tommy Carmichael and the Rise of Slot Machine Cheating
Tommy Carmichael was once a television repairman. In the 1980s and 1990s, he shifted focus and began applying his technical skills elsewhere. He noticed that many slot machines of the time followed predictable patterns internally. Certain parts could still be influenced from the outside the cabinet, which opened the door to more deliberate manipulation.
He began developing tools to take advantage of those vulnerabilities. The Monkey Paw was one of his earliest creations, but it wouldn’t be his last. As technology improved, Carmichael evolved his methods, building devices aimed at tricking newer systems in subtler ways—some targeting sensors, others attempting to mimic coins in flight. As word of these tools spread, casinos became more proactive, installing new safeguards and reporting systems.
Carmichael’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He was arrested several times and spent time behind bars. His legacy is one of escalation: Techniques like those used by Carmichael contributed to a wider shift toward more secure and tamper-resistant machine designs.
To understand the Monkey Paw’s moment in history, it helps to look more closely at what made it function at all.
How Did the Monkey Paw Slot Machine Cheat Work?
The tool exploited a design quirk in older slot machines. These machines had an internal route—from coin slot to payout mechanism—that could be reached with certain tools if one knew where to look. The Monkey Paw, shaped from wire and manipulated by hand, was designed to find and activate hidden components that weren’t meant to be touched once the machine was closed.
What those components were wasn’t immediately obvious from outside. But with practice and familiarity with a particular model, the tool could be used to trigger an internal switch or release cam just as the machine cycled through a play. Done correctly, this caused it to release coins as if the spin had resulted in a win.
This method demanded more than just the tool itself. It required patience, a detailed knowledge of each machine’s inner workings, and the ability to work without drawing attention. Even in venues that hadn’t yet upgraded their machines, staff were already trained to look for anything unusual. Many machines had early “lock” features that activated if the internal systems detected something strange—like a stuck coin or unexpected motion.
Once these weaknesses were better understood, manufacturers redesigned the machines entirely. The routes were blocked, components isolated, and sensor arrays added. The Monkey Paw, along with similar tools, quickly became ineffective.
That leads to a logical follow-up: Could anything like this still function today?
Does The Monkey Paw Tool Still Work?
Not anymore. Machines have changed—inside and out. What the Monkey Paw once exploited no longer exists in a usable form. Internal mechanisms are now protected by multiple layers of shielding, sensors, and advanced electronics that detect interference immediately.
Today’s machines use systems built on certified algorithms, secured communications, and encrypted controls. Each physical component—coin slot, note acceptor, hopper, door—is monitored for any form of disturbance. Even the act of inserting something unusual is enough to trigger alerts, disable the machine, and draw the attention of staff.
In this environment, attempting to use a device like the Monkey Paw would not activate anything useful. It would, however, be recognised as tampering—something that is documented, traced, and followed up with formal action.
While the tool had a brief moment when it could be used effectively, its time is long past.
Why You Shouldn’t Try Cheating Slot Machines
Tampering with a slot machine isn’t just discouraged—it’s prohibited under law. In the UK, using a device or method to alter the outcome or obtain payouts without authorisation can lead to prosecution. This can result in fines, bans from venues, or prison sentences. And once an incident is logged, it doesn’t stay local—many venues share information, meaning consequences can extend beyond a single casino.
It also disrupts how games are meant to operate. These machines are tested and approved so that outcomes follow strict procedures. Interfering with that affects more than just the operator—it changes the experience for everyone around, including staff and others who are there to enjoy the game.
For those who feel that things are getting out of hand, support systems exist that can help set limits or take a break. These tools are widely available and can be used privately and at any time.
If you choose to engage with slots, it’s important to keep in mind that the best experience usually comes from knowing the rules are clear and the environment is well-protected from interference.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
