Video Poker Firmware Bug Yields Big Money, Federal Charges

JoeyRox writes "Over the course of playing $12 million worth of video poker, Las Vegas resident John Kane stumbled onto a firmware bug in IGT's 'Game King' machines that allowed him to cash out for 10x the amount of his winnings. John and his friends took advantage of the vulnerability to the tune of $429,945. John's friend was arrested by U.S. marshals and charged with violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, but a federal magistrate ruled that the law doesn't apply and recommended dismissal. The case is currently being argued in a U.S. District Court."

Comments

Re:Fraud is fraud

[AmiMoJo]

I think the crux of it is that he knew the payout was a mistake. The machine said "you win $10" but spat out $100. He made it do that many, many times. It's not like discovering a way to win, it's like discovering a way to cheat.

I have a feeling I will be modded down because this runs contrary to Slashdot / Sheldon Cooper logic, but at least from a legal point of view there is a difference between winning a game of chance and enriching yourself as the result of a mistake you were aware of. And yes, in theory that means if they give you too much change at the checkout and you notice you are supposed to tell them, otherwise it's fraud.

Re:Fraud is fraud

[immaterial]

The owner of the money is under the impression that the machine is giving you the correct payout. You know this is not the case, but allow them to continue to believe that. That is deception, and fraud, whether you like it or not.