I'm glad Glenn Hester exists. You see, Glenn is a good guy. But he is not one of those "turn the other cheek" kinds of fellows. No, if you are doing wrong, he will come after you and your life will not be a pleasant thing. Glenn knows right from wrong and works hard at making sure there is as much right in this world as possible.

The material in this book will lay out the ways some less than honorable people make a living. The information in these pages comes not from scholarly research, but from first hand experience in the field. Glenn writes about the scams and cons he has encountered on the midway of countless carnivals. He has not only witnessed grift being perpetrated, he has gone the extra step of seeing that these flat stores and alibi joints are shut down and the jointee running them is stopped from deceiving the public.

What he does is a tough job, and for the most, it is a thankless one. I, for one, would like to take this opportunity to thank him for not only doing this vital benefit to society, but also for putting this book together. It is an important work and will be of use to many.

If you are a law enforcement agent, you will find this book to be a big help in dealing with carnival Bunco crime. This book will make your life easier. If you are just a member of the public, this book will keep you from being fleeced. And everyone that reads it will find the material on these following pages fascinating and entertaining.

I must admit, I love deception. I have since I was a kid and got involved with magic. On a certain level, I admire the ingeniousness in the way the fraud in this book is constructed. There is a certain cleverness to the way it plays upon human weakness to separate people from their money. I do, however, never forget that the smiling folks that run these games you cannot win are predators, pure and simple. Their deceit needs to be exposed.

That is why I am glad there are people like Glenn Hester around.

Todd Robbins

Coney Island Sideshows

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements & Disclaimer

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1 Early Experiences

Chapter 2 The Learning Process

Chapter 3 My First Inspection

Chapter 4 Breaking in a new Carnival Company & other inspections

Chapter 5 Agenda prior to Inspection

Chapter 6 Items & Information needed for Inspections

Chapter 7 Gambling/Chance Games

Chapter 8 Fraudulent Games Introduction

Chapter 9 Category Bottle/Pin Games

Chapter 10 Category Dart/Balloon Games

Chapter 11 Category Ring/Block Games

Chapter 12 Category Ball Games

Chapter 13 Category Shooting Gallery Games

Chapter 14 Category Other Crooked Games

Chapter 15 Sideshows & other Features

Chapter 16 Final Church Call

Resources – Books – Contacts

About the Author

Illustrations of Games

INTRODUCTION

You may be somewhat confused with the title of this book as well as the subheading. When I state the words Carnival Cop, this is defined as someone in law enforcement who has knowledge of deceptive methods employed in carnival games, investigates mischief on the midway and/or inspects carnival games. A Police Magician is someone in law enforcement with knowledge of the principles used in magic, as well as con games, and/or themes magic for law enforcement topics in crime prevention presentations. Rhinestone Redneck is a redneck with class.

What follows are personal experiences with carnival personnel, the games inspected, their methods of cheating, and ideas for modifications to some of the games. Also shown will be the various seminars attended, books researched about carnival games, laws from other states that helped with the guidelines for game operators, some laws of physics, and principles of science and magic used as methods for cheating a patron.

Other aspects of the book will show some of the tools used in the inspection procedures; papers used for record keeping and for the edification of carnival personnel, so there will be no confusion as to what is expected.

Some of the games in my collection, which are used for training and research, have been helpful with the segment on modifications. Some games I have not encountered on the midway have been encountered through training seminars conducted by Bruce Walstad, Street-Smart Communications books, other books on this subject matter and training seminars through Professionals Against Confidence Crime.

One objective of this material is to give law enforcement an insight into one method of carnival game inspection, establishing probable cause to make an arrest and case, some guidelines to get the readers to think about and form their own opinions about the games and inspection procedures, as well as show the different classification and categorization that will make inspection easier.

The second objective is for the non-law enforcement reader. Insight into how some of these games can rip you off will give the reader an advantage the next time they visit a carnival midway. Some tips on how to play the games is shown to give that extra edge. However, it must be known that winning is dependant on skill, operators intent & rules posted. If the game operator is intent on making you lose, nothing in this book, short of having them arrested, will assist you.

It is advisable that inspectors have more than a basic knowledge of this subject matter before implementing the inspection process. It is strongly suggested that the inspectors walk different midways, take note of all the games on display, research games through books, attend seminars at training sites on this subject matter, and talk with others who have experience in this type of work. If you plan to investigate and inspect the games, hands on training along with research and practical application will give you the advantage needed to become a "Carnival Cop".

Chapter 1

Early Experiences

Living, and growing up, in the 6^th largest city in Georgia allowed for many opportunities to visit carnivals and fairs; eat the food on the midway, ride the scariest rides, play the games on display and witness features in the sideshows.

Of course, throughout the late 1950's, 1960's and early 1970's, things were a little different than they are today. Although many carnivals and fairs do have feature attractions, the sideshows of yesteryear are almost extinct. I watched, in awe and amazement, men bite off the head of a chicken, drive a nail up their nose, and put needles through their body and other gross forms of entertainment.

One form of entertainment was the girlie shows. Being too young to purchase a ticket, I did sneak in one night to witness some interesting adult entertainment. Other forms of entertainment with sideshows were the different acts, such as magic, a woman contortionist, a sword swallower, a fire eater and the act where a lady turns into a gorilla, bursts out of the cage and comes into the audience. When first seeing this one, as a young lad, I discovered the reasoning behind my mother always telling me to have an extra pair of underwear.

A form of entertainment on the midway that was most enjoyable for the challenge it presented the player were the games. Some games would give you a prize, although inexpensive and not much to look at, even if you did not accomplish a certain feat with the game (hanky pank games). Other games attempted were hard, and some lowered my self-esteem so much that I never graced that booth again.

Curiosity about the workings of the games and the skill needed to walk away with a grand prize intrigued me throughout the years. As fate would have it, all that was won were small prizes that you could trade up, provided you were successful a second and third time.

Group games, such as shooting water in a clown's head that enlarged a balloon until it burst, gave me somewhat of a thrill. Depending on my skill, which was pitted against others who were playing, I could sometimes win a prize. The only problem was the numbers of players were not that many, so the prize was always small.

Two games I remember, that lowered my self-esteem, were the Circle of Science (Spot the Spot) and Shoot out the Star. With the Circle of Science, you had to place five round discs on a red colored circle and hide all the red.

Time after time, I got close, but as the saying goes, no cigar. Although shooting out the star with a machine gun was enjoyable, it was basically impossible to achieve.

It's hard to recall how much money was actually lost to many of these games. The game operators were so nice and made me feel like they were my friends; I almost hated disappointing them by losing every time. After all, they showed me how to win by demonstrating, giving pointers to correct any mistakes made and a few practice tries to show you could win.

The problem came when I paid to play. Although winning many times in practice, I thought it odd that winning could not be accomplished when playing for real. The exact same technique used in practice was used in real play. It just didn't add up until years later when, as an adult, I learned that these same games, played in my youth, were known as fraudulent games.

As time passed, I continued to try my luck at certain games. And, as fate would have it, I was no better than in the previous years. The fact that these games may not be honest entered my mind. The problem was I had no knowledge how I was cheated if, in fact, that was the case.

Speaking with some law enforcement officers, who were working security at one carnival, they said they had a feeling the games were crooked, but they have been on the midway for years, so no one bothered the operators.

I could not accept this statement. Knowledge was needed to know exactly how these games worked and the method of cheating used. Not being a law enforcement officer at the time, there were no outlets to use in gaining this knowledge.

While studying magic, many principles used in deceptive practices were revealed. These were employed to get the trick or illusion across. With practice on each of these principles, I became better with the moves needed to fool the audience.

Deceptive methods used in magic were shown to be used in criminal activity as well. This began my research into con games.

As I already did Gospel magic (magic themed for use in bible teachings), this started me thinking about using magic in other areas and wanting to develop routines that would educate both youth and adults. The magic shows at various resorts in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York were just entertainment value, with no message or theme. I wanted to be unique with my act.

A friend of mine had me go to a sheriff's office and be interviewed by the sheriff for a job. I was hired on the department as a deputy sheriff and a member of law enforcement. Other things occupied my time, so looking into the deceptive methods used in carnival games was put on the back burner for a while.

Chapter 2

The Learning Process

After learning about my job, going to the academy and getting on the job experience, I decided to use my position to learn more about fraudulent activities. I discovered that many of the principles used in magic were the same that con artists used when they swindled a victim.

Thinking of some of the methods used in con games, I worked with several magic tricks to see if a themed routine would develop. That, along with routines on alcohol and drug use, home security routines, peer pressure, self-esteem, safety, incarceration themes and good citizenship made a prevention program that would not only educate, but entertain audiences as well.

During the five years of employment with the Sheriffs Office in New York, I was able to demonstrate the police magic routines around the state. I was on television, in magazines, newspapers and on the radio telling people about these routines and what messages they could ascertain from each. Numerous crime/drug prevention shows for alcohol and drug awareness, youth of different church parishes, summer camps and resorts around the region were presented.

I loved showing themed magic and tried to use it at every opportunity. Still, the desire to learn how to unlock the secrets of crooked carnival games permeated my mind. The county was large, so finding a carnival around the area was not a problem. Some were church sponsored; others were sponsored by groups or organizations, and some just set up shop anywhere they could.

Observing people working the games, it was pretty obvious that they cheated in order to maximize profits. One game I watched, but did not encounter until later in a training seminar, was the Swinger.

This game uses Newton's Third Law of Motion. That is, "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction". I witnessed people trying to swing the ball past the bowling pin and knock it over on the return swing. No one won during the time I watched. For whatever distance the ball missed the pin on the foreword swing, it missed that same distance on the return swing.

Other games featured were the Circle of Science, the milk bottle toss, the coin pitch, block games and a host of others no one won, unless they wanted you to walk away with a badge of honor.

In a magician's magazine ad, I saw an article where a man wanted info and items relating to con games. I thought this was interesting and wrote to him. He wrote back saying that he had most of what I told him. He gave me his phone number and I contacted him via landline. As he was also a law enforcement officer and a magician, I had found someone who was in line with my train of thought.

This was my first mentor in con games and carnival game fraud. Bruce Walstad was an investigator with the Franklin Park, Illinois, Police Department who was co-authoring a book on scams and carnival game fraud. We discussed many cons played on victims.

Soon afterward, my wife delivered twin daughters, nine weeks early. When the twins had their first birthday, I made plans to return to my native state of Georgia and work with a police department on the Georgia coast.

Before leaving New York State, several law enforcement agencies contacted me to train them in the use of magic in crime prevention. This was my first time giving training on this subject matter. I was surprised at how well it was received, after the two-day session, as I had never taught this before. Shortly thereafter, we left New York to head toward Georgia.

A year after being employed with the police department in Georgia, Bruce sent me a copy of the book he and his friend, Lindsay Smith, published. The name of the book is Sting Shift, The Street-Smart Cop's Handbook of Cons and Swindles. In it, various con games were revealed along with some crooked and gambling carnival games. This was my first introduction into carnival game fraud.

Although knowing Bruce for several years now, I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. It was discovered he was instructing a class on crooked carnival games in Florida, so application was made and accepted. Most people get excited about going to Disneyland or Universal Studios.

This same feeling, knowing I was going to attend this seminar and see, first hand, some of the games on display and the method of cheating used, came over me. Reading about it is good, but applying that knowledge with hands on training has you coming away with a better understanding of the deceptive practices employed against a player.

I was not disappointed after the seminar was over. Bruce had enlightened me about many con games and crooked carnival games. Although I did understand some of the games at this point, there were still more out there that were ripping off people. Bruce and Lindsay came out with another book. The title of this book is Keeping Carnies Honest, A Police Officer's Field Guide to Carnival Game Inspections. Bruce sent me a copy, which was most helpful in furthering my education.

Bruce introduced me to his organization, Professionals Against Confidence Crime. They host an annual seminar each year with a variety of topics relating to fraudulent activities. I flew up to Illinois and attended my first training seminar from this group.

It was also a time that I had written and self published my first book, Police Magic, Using the Medium of Magic in Crime/Drug Prevention Presentations for Youth/ Adults. Bruce asked me to do a segment on using magic with con game themes. It was well received and I was pleased that many people bought a copy of my book during the seminar. I also had the opportunity to buy certain books of interest and meet others who did inspection of carnival games. Their stores were fascinating.

A month after the seminar, the local annual fair came to town. As the practice each year, I attended and made notes of games on the midway. Although a county officer, I still had jurisdiction in the city, where the fair was playing. I wanted to check the games and put to use the knowledge obtained from the past few years of research, study and seminars. However, I had only been with my department for four years and did not want to rock the boat, so to speak. And, what reasonable suspicion could be shown for wanting to do this?

Explaining how some of the games were questionable was not a problem, but without an incident occurring or a complaint filed, how could justification of going in and inspecting the games be shown? Well, it so happened that a complaint was made on one of the games. A local citizen lost $300.00 to a < a href="http://members.aol.com/policemagician/Carnivalgames/pointcoversion">Point Conversion Game. Although the patron did receive his money back (I have not heard if he got all or some of it back), no one arrested the game operator or lodged any charges relating to this incident. More on Point Conversion Games in a later chapter.

Hearing this was the catalyst needed for inspection of the games. I went to my captain first, explained the situation and my intentions. He liked it and made an appointment to discuss this with the chief. The chief liked it and told me to contact the president of the sponsoring organization. He liked it as well and invited me to speak at one of their luncheons to explain to the members what was heard and what was going to be done about it.

Some members told me that they thought all the games were crooked and some let it be known they were not in agreement with this operation, but it was going ahead as scheduled. I sent a letter to the owner of the carnival explaining what had occurred at the 1992 event and what our agencies intended to do about it. It was not well received by him. I asked to meet with him when his company arrived in a neighboring county so we could discuss which games would not be allowed in my jurisdiction.

The fair was several months away. This allowed time to research more games, get a team chosen to assist, provide for training and alert the media to our operation. It was also during this time that a national television news magazine did an expose' on the very carnival that serviced our area. It featured several games on the midway that were non-winnable, the owner, his son, their game manager, and a former carny hired to assist the news crew. No one questioned this operation now.

Chapter 3

My First Inspection

I requested that our local Vice/Drug Squad assist in this operation and sent a letter to the owner of the carnival with some stipulations of conduct expected from the game operators while visiting our area.

Attending a five-day seminar in Florida that Bruce Walstad was conducting allowed me to see other crooked carnival games in more detail. I arranged for Bruce to travel back home with me, after the seminar, and put on a class for the 19 officers and agents (which included state agents) who were going to be part of this operation.

Some members of the sponsoring organization attended and learned the reasons we needed this operation. Bruce had many games on display that were played and shown how they were gaffed (rigged to cheat you).

The local news media was there to observe the class and make it known what we were going to do. Having members of the sponsoring organization attend showed a spirit of cooperation with this operation. The story came out in the paper the following Monday. Several citizens, who were pleased we were going to inspect the games, contacted me and related horror stories about playing some of these games.

Since this was going to be our first inspection, I wanted it done right. Documentation was made of procedures involved in this operation, which would be included in the final game inspection report. I asked an assistant district attorney (now the D.A.) to go with us during the inspection so he could answer any legal questions the carnival company, or the team, had about the games.

A week prior to the opening of our fair, I traveled to a neighboring county to meet with the carnival owner, walk his midway and discuss which games were not wanted in our county. Two of our local sponsoring organization members and one of our multi-jurisdictional agents accompanied me. We were met with resistance upon our arrival.

After stating my intentions to the members of that sponsoring groups organization and law enforcement officers, they told us that the owner of the carnival alerted them that our advent to this event would be with the state police, state investigation agency and SWAT teams to bust the games. It was now clear as to the reason we encountered resistance in this neighboring county on arrival.

Although quite upset with the carnival owner's tactic, I collected myself and was professional during the time spent with him. Again he stated that he did not like our meddling in his operation. He was told it would not have occurred if one of his game operators had not tried to swindle one of our citizens.

We walked the midway, notes were made of several games that were not wanted in our county, and modifications were discussed for those that would be brought in. One game, played a couple of different ways, which has chance as the final outcome, was shown to us. This was the Crazy Ball game. A player wagers on a color or number they feel will come up a winner. A multi-colored, multi-sided cube or ball is tossed into the play area. Whichever color or number comes up is the winner.

This game used a ball tossed into the play area that had a wheel, with numbers around it, spinning. He tried to pass this off as a skill game. I asked him whose skill he was referring too. It was pointed out that other players, who are not allowed to toss the ball, have no skill involved and the final outcome is by chance alone, which makes it gambling. I said that if he did not believe me, he could try to convince our district attorney, who would be with us during the inspection, when he comes to our area.

The Duck Pond game would be shut down. The ducks had hidden designators on the bottom showing which prize would be won. He was told it took no skill to pick up a plastic duck. What was won was by chance using hidden designators not skill, therefore making it a gambling game. Although butting heads on this, he came around to seeing it our way.

We went to different games, had the operator demonstrate, from the point of the player, and tried it ourselves. While shooting out the star, the owner told the others that I was showing them how it was to be done by cutting around the star instead of shooting into it.

Needless to say, the game operator could push some of the red star back up, making it a loser. After completion, our two sponsoring members had their meeting with the owner while the agent and I walked the midway once again.

The day of inspection arrived. The excitement was already building. Like a kid on Christmas morning, I could not wait to unwrap (open the tents and trailers) the surprises that lay ahead. When time came for us to start, the owner called a meeting of all carnival personnel prior to our inspection. He told them about the operator last year that ripped off one of our citizens.

He also told them to assist us when we came around to their booth by demonstrating the game and working with us on any modifications needed for it to open. His speech gave me ideas for other items to be included in the guidelines for game owners/operators.

After the "Church Call", the owner went around with us to the games. Noticing the Duck Pond game open inquiry was made. He wanted to know if there was a way to open it. Turning it into a skill game like Catch the Can would allow it to open. It was closed.

During our inspection, darts, bottles, balls and other game components were weighed, measurements taken for distance from target to player, game components checked to see if they were altered in anyway, modifications made where it was needed and info on the game owner and game recorded.

weighted darts

Each game was videotaped during inspection and pictures taken of each booth. Rules were checked and each game owner was given a guideline sheet for conduct expected while in our area and when the game was operational. Some games were shut down, as there were no modifications that could make it within legal limits. Prize conversion info was posted for patrons to know which prizes they could win and the amount of successful plays and trade ups it would take to get to the big one.

Once again, the owner said he did not like our doing this. He even went so far as to say that he had a certain number of other engagements and didn't need this hassle. It wasn't until the next year that we found out he was serious.

During the run of the fair, compliance checks were made on a daily basis. Some balloon game operators had to be reminded to take down under-inflated balloons and put up fully-inflated balloons. You will see why in a later chapter.

Although not too pleased after the event, a strong message was sent. After completing the game inspection report and disseminating copies to the city and county police chiefs, the assistant district attorney and the officers/agents involved in this operation, a nice letter was sent to the carnival owner complimenting him on the number of kiddy rides and other features he had. I disliked doing this.

Shortly after the New Year, it was learned that the owner said he would not honor the last two years on his contract. He acquired another carnival company to take his place. Now, we would have to break in a new carnival company. It felt like the process was starting all over again. How would they receive this operation? The former carnival owner did give the new carnival owner my papers, so they knew what was expected when they came to town.

Chapter 4

Breaking in a New Carnival Company

And Other Inspections

During summer of 1994, the game manager for the new carnival company contacted me. He said that he had received all the papers from the former carnival owner and wanted to discuss the games. He was told that I had worked with the other carnival owner on a certain set of rules and would want the new carnival company to abide by them as well. He was informed about these rules and understood.

Over the phone, the game manager told me that he knew the former carnival company was crooked and had problems in many venues. He said his was a good company that would work with me on the set up of the games. He referred to a letter I sent the owner of the former company. I told the manager that I had a few more stipulations to add to the list already in his possession. This was due to the fact that I had not been aware of other tactics used and wanted to cover all bases.

I attended more training on carnival games, revised my guideline list for carnival owners and operators, and added more games to my list that would be closed, modified or allowed to remain open as is. Preparations were made for the new company coming in. There should be no problems with this new company since the game manager already knows what is expected from them.

The new company arrived in the fall of the same year, and I met with the owners and game manager. As done the year before, pre-inspection prior to the opening of the carnival was implemented. Since the midway was closed to the public, our inspection would not interfere with patrons. Some games were modified and some were shut down.

I told the game manager that there would be no argument about the games. If no type of modifications could be made and it was recommended a game be closed, if it opened without permission and fraud was detected, the game would be closed, confiscated and the game operator arrested.

This sufficed for many operators. There was very little or no problems with modifications, closings and cheating during the first year they were here. In fact, many loved this new company. More prizes were given away, the carnies were neater in appearance, the rides were great and the games were on the up and up.

This company has been with our area for several years now and has worked with me during our inspections. Somehow, I get the feeling that they do not trust me. After the third year, I turned this operation over to a city officer who was interested in this field. He received copies of all my papers with the research done on this company, prior inspection reports, problems encountered while the fair was open and the carnival hierarchy for this company.

I wanted to let the games open without pre-inspection so we could catch fraud and make arrests. However, this officer was given his chance to obtain experience with inspections. I went with him to assist in inspections with this company and other carnival companies that came to town. He did inspections until 2002 when he left the city to join another law enforcement agency.

Prior to his leaving, I told this officer and his captain that we have inspected this company, who had the contract for the fair, for several years, so they knew what was expected. I wanted to let them open the games without any inspection. Our team would go in and look over the games displayed, make notes which games were questionable, mark their location on the lot, set up the team to hit them all at once and bust them.

This way, no one would be able to pack up and leave. The problem with this was two-fold. One, it may cause hard feelings between the sponsoring organization and local law enforcement, and, two; we did not have enough trained officers to do the raids. Those who were first trained years ago were not available to assist with this.

Other carnival companies came to town in the various parking lots of the strip malls in our area. Each was greeted and inspected. All knew what was expected by the end of the inspection. Only a few gave problems. These were resolved when they were told that if we detected fraudulent activities, or gambling, the game would be closed, confiscated and the operator arrested.

Our old friends from the first carnival company came back to a parking lot near the site of the fair grounds. They also did this close to the opening of the annual fair. I assisted with inspection again. We dealt with the owner's son rather than the owner this time. He was a little better to work with.

A few years later, we would meet once again in another state. I had been contracted to teach a two-day course on carnival game fraud at a military base and assist the third day with inspection of the games. I found out the company was the same one our officers had first inspected and told the special agents my experience with them.

It was told to me that when the carnival owner found out I was on base instructing this subject matter he became upset and complained to the General. Attendees were shown the video of the television news magazines expose' on this company as well as slides of my inspections, overheads, lecture and actual games on display.

The day of inspection we met with the owner. He told the special agents he did not think I was fair in my inspections. I said what he thinks is fair and what I think is fair are two different opinions. He also wanted to know who attended the seminar. I told him that could not be divulged as that information was classified.

His assistant took videotape of us inspecting the games. I told the agent in charge that I was out of my jurisdiction and could only consult. What they wanted to do was their decision regarding which games would stay and which would be thrown out. There were a couple of games that I would have shut down, but they had the personnel to monitor them. And, the personnel had attended the course, so they had an idea of the problems associated with the games.

With the change in administration within our department, due to the retirement of the former chief, and the changes in personnel, it was back to square one on game inspection. I had to obtain permission from the new chief and the new assistant chief now. Although I did not see a problem getting permission, time is a factor.

I do not see overtime being paid to inspect carnival games. Nor do I see comp time being given. One reason is many do not look at carnival game inspection as a priority for the department. This could be a dilemma, not only for me, but for the readers as well. After all, the Fair Labor Standards Act says you are supposed to be compensated for any work you do.

Unless told to do otherwise, always keep your chief or sheriff informed on the process of game inspection. If the news media wants to interview them, and they do not know what steps you have taken, it could make them look bad and hurt, not only this operation, but your career as well. My chief knew every step via my captain, whom I reported to at the time.

Now that you have read a little of my experiences with this, let's take a step into other chapters for a process I have used in this operation. Games encountered, thoughts on opening them, any modifications made to them or closing them down will be addressed. Games will be classified and categorized and a guideline list I developed some years ago that explains conduct expected and consequences of violations will be shown.

Chapter 5

Agenda Prior to Inspection

As mentioned earlier, have more than a basic knowledge of the games; how they work, the gaffs used, classification of each, etc. If you don't understand the workings of a game, and allow it in, it is too late to do anything about it should you find it is crooked or gambling after the fact. After all, how can you arrest someone when you gave him or her permission to open it? This could injure your credibility as well as your employment.

It would be correct to say that you did not become a law enforcement officer just to inspect carnival games. This is one area of law enforcement that is a specialized field and takes training. You normally move into some new field with the proper training beforehand.

As you read, before doing inspections, find some training sites where this subject matter is taught and attend the courses. Speak with others who have had experience doing this. Research and study different books on this topic. You will see that there is more than one way to do inspections. You will learn that attending seminars with different instructors who teach this subject matter.

Your state may already have laws on the books regarding these games. Check with your local prosecutor about any laws pertaining to these games and any info on inspection of each. I strongly suggest that you follow your state's codes on this so that you do not violate law or civil rights. Some state agencies already have investigators inspecting games.

Now, how are you going to ask for permission to do this? What reasonable suspicion do you have for wanting to engage this assignment? What information do you have about the carnival company who services your area? Do you have documentation of prior problems on the midway?

Had information of that incident where the man lost $300.00 to a point conversion game not been revealed, inspection of the games may never have taken place. To be fair to all, I did understand that the dishonest game operator was an independent contractor and not part of the outfit in charge.

Still, I think a good businessman or woman would know the reputation of an individual before they are hired on. The excuse that they did not know he or she was shady or the excuse that the owner or his designee is always on the lot to take care of any problems is not accepted. I have heard this before and, when things have happened, they say that they cannot be everywhere all the time. Does contradiction in statements come to mind?

Even after a few seminars and studying books, I still felt somewhat uneasy. The unknown is scary. Nowadays, I can inspect games and not think twice about it. Experience is the best practice there is. I made sure that I had assistance with this project, especially when doing it the very first time. Nowadays, I am lucky if I get one officer to assist. The reality is most inspections conducted have been solo. I do not like this way, but I cannot force others to engage in this. They should want to assist in this endeavor and not feel made to do it.

It is important to pick a credible team. When assembling a team, I made sure each knows which job they will do. I have one person recording the information on the game inspection sheet, one to take pictures and/or videotape the inspection, and one other to assist me with inspection. Also were undercover officers who kept an eye on things.

These techniques were taught to me by Bruce Walstad years ago and are a good way to inspect and keep a close eye on things. Sometimes there are only two of us, three, if I am lucky. Remember what was stated before; you, like me, may have to go solo on this.

Should you find some people who have the same interests as you, make sure they get the proper training. All they need is a basic knowledge of the games. You will need the advanced knowledge, as you will be the one to talk with the carnival personnel. One item I always take care of, at the beginning of each inspection, is to make sure that the game owner/manager talks with me and no one else. If you have a person with very little knowledge, and they say something to the owner or manager, it will be etched in stone.

An incident happened to a friend of mine some time ago. While inspecting, he encountered a two-way game, which can be played honest or crooked. The experienced officer had an inexperienced officer with him, who was his senior in rank. The game owner talked with the inexperienced officer about the game and was given permission to open, even over the objections of the experienced officer. Prior to the inexperienced officer's bad judgment, we never allowed this game in, no matter how much they pled and begged.

This, along with officers coming along behind you and showing their authority, could cause changes to the game you would not want. It is imperative that no other officers make any changes to the games after inspection. This happened once in another jurisdiction where I assisted with inspection. The officer who did this undermined the operation and allowed the game to be set up crooked.

Corrections were made and this officer was severely reprimanded for his actions. Again, inexperienced officer's screwed up our mandates already known to the carnies. You can't blame the carnies if another authority tells them different from what you told them. They are just following orders, albeit confusing for them.

There is a game inspection worksheet that is very useful. It can be found in Bruce Walstad and Lindsay Smith's book, Keeping Carnies Honest, or you can use a supplemental sheet for notes. If creating one yourself, make sure to include all info needed in case you go to court. Keeping Carnies Honest also has a list of tools that are useful. I have included a compass to check radiuses and a plumb tool to check angles. I sometimes use my traffic template for measurements, instead of using a ruler.

As mentioned, I developed a list of guidelines for the conduct expected of carnival personnel and consequences of violations. An example of it is in the next chapter. I also have classifications with their definitions of the various games. Games will fall under one, maybe more, depending on how they can be altered.

To summarize, have the following list checked off and documented when it is completed:

• Understand the games, their classifications, the gaffs used, and how they work. Know more than the basics.
• Check to see if there is any documentation of problems at past events.
• Know the carnival company coming in, the owner, game manager and others who are in the hierarchy.
• Check to see if your state already has laws on the books regarding carnival games and follow them to the letter.
• Ask for assistance from your local prosecutor about the laws and your authority.
• Obtain permission to take on this operation.
• Assemble a team you can trust that has, at least, a basic knowledge of the games.
• Develop a game inspection worksheet to use for documentation.
• Assemble a set of tools to use for the inspection of game components.
• Develop a sheet for modifications to the games. Show what is needed for the owner to open the game. Give game owner a carbon copy for his/her files.
• Develop a list of rules/guidelines that you give to the game owner.
• Decide if you plan to inspect prior to the opening of the event, after it opens or going in after the event opens and busting the bad games. Discuss pros and cons on this.
• Make contact with sponsoring organizations members, carnival owner and local prosecutor about the operation.
• Send carnival owner any papers you will distribute to the game owners so there are no surprises.
• Always have a backup with you. Bring information on games that you may need for referral to make an informed decision.
• Never allow any carnival personnel to see any of that information. It is for law enforcement personnel only.
• If involving the media make sure your CEO, the sponsoring organization, and the carnival owner grant permission. Weigh the pros and cons on this.
• Go over your list time and time again to make sure all is in order prior to the arrival of the carnival company.

  You may find an easier or better way to go about this. If so, use it. This is

  nothing more than a suggestion. I have used it and it worked well for me. Of course, being a type "A" personality, I am somewhat cautious and careful when putting something such as this together. I want nothing left to chance.

  Chapter 6

  Items and Information Needed for Inspection

  Some of the items you will need are the following:

• Game Inspection worksheet
• Tools
• Guidelines list for carnies
• Modification sheet with carbon copy
• Evidence forms and tags (if collecting evidence)

  As stated, you can obtain the game inspection worksheet from the book Keeping Carnies Honest. They also have a list of tools to bring along.

  As for the guidelines to give the game owner, there is nothing better than an understanding. The following is a list I developed years ago and have updated to address most of the problems encountered with the games and game operators.

  GUIDELINES

• There's a sucker born every minute; shows how many victims there are for the con artist.
• Never give a sucker an even break; shows how much mercy you will receive from con artists.
• A fool and his money are soon parted; shows engaging in any fraudulent activity will make you lose your finances.
• You can't cheat an honest man; says if you are honest that you will not be cheated. This is false. Anyone, crooked or honest, can be cheated.
• Everyone is a fool for five minutes a day; Wisdom comes from not exceeding the limit; means when you make a mistake, learn from it and don't make it again. Some people, knowing that they are being ripped off at a game, feel that they can win, which brings us to the last quote;
• You can't beat a man at his own game; which says if you try to outdo someone at a game (or scheme) they have done (professionally) for years, you will most certainly lose.

  The last quote reminds me of a training class I conducted for some law enforcement officers. Even though they knew I was going to swindle them at times, one person persisted in trying to outdo me. I had a device used for the purpose of showing how you can be cheated.

  It went by several names, but all it consisted of was a rope that was configured into a certain shape. The victim would place his finger in one of the holes. If the rope caught his finger, he won. If it didn't, he lost. Only one method of cheating was shown to them, the other was not.

  The man who said he could beat me lost time and time again. Not knowing the other method used for cheating, he could not outdo me. Using play money, it was shown how much he would have lost if doing this for real. It was a humbling experience for him, to say the least.

  By the way, the name of that game was Dope on a Rope. From what I understand, this game was played at carnivals years ago and was used on the streets as well. People give many excuses for reasons they did something, just to save face. This guy, knowing he was duped in front of his peers, said he did that on purpose to show how you could get taken. Yeah, right. .

  My good friend, Bob Steiner, in his book DON'T GET TAKEN!, mentions Occam's Razor, which I use as an example in carnival games. Bob says this is named after a 14^th century English Philosopher, William of Occam. The statement goes like this; when you seek an explanation for something, unless there is convincing evidence to the contrary, tentatively accept the most reasonable answer.

  The example I use is this; you don't win at a carnival game. You blame the operator and the game. Do you have convincing evidence to prove that? If not, assume that you may not be that skilled. The courts use the "reasonable person" theory. What would a reasonable person, given your set of circumstances, do?

  Convincing evidence is your Probable Cause for making an arrest and case. So, assumptions introduced to explain something must not be unnecessarily multiplied. When looking at a fraudulent game, don't guess at the method(s) used to cheat a patron, know the exact method(s) employed. In other words, know how the man can beat you at his own game.

  If inspecting, and you cannot decide about a game because you have never seen or heard of it before, put it on hold and consult someone who does know. Remember, if you let them open, and find out later that it is a fraudulent game, your credibility is gone (in some cases, your job), and you can not make a case against them as YOU allowed it to open. Having said that, now I bring you into your role as a law enforcement officer.

  BURDEN OF PROOF

  As you are aware, if you make an accusation against someone, it is your duty to prove the charges, not the defendant's duty to prove his innocence. When making a case against an operator, not only must you know the method of cheating used, but you may have to demonstrate in court.

  If you can't show the method used by demonstrating, the defense attorney can argue that you had no Probable Cause to make this case. The case could be thrown out and you could be left with egg all over your face. Make sure you can demonstrate how a person was cheated.

  If this is a two-way game, you should show the honest way it was supposed to be played and the way it was played that brought about the defendant's appearance in court. Make sure you articulate the method used so the judge, prosecutor, triers of fact and, yes, even defense counsel are not confused.

  Show the videotape of the game that day, if you had one taken. Seeing the operator in his own environment, employing deceitful means, will assist your case. Even with convincing evidence on tape his defense may be; Who are you going to believe; me or your lying eyes?

  The chapters that follow will show some of the games I have encountered, the gaffs used to cheat the player and modifications, if any, in order to open the game. Each chapter will categorize games using similar game components for play. Let me remind you that information in this book is my opinion from research and practical application throughout the years.

  Looking at other state's laws, and ours I have formulated a set way to go about inspection procedures. How you go about it may be different. I am not saying my way is the only way. Through trial and error, I have come across a comfortable way of enforcement with the games. Let's take a look at how a man (or woman) can beat us at their own game.

  Chapter 9

  Bottle/Pin Games

  SWINGER

  

  Although I have never encountered this game on the midway in my position as a law enforcement officer, I have had plenty of practice with it at seminars and with the two in my collection. One was made by my daughter, Karen, for a science fair project she was doing. She wanted to show how Newton's Third Law of Motion was used for cheating someone.

  Another type game similar to this is known as ARIEL BOWLING. It uses the same type set up, but also has a scorecard similar to those used in bowling games. No modifications can be given on this game.

  FIVE PIN BOWLING

  

  This game uses five wooden type pins that are lined up in a row. The second and fourth pin is pulled back. I have encountered this on the midway as well as having one in my collection. The wooden ball is equal to or less than the distance between the pins. Having only two tries to knock all five pins down, set up this way, is impossible.

  While assisting with inspection in another state, the agent in charge wanted to set this up where people could play it. The modification was moving the pins in closer and using a permanent marker to draw around the bases and placing the pins in each one. Set up like this, players had a better opportunity for winning.

  Another game similar to this, which uses only one ball, is THREE PIN BOWLING. Same principle, less pins. In another national television news magazine, video was obtained showing the operator using his pinky finger to knock over a pin while demonstrating from the side of the table rather than from the point of the player. I guess he had his finger on the pulse of things.

  FISH UP BOTTLE

  

  Along with having one of these in my collection, this type game was encountered many times on the midway. In my jurisdiction, I do not allow it to open as it is considered a two-way game. The player uses a dowel stick that has a string on it and a ring at the end of the string.

  To win, player must raise the bottle and stand it up. During demonstrations, the game operators show they can do this, even with slanted octagon type bases that are highly varnished. I have observed many people playing this game in years past, and have only found one person who was successful. All the other bottles just rolled off the platform causing the player to lose.

  While in another jurisdiction, I was asked how to modify the game for it to remain open. I suggested a level platform that had some cloth on top, to keep the bottle from sliding around. The bottles have a heavy and light side. After rolling the bottle on a table and locating the heavy side, it was marked so that end would be placed down, therefore giving a better opportunity to the player.

  STAND UP BOTTLE

  

  This game uses the same principles as the prior listed game. One exception is the bottle, which is placed on a platform at an incline, is closer to the player. The player must use a tine to raise the bottle rather than a ring on the end of a string. If it stays upright, they win. If it falls over, they lose.

  Even some carnies will tell you that this is the worst of the games. This game was encountered a couple of times and both times I refused to allow it to open. No modifications on this one.

  ONE BALL

  

  You may have seen this type game when you were on the midway. It is a popular game, but also one that is deadly with a persons finances. I have worked on modifications to make it easier. One owner demonstrated his game. He lined up two bottles, side by side, and placed one bottle on top. He had 6.6 oz. softballs for the player to throw.

  Although there are different variations to this game the principle is the same. Watch out for bottles that are different in weight. I have weighed some that were a pound or two heavier than the others. I also have in my collection a set of bottles with bases that are four and a half inches wide. This makes it hard to tip over when hit. I have the owner's draw a straight line across the stand and make sure the bottles are lined up so none are offset.

  If any bottle is offset, energy from the ball will be absorbed in one bottle, leaving no energy to knock over the other. Rules differ, but most use only one ball with three bottles. One owner had balls the size of grapefruits. No, get your mind out of the gutter. I meant the ball used to throw at the bottles was that size.

  He also showed that he got on his knees when throwing. This showed that a straight throw, rather than at an angle when you are standing, gives a better opportunity to knock them over. Some say you just have to knock them over while others say you must knock them off the stand.

  Other games encountered similar to this use PVC pipe and baseballs that are nothing more than hollow plastic balls wrapped in cloth. Make sure there is enough clearance behind the bottles for them to fall back. Some will be so far back that they will hit the rear curtain or wall, which causes them to stand upright again.

  COKE ROLL

  

  Two soda bottles are lined up side by side. The player uses a softball to roll toward the bottles. Both bottles must fall for the player to win. I do not care for this game, as the chances of fraud are too high for me to allow it to open. One of these games is in my collection as well.

  If one bottle is offset (pushed forward slightly) the energy from the ball will absorb in that bottle leaving none to push over the other bottle. I have seen one set up where two softballs were used. One was placed in front of the bottles. This hides the fact that one may be offset.

  Also know that a ball that has stitches will not travel a straight line. I do not open this game in my area, but if you want to, I suggest the following modifications. Have a line drawn where the bottles will be set up straight. Make sure all balls are at least 6.6 ounces or heavier. Make sure the game board is level and the stitching on the balls is in good condition. Do not allow a second ball to be placed in front of the bottles. If you remember your science lessons, inertia is the principle used here.

  TWO PIN ROLL DOWN

  Similar to the above listed game, except it uses a ramp for the ball to roll rather than a level surface. The pins have a circle already drawn for the placement of the pins. Its size is a concern. I have tried this once and found that you can set it up to knock over both pins, one pin or no pins.

  If the pins are placed closer to each other, you can drop both of them on one roll. If one pin is moved slightly out, only one pin can be knocked down. If both are push slightly out, neither will be struck. Placement of the pins inside the circle is the key here. I suggest either closing this game or having the circles drawn closer to each other so there is no room for cheating.

  OTHER BOTTLE GAMES

  You may have encountered a break a bottle game sometime. Many people are seen waiting in line for this, especially teens. I guess they are at an age where they have destructive desires. Some people I have spoken with have said they like to break the bottles, as it is a stress reliever for them. Although therapeutic it could cause more stress if set up so you cannot win.

  Check the front boards so you can measure how much of the bottle is actually shown. Some may only have a little of the bottle shown which gives the player a harder time. Indirect hits will cause the ball to glance off the bottle, sometimes shooting back toward the player.

  Check the balls to see that they are heavy enough to actually break a bottle. Last, but not least, check to make sure that the bottles used can be broken. Some bottles I checked were so thick, that a hammer would not break it.

  There was one time that a game such as this ran its course and left. I could pinpoint the area they were set up as broken glass was all over the place. Make sure that the glass is picked up daily so no one gets cut from jagged pieces. Unless you are like Todd Robbins, you cannot walk barefoot on broken or jagged glass. Leave that stuff for the trained professionals.

  There are going to be other variety of games using these components.

  Chapter 10

  Dart/Balloon Games

  There hasn't been a midway yet that has not had a few of these type games. No matter if the patron throws a dart to break a balloon or stick into a picture of an apple or a number, you can always be assured that some variety of these games will dominate the midway.

  Most of those playing the games with the balloons have been children, although a few adults have been known to attempt it as well. Even my children and grandson love the booth with the mirrors that have some famous person on it or some symbol that is attractive to them.

  Although there are many varieties of these type games, I will only mention a few and give some recommendations for inspection procedures. You may not think that much can happen with balloon games. Well, they can. I have come across some people who have used the balloons to swindle patrons.

  How can they do this you ask? Once, while on a midway in my jurisdiction, I came across a booth that had several balloons on a board. The first few lines of balloons were set up like a regular "Bust One" board. They were spaced apart and had around six rows of different color balloons. Some balloons were under-inflated as the operator had left them up and they had deflated somewhat.

  On the very top row, there were balloons that were very small. I inquired about them and the operator said those were $5.00 a dart. I told him that was his ticket to three hot and a cot in our county jail (3 meals and a bed).

  To understand the reasoning behind this, look at a blown up balloon. Notice that it has two sides to it. One side will be transparent when fully inflated. You can see through it somewhat like this. The other side, the neck and base, is translucent which is darker in color and thicker as the balloon is not fully inflated in that area. You cannot see through it like this.

  Having the smaller balloons on the top row which were hardly inflated became translucent and had thicker rubber. This makes it harder to burst, especially when throwing a dart at it. I wondered what would happen if I shot it with my .45 cal. Glock, with the 185 grain hollow point jacketed bullets. Would the bullet break the balloon or glance off the thick rubber? I intend to find this out one day. Fully-inflated balloons are easier to pop as the dart hits the transparent side where the rubber is stretched, therefore, having less thickness.

  I had this operator come out to the point of the player and show me that he could break a balloon on the top row. I asked him how many darts it would take. He said maybe one or two. After about ten darts, I told him to quit. If really paying, he would have spent fifty dollars and that was too much for one person to spend on this game.

  I even went up to the board and tried to pop it with a dart. It bounced off and almost hit me. The only way to pop it was to hold the dart and dig into the balloon. I told him to take these small balloons down, put up fresh fully- inflated balloons and replace any that deflated overnight. While he was doing that, I checked his darts.

  He had darts that could be unscrewed at the plastic part. I opened a few to make sure nothing was inside. In case you are unaware of what could be inside, some have put split-shot in the darts to give them different weights. Like this, a player may over or under-compensate when throwing. I have such an altered dart in my collection.

  I used my electronic scale to weigh each dart to see if they were equal in weight. Some were a few ounces different. I looked to make sure each had a point on the end. I have taken several that have broken points, which will not stick in a board or break a balloon. Bent plastic can be a hindrance in the trajectory as can missing fletching (feathers or side fins).

  If you want to check out what was stated about the balloon having two different sides, buy a few different size balloons. Take a wire clothes hanger, cut it at the bottom where you hang your pants, and sharpen one end like a spear. Blow up three balloons. One is fully-inflated, one is partially-inflated and one is hardly- inflated at all. This one is the heavy rubber type.

  Take your spear and try to pop the smallest balloon by throwing it into the air and stabbing it. Most likely the balloon will bounce off. You will also notice that it drops like a rock rather than floating like the fully-inflated balloon. Now try the middle size balloon. It may or may not pop, depending on how thick the rubber is.

  Now, throw the fully-inflated balloon in the air and spear it. No problem popping that one. You might even want to get some wood, tack up different size balloons and attempt to break each one with different type darts. Seeing it first hand this way will help you in your inspection. It was educational for me.

  Take another balloon and fully inflate it. Tie it off and look at the base and the neck. You will observe some dark areas around both the neck and base (translucent side), and then do the following; lubricate the spear with cooking oil or 3 in 1 oil.

  Put the sharp end of the spear at the base where the dark area is located. Slowly push the spear into the base, while slightly twisting the spear. You should penetrate the balloon without it popping. Guide the spear up to the neck where the other dark area is located and carefully penetrate it as was done at the base. You will now have a spear going through a balloon with out popping it.

  Bring the spear out of the balloon and stab it on the transparent side. Please note that once the spear is out of the balloon, you will start to lose air, so pop it quickly. My daughter, Kimberly, used this in a science fair project. This is a magic trick I have and use for this experiment. It is also a good way to show how translucent sides will not pop, but transparent sides will. I suggest you check with a magic dealer and buy this trick for further information.

  Now that we have gone over some details about the balloons, here are some recommendations when inspecting balloon and dart games:

• Make sure all balloons are put up on the board fully-inflated.
• Weigh the darts to make sure they are of equal weight.
• Check to make sure that all darts have good points.
• Have the operator demonstrate, from point of player using same game components and following same rules as player.
• No hidden designators behind balloons.
• If a trade up booth, have trade up formula posted.
• Check that this game uses no Point Conversion Charts.
• Make sure that all game components are in good working order, balloons are secured on board and any foul lines shown to player first before play (reduces alibi game).

  Here are a few games in this category. The first will be balloon games (that use darts), followed by dart games (that use no balloons).

  BUST ONE

  Some of these games are nothing more than trade ups for the patrons. You start off by winning some cheap prize and build up to the good one by trading up formerly won prizes. The object of this game is to bust one and win. In some cases, even if you don't bust one, you may get a cheap prize. For kids, many will offer a prize every time.

  THREE IN A ROW

  This is where you have to break three balloons with three darts. Miss one and you have to start all over again. Although a skill game, some people have missed one balloon and had to start over once again. It may not be as easy as you may think. I tried this myself and have done fairly well. There was one time that the dart, which was in good condition, glanced off the balloon without popping it. I checked the balloon and no alterations had taken place with it. Shit happens.

  OTHER BALLOON GAMES

  You will encounter other dart/balloon games, some homemade, some sold from dealers of carnival games. Follow the recommendations listed and you should have no problems.

  APPLE JOINT

  Several pictures of apples are drawn on the board. The player throws a dart at the apple. Hitting the red area wins a certain prize, but hitting the green area, that is smaller in size, wins a better prize.

  STAR DARTS

  Many stars are painted on the board. Spacing may be a problem here, so keep an eye on this one. Each star is spaced and sized accordingly. It may be hard for a player to see if they hit inside the star or outside it.

  POSTER JOINT

  A favorite of kids, they throw darts at their favorite poster. If it sticks, they win that poster.

  ADD EM UP DARTS

  Uses a Point Conversion Chart. A player throws darts at a board with numbers on it that are small so the player cannot count them. Some may be different colors that multiply the number. The total is counted and the point conversion chart is used to ascertain how many points the player now has.

  I recommend getting this game off the midway. It is as crooked as the day is long. Look at some of the prizes offered. You won't find the usual stuffed animals. VCR's, televisions, or other expensive items are shown. Why do you think they can afford to have them as prizes? Because the only time they are taken off the shelf is to dust or move them to another location.

  One such game tried to open up in a venue that I was assisting with inspection. We shut it down and told the operator if he opened it again, he was going to get an all expense paid vacation courtesy of the ------police department.

  As stated, you will come across many different varieties of these type games. Use common sense and the knowledge about these games and you will be able to work with the game operators.

  As you have now read, some dart/balloon games can rip you off if not monitored. Don't let some game operators burst your bubble. Stay on track and steadfast with your decisions. Remember, your objective is to make sure no one gets stuck. I hope my point has been made.

  I must be getting punchy. The jokes are getting worse.

  Chapter 11

  Ring/Block Games

  PITCH TIL U WIN

  Almost 60% of the midways I have walked have at least one of these. This game has a player pitch a ring at large five sided, slanted blocks with the point facing away from the player. Some games will have either small pegs to the sides of the large blocks or they may be smaller blocks. I have seen both the plastic and wooden type played. As the name says, you pitch until you win.

  The majority of times the player will ring a small block or peg, thus making them win a small prize. When encountering this type of game, the only way I would allow it to open is if the large five sided slanted blocks were turned facing the player, or they put up other blocks that did not hinder the player. Some have had blocks that were about two inches in width and the length gave about 1/8 inch of room for the ring to go over.

  If a game operator, using this set up, can win after reasonable tries, I allow them to open. So far, no one has even come close to winning within reasonable tries. Game owners have been shown that the ring will not go over the large block the way they had it set up originally. The game operator tossed ring after ring without any success.

  Having the large blocks point facing the player allows for the ring to go over it. Other problems that have been encountered were prizes attached to these blocks. This tactic created even more difficulty for the player. Tom Rinaldo, of the Buffalo Police Department, showed me how you need to balance the ring on top of the large block to see that it will not go over that way.

  If the owner refuses to cooperate with you on modifications, simply videotape the demonstration and show how even their game operators can not win. At least you will have something to show if going to court. If they do succeed, it will be from a ricochet shot bouncing back toward the block. See Tom's book Robbery on the Midway for further info on this.

  RING THE DUCK

  

  I have seen two different variations on this game. One had the player toss a ring toward a decoy duck in a baby pool. The duck was swirling around the pool via a pump that pushed the water in a circle. The player had to ring the neck of the duck by having the ring go over the ducks bill and come to rest around the neck. If it hung on the bill or head, you lose.

  One problem with this was the rule that did not allow the player to lean over to do this. I had the owner attempt this per his rules. He was not successful with it. I only allowed him to open if he allowed players to lean. The other type game is similar, but it already allowed players to lean. I have one of these in my collection. Using the same rules and game components, four attempts were made before being successful.

  POLE PITCH

  This has the player toss a ring over a pole that may be in the center or side (corner) of a block. The ring must encircle the whole block and fall to the bottom in order to win. In some cases prizes will be attached to the block, which may hinder the shot and add a greater degree of difficulty for the player.

  Always make sure the owner or his/her designee can attempt this, from the point of the player, and be successful within reasonable tries. If they fail, what makes you think that an average player has a better chance of winning? Check to make sure the ring will go over the block and not scrape the sides when going toward the bottom.

  I have such a block and ring in my collection that will not allow the ring to go over and down unless you push it down yourself. The ring allows no good measurement of clearance. If anything, it hangs on the block.

  HOOP LA

  

  A player would toss a hula-hoop at a large block that has a prize attached to the pole. I have one of these in my collection and have tested it using different size hula-hoops. The block is 18x18x6. A pole is at the back end, positioned in the middle. A large stuffed animal is attached to the pole.

  Using a hula-hoop that is 32 inches in diameter, I can win at least two times out of 12. I am standing back from the block about four to five feet when doing this. I also have some hula-hoops that were used with this game. They will just barely go over when placed on the block. Attempting this from the point of the player has yielded no success on numerous tries. The clearance on these hoops is just over 1/8 inch.

  The prize attached to the pole also interferes with the shot so the hoop just hangs on the block. If allowing this to open, make sure that the owner or designee can attempt this and win within reasonable tries. Measure the hoop and the block. See how much clearance is given when placed over the block. If it sticks to the block, replace with larger hoops or have them shut down.

  OTHER BLOCK & RING GAMES

  In both STING SHIFT and KEEPING CARNIES HONEST, you will find other games in this category that have certain means for cheating the player such as the extended arm and bunched cloth. I also suggest you look into the book Robbery on the Midway by Tom Rinaldo. He also shows some interesting games such as these as well as others to further your education.

  I always look at the rules and see if the game owner or designee can attempt it and win within reasonable tries by following their own set of rules. You will have to determine policy on what is considered reasonable for your jurisdiction. Check with your prosecutor for advice on this.

  Chapter 12

  Ball Games

  LONG RANGE BASKETBALL

  I could almost bet that any midway you visit will have this game open. Not only is it a popular game, but almost everyone has, at one time or another, shot a few hoops in their lifetime. The only thing I hate about checking this game is climbing my fat ass up on the railing to see if a ball will drop through without hanging up.

  The rims are bent into an oval shape. The balls will have extra air pumped into it to give it more bounce. When throwing from point of player, I have witnessed the ball hit the rim and bounce over the game. Some rims were not secured which wobbled when hit, causing the ball to go off in another direction.

  I have seen those with only netting at the top, which caused depth perception. The only thing I have not seen is the rim having a device that keeps the ball from going through, but I have heard there are some out there. While doing compliance checks one night, I came across a player who was denied a prize because the ball bounced off a large stuffed animal and then went through the hoop.

  Being that there were no written rules stating that you could not bounce the ball off a prize, I made the carnie give the player a prize. Shortly after that, they tried to change to a rule showing that hitting the prizes voided the shot. If it ain't addressed in the beginning, it ain't gonna happen later.

  Remember, once clearance is given to open, they keep the rules that were agreed upon during the inspection. I have them post a sign showing that the rims are not regulation, although many know that. Some will take whatever long shot they can to bend or go around the rules.

  SCISSORS BUCKET

  Although I have not experienced this on a midway in my capacity as a lawman, I have seen these in training seminars. For information on this and the other game (Over the Rail) that uses the same device to cheat the player, obtain the books Sting Shift, Keeping Carnies Honest, Robbery on the Midway and All about Carnivals. These books will show you some interesting concepts of deceptive methods used.

  BANK A BALL

  I have one of these in my collection that I practice with every so often. You may experience some of these games in your area. I have seen operators demonstrate and win every time, although I have attempted it and lost. One of our investigators who assisted with inspection did attempt this and won, so not being able to win does not always mean it is a bad game.

  I did see that the game had an ankle high wooden rail across the front. Although players were allowed to lean into the rail, using their shins to push it forward, the pain would have been too much for them. I know it was for me. Little did I know that the operators were wearing shin guards under their pants. This allowed them to lean as far as they wanted without any pain.

  Another version had the rail about waist high. Again, leaning into the rail was shown by the operator. The player had to toss the wiffle ball at an angled board depicting Tweedy or some other Looney tune character, or a board that had certain colors that would void your throw if touched by the ball. Under the board was an open laundry basket pushed just enough out to catch the ball.

  I allowed it to open if the player was allowed the same privileges given to the operator. That is, they also get shin guards or are allowed to lean into the waist high rail. Check the angle of the board to make sure it is not too many degrees off. That would hinder the player and make them lose.

  In his book The Secrets of Amusement Park Games Revealed, Brian Richardson shows some ways to win at this hard game. He also shows how to win at other similar games.

  FLUKEY BALL

  Similar to Bank a Ball, except the game has balls that are gaffed. I have one of these in my collection and no one has guessed the secret in any of my training classes. Although this game may use solid plastic balls that have electrical tape around it, other balls are gaffed as well.

  The solid plastic balls with the electrical tape around it only masks one of the balls altered. One is cut which deadens it so the rebound is short. The unaltered ball is not cut and will rebound long. The way this can be played is having the player toss the altered ball at the board and dropping into the can underneath. The rebound will be short on this altered ball, so the player will have no problem winning.

  After giving a couple of practice tries to the player, the real play begins. In order to win, they must rebound the ball off the angled board and have it drop into the large plastic trashcan. They must be successful twice in order to win. When the operator wants them to lose, he or she will reach into the trashcan and bring out an identical ball that was hidden under the towel.

  When the player tosses this unaltered ball, it rebounds long, making them lose. The other balls I have in my collection are solid plastic without any tape around it. One plastic ball is unaltered. The other has cotton in it. The unaltered ball rebounds long when hitting the angled board. The ball with the cotton in it rebounds short and drops into the large plastic trashcan.

  Flukey Ball is not a game I allow on the midway, although I feel that they have replaced it with the Bank a Ball game in some ways.

  BUSHEL BASKET

  

  Also known as the "Peach Basket", this is one of my favorite games on the midway. Not only do I have one of these in my collection, I had the opportunity to show it on a national television show some years ago. The game has the player toss a softball into an empty bushel basket without the ball rolling out.

  The first successful toss gives the player the halfway mark. The ball is then removed and the player must be successful a second time to win. Watch the angle of the basket. I use a plumb tool to measure the angle. If you recall your physics lessons, this uses the principle of Incidence and Refraction. The angle of incidence equals angle of refraction.

  Check the balls to make sure that they are normal size softballs. Lighter balls may be used which rebound out of basket. A good rule of thumb is this; the lower the bottom lip of the basket, the less chance the ball will remain in the basket.

  When demonstrating for the show America's Dumbest Criminals, I showed how the operator gave a demo from inside the booth. I asked him if players were allowed in the booth. He said no, so I had him come out to the point of the player. He tossed a ball into a basket on his left, which is known as a cross throw. I showed him his rule of "No Cross Throwing".

  He tossed a ball into a basket that already had a ball in it. This setup causes the basket to deaden, allowing the second ball to remain in the basket. I showed him his rule of "Tossing into an Empty Basket". He tossed a few more until one hit the rim and stayed in. Satisfied, he gleamed that it can be done, but the player may need some practice.

  I showed him his rule of "Rim Shots done over". Finally, after getting tired of playing his game (not the one he was demonstrating to me), I gave him a choice. He was told to either shut the game down and get it out of here, or allow players to hit the rim in order to win. He was not required to divulge that rim shots were the key to success, but if a player did win by this means, they were to be awarded a prize. He agreed and that is how I allow this game in.

  
  rigged cork ball

  TUBS GAME

  Similar to the previous game shown, this uses plastic tubs and softballs that are made of rubber. Similar principles and modifications are used on this game.

  ROLL DOWN

  This game has a board set at an incline. At the bottom are slots to receive the balls, which are numbered 1-6. Some may have a seventh slot with a duplicate number, as I have witnessed on several midways. I do not allow this game in as the odds of getting under or over the recommended number is too high to be fair to the player.

  For more on this, obtain Matthew Gryczan's book Carnival Secrets. He shows that the odds for getting under or over certain numbers are astronomical. Should you want this to open, make sure that the slots can receive the balls and the board is not warped.

  Although a player could win within a few tries, as has been demonstrated to me, statistically speaking I do not want to take a chance that the odds will increase and wipe out the finances of a player. Some of these games have been played as Hanky Pank games and others have numbers on different prizes showing what you can win if you roll that number. I don't care for it either way, but that is your call.

  CAT RACK

  This uses tiers of cat like figures with fur all around it. Another version has the cats reset by using a wire to push them back up. On the first version mentioned, the player has to knock off a set number of cats on any of the tiers. Some may not be as easy as the cats have been known to be jammed in the runners.

  Look to make sure each cat is loose enough to fall over when hit. Check the baseballs to make sure that they are regulation and heavy enough to do the job. Make sure the cats with the reset wire are not set to keep the cats from falling over. In some instances, you may have a shelf that prevents them from falling off the ledge when knocked out of the runner.

  Look at the fur around it. If pushed in, you will see that only a small part of the cat is available for striking. The fur gives the illusion that there is more body there. Aim for the head in order to knock it over or off the shelf.

  MILK CAN

  This game uses a ten-gallon milk can, which is set about five feet from a player. The player must toss a ball into the milk can to win. Problems associated with this game can be torn or ripped covers on the ball, distance from player to target, clearance in cans opening or prizes hung so low, that the player can not get the arc needed.

  Plates may be in opening of can, which have different effects on the ball. If you want to open this game, check to make sure that no ball has a ripped or torn cover, that the ball can actually go into the can, that distance is not over five feet from player to target and the prizes hung at least 30 inches above can.

  SCREW POOL

  

  Also known by other names, this uses three pool balls set in a triangle shape. In the middle of the balls is a screw or golf tee. The rules may differ on individual games with some saying that you must hit the balls with a cue ball and knock over the tee or screw or vice versa.

  I have one of these in my collection and have fun when kids want to play. If I want the tee to stay upright, I position it toward the back of the balls. This way, energy absorbed in the front ball struck knocks the other two behind it out, leaving the tee or screw standing. Just the opposite if I want it to fall. I would never allow this game in, and have shut down a couple in years past.

  ENGLISH POOL

  This game is horrible as well. A coin, such as a fifty-cent piece, is placed on top of a billiard ball that is set in the middle of a circle. The player uses a cue ball to hit the ball in the circle. If the coin falls outside the perimeter of the circle, the player wins. If not, player loses.

  I have one of these in my collection and have played with it many ways. I found that a larger ball used would allow a player to win, as will placing the coin at an angle on top of the ball. Of course, you can use wax on the coin, which attaches itself to the ball, to show how easy it is to win. Personally, no modifications can be done to allow it to open.

  OTHER BALL GAMES

  You will witness many other games using these same type game components. Check to make sure that the games components are in good working order and have operator demonstrate from point of player. You decide if it should be allowed in after that.

  Chapter 13

  Shooting Gallery Games

  If you are a fan of the Andy Griffith Show, then you may recall Episode # 158, OPIE & THE CARNIVAL. This shows a shooting gallery game where Opie wants to win an electric razor for his dad's birthday gift. He attempts this game and is surprised that he cannot win. At one point he even brings Goober in to try and, like Opie, Goober also fails.

  Sheriff Taylor, hearing about this, visits the carnival with his girlfriend, Helen. He is not in uniform at the time. He plays this game, detects the method of cheating and almost wipes out the whole booth of prizes. When the carnies object to his continuing play, Andy identifies himself by showing his sheriff's star. The carnies tune change after that.

  Andy tells them that his son is coming by to win the razor and he had better win it. The carnies tell Andy that they will make sure Opie wins. Andy tells them to let Opie win on his own without their help. As Andy and Helen observe from behind the tent, Opie, accompanied by Goober, attempts the game once again and does win on his own.

  I mention this episode for this chapter because of negative stereotypes given to carnivals even back in the early 1960's. As a law enforcement officer, I have seen the carnies change their tune when knowing a cop was at their booth. How many times I have heard that they would give the player (me, my children or anyone else with me) an advantage to win a good prize.

  I have also seen where they would award larger prizes while my presence was there. As soon as I walked away, it was back to the old ways. I have admonished many carnies on this tactic, as I do not appreciate them giving me or anyone with me favors that they do not give the other patrons. It is almost like taking a free meal in a restaurant.

  I am a stickler for being fair to all, not just those in law enforcement. Yeah, I can take their freedom and livelihood away by confiscating their game and putting them in jail. This is one reason they use this tactic. As long as they stay above board, they have nothing to fear from me.

  I have even argued in favor of a carnies game with a local citizen of prominence with our government and his wife. At one shooting gallery game, they argued that the prize won by their child was not large enough for the number of people playing the game. I showed them the prize conversion formula that showed the size prize they won was in accordance with the number of players in that game.

  I am fair and balanced to all. I may not be popular among my own peers, as I will not bend the rules in our favor, but I do sleep well at night knowing that I have not screwed anyone, be it carnie or patron.

  Shooting gallery games are some of the favorites with people. There are many different versions on the midways. Some will shoot balls, some use corks, some use bullets, some use arrows, some use pellets or bb's. You will have no problem seeing one or more of these on the midway. As mentioned, people love this type game, especially the kids. Personally, I can do without some of them, but popularity polls and politics keep some up and running.

  CROSS BOW

  This game uses a cross bow and arrow that the player aims at a target with a star that gives you about ¾ of an inch of room to play with. If the arrow touches any of the inside black boarder, you lose. The tip of the arrow is about ¼ inch in diameter when punching a hole in the target.

  You must hit in the middle as the stars inside points will not allow a winner if hit there. Most of the ones I have inspected have sights that are somewhat out of line and need to be adjusted. This makes the trajectory of the arrow inaccurate.

  The distance from player to target is about 8-10 feet, with some of these games. I normally allow this game in as long as the player can compensate a second time and win. If a skilled player has to take more than two shots to win, either adjust the sights or close it.

  PING PONG BALL ON COKE BOTTLE

  This game should be listed under the chance/gambling section as the ping-pong ball has hidden designators depicting which prize will be won. It uses a cork gun; either rifle or pistol type and player must knock the ball off the top of the bottle to win.

  I normally allow this if there are no hidden designators. As far as distance, I look at the cork being shot and determine distance by seeing when the cork will fade off to the side. Players are brought in closer so they have a fair chance at winning.

  SHOOT OUT THE CANDLE

  Mostly seen at school or church sponsored events, a player uses a water gun to wet the burning wick and douse the candle. Most times this is outdoors which causes the candle to be relit many times as wind puts it out. Distance is a variable as is the wind factor. Your call on this.

  SHOOT OUT THE STAR

  

  If you ever see one of these games, you will notice that many people, even though they don't win, like playing it. This is one reason I allow it in. The object is to shoot out the star, leaving no red, in order to win. Unlike our range targets, the small split shot bb's do not punch out the star. The target is fibrous and tears, which allows an operator to push part of the red back up, showing the player as a loser. I check to see if the star is the one-inch variety.

  It is said that a player has a better chance with this size star (8-10 times out of 1000 with being successful). If you look at the bb, they are split shot size and not the normal size of a regular .177 bb. It is recommended that there be at least 100 in the air machine gun.

  You will not be able to shoot out only a few at a time so don't fall for that line. The bb's will spray rather than shoot straight. If, and I use the word "if" loosely, you can cut around the star, making it fall off and showing no red, you can win. Although not impossible, very few people can achieve this. Your call on it.

  SHOOT OUT THE DOT

  This game uses a .22 caliber bullet to shoot out all the little red dots on fibrous paper. The problem with this game is the bullet. Soft graphite disintegrates when fired. Although target dot is .22 caliber, the bullet is around .15 to .177 caliber.

  Over a distance of ten feet, the bullet will hardly penetrate the target. Red can be pushed up as in the star game. I recommend shutting this game down. I have been told that the operator will use a .22 caliber casing to cover the dot to show it is the right size. In a study done, it took around 8 times to shoot out just one dot.

  SHOOT OFF THE BLOCK

  This can be similar to the blocks having hidden designators, but player must knock off three blocks in order to win. Two variations I have seen are those using a cork gun or plastic baseball that is shot similar to a dart gun and a big tube like device that shoots out balls to knock over the blocks. Test these games yourself and see if you would allow them in. In some cases, you may want to rethink allowing some in.

  This is not all-inclusive of the games used in shooting galleries. Many more are out there, some homemade and some bought straight from the dealer. I do not include the water race game or the one where you shoot water in a clown's mouth to blow up and burst a balloon.

  Although these games are computerized, the majority are honest. However, if an owner did want 100% profit, they would employ a shill (a secret player for the carnival) to join in and win. How could they guarantee them winning? Simple, adjust the volume and pressure on their gun. Of course, this would be foolish as they do have many playing these type group games.

  Chapter 14

  Other Crooked Games

  This is the last chapter on crooked games. The following are some that I have not put in any category, but are classified as FLAT, TWO-WAY and ALIBI games. Some can be modified to open, but you might want to think about having personnel to monitor them. Other games that are suspect, but not necessarily crooked are also shown.

  SPOT THE SPOT:

  

  Already mentioned in earlier chapters under the name Circle of Science, this was a game that I could not be successful with. When reading Bob Steiner's book, DON'T GET TAKEN!, you will read a personal account of his encounter with this game when he was a young lad, which will make your eyes water.

  Player has to place five discs over a red colored circle and completely cover it. That is, show no red. This game is played various ways. In some cases, player cannot place hand on table. In other cases, player must drop disc from a recommended height.

  I have in my collection two of these games. One was obtained from a carnival owner and the other was made by my daughter for a science fair project. I measured the circle and the discs. Using these discs gave me just over 1/1000 of an inch of room for error. In some cases, the discs were not big enough to cover the circle.

  Another problem with the discs was the material they were made from. They were of magnesium zinc alloy, which meant they floated when dropped. This caused the accuracy of the drop to be off somewhat. My daughter, Karen, used this set up for a science fair project. We had a large circle and discs of different sizes made for her project on measurements. One was out of round. Attempting this with the different size discs showed that some would not cover it even if you placed it on top and moved it around.

  How, you ask, do the operators do this and win? Practice is a key to this as this game started out as a puzzle on the midway years ago. I have not encountered the circles painted on a cloth, as was described in Bob Steiner's personal account. However, check both the front and back to see if both circles are about the same. I use a compass to check if the discs are completely round.

  If you feel that the discs cannot cover the circle after placing them on it and moving it around, close the game, even if the operator can demonstrate. Make sure you get videotape of this when they demonstrate and your inspection procedures.

  CATCH THE CAN

  One inspection I conducted showed about twenty-five small red discs floating in a tub of swirling water. It also contained many of the larger yellow cans. Set up like this, it was hard to use the stick with the string and magnet on the end to pick up the winning small red disc.

  The majority of the time, a yellow can would be attracted to the magnet. I had the operator take out most of the yellow cans and give it a 6 to 1 ratio. That is, six yellow cans to one red disc. The set up after the modification looked better and gave a better chance to the player. This was with 25 red discs. If more red discs are in the tank, lower the ratio.

  HIGH STRIKER

  I have seen three versions to this game. One is an electronic device that reads out numbers at the top. One has a cable and the other has a track. I am not certain on the electronic type, but the one with the cable can be rigged if the cable is not tight. This prevents the striker from going up the cable, as friction will impede its path. The one with the track should be ok, but never underestimate the mind of a criminal. Check to make sure that operators cannot control the striker on the track by any means.

  HAMMER THE NAIL

  I have seen a couple of these games. One was on the midway and the other was at a fund raising event locally. I checked the nails to make sure none were heated or lightweight. The lightweight softer nails will bend when struck. The object of this game is to hit the nail with one stroke and make it flush with the wood. Some people can do this, but unless you work with hammers and nails, it may prove hard for you. It is suggested you check all the nails and the wood as well as the hammer. Use weight scales to see how heavy they are. It is advisable to monitor this game if on a midway as the chance for fraud is imminent.

  CAN SMASH

  Although not encountering this game on the midway, I have read about it. In several of the books mentioned at the end of this book, this game has been shown to cheat a player. The mallet is soaked in water which causes a seal when striking the can and crushing it. This prevents the can from being pushed down as far as it will go. For a player to win, the can must be pushed down to a point where it can pass through a mailbox type slot. If it can't, then the player loses or will get a smaller (slum) prize for their efforts.

  Another way shown is having the can upside down. Inside is some water, which also acts as a seal, thus, preventing the can from being pushed down as far as it can go. Looking at these methods would cause me to shut this game down when encountered.

  MOUSE/RAT GAME

  Already mentioned in the chance/gambling section, I understand that the animal can be controlled to go into a slot of the operator's choice. I am not sure exactly how this is accomplished, but I understand that ammonia is wiped on one of the holes that has the shill or little or no bets. The ammonia is supposed to attract the animal and cause it to enter that hole.

  I am not sure if the aroma resembles a female mouse in heat or cheese, as I have not had occasion to interview the mouse. The only way that I saw it played was pure chance when my sister tried it. Of course, it could have been applied at that time, but I smelled nothing resembling an odor that would alert me that something does not smell right with this game.

  POINT CONVERSON GAMES

  

  Any game where points are used to determine a player's score via a conversion chart is a game to get off the midway. These games are the deadliest to the finances of a player. It is said that the highest recorded loss by one person to a game such as this is $95,000.00. Some may look at this as gambling, but I can assure you that it is not. The odds for obtaining the winning number is so high that, even run honest, you would spend your children's college education, money for that new car and the cost of a new house before you reach the magic winning number.

  At a few of the inspections I have done, I did have operators ask about setting up this type game after I closed other games he had. I told him that he would have to support my children, my children's children and me if I allowed him to open that game. You will find different ways this is played.

  Some use clothespins with numbers on it. Others use marbles in a box with holes that have numbers on it. You might even see a cage holding dice or a board where the player throws darts to accumulate points. No matter which way this is run, shut it down. This is known as the elite game for grifters.

  SUSPECT GAMES

  You may be asking about other games that are suspect, but not necessarily crooked. Remember that any game can be altered to make it dishonest, even if just by the use of alibis.

  WACKY WIRE

  This game has a spiral wire rotating around in a circle. The player must take a ring and maneuver down the rotating spiral wire without touching it. If they go all the way to the bottom, they win. Although this is a great hand-eye coordination game, I am not that good at it. I have seen people, other than the game operators, be successful with it. Makes me kind of envious that they have the ability and I don't. Practice is the key to winning this game.

  GOLDFISH TOSS

  A favorite with children, all you have to do is toss a ping-pong ball into a bowl of water that has a goldfish in it and you have won. A couple of problems with this game are wind variables and a misunderstanding by patrons. Some people feel that they should receive the bowl with the fish. All they get is a plastic baggie with the fish inside.

  I have had operators put up signs showing that the bowls are not part of the winnings. Some have sold bowls to winners. I tell many people that this game should be the last one played before leaving. People have dumped numerous dead fish all over the place, but especially near the exits. This is unsightly and a health hazard at the event.

  Harry Anderson wrote in his book, Games You Can't Lose, A Guide for Suckers, that, before you toss a ball into a fish bowl, you should ask yourself a couple of questions. One is "Do I have an aquarium at home to keep my prize in?" and the other is, if not, "Do I really like sushi?" That sums it up pretty well.

  SKEE BALL

  Player has a set number of balls that are rolled up an incline. The object of this game is to have the balls enter certain holes with large numbers on it. The more points accumulated, the bigger the prize. The only thing I do with this game is make sure that the ramp is not warped and the balls will, in fact, go into the holes.

  WATER RACE

  This group game is a fun way to compete against other players, not the game. It was already mentioned how it could be rigged, but chances are they are played straight as volume of people is needed to turn over a profit.

  DERBY RACE

  Players roll balls into different color slots that show how fast their target will advance. Another group game that is fun for all those involved. Most are played honest with no rigging. Unless you see a target not moving in the manner it should, don't worry about it.

  PLATE/RECORD BUST

  Similar to the break a bottle game, a player throws a baseball to crack or break a 45rpm record on a tier. I don't have a problem with this game as long as the rules explain what is expected to win.

  LADDER CLIMB

  This is more of an attraction than a game, although skill is involved on the part of the participant. Some do award prizes to winners, while others just let the participant be satisfied that they overcame an obstacle. The ladder is attached to two end riggings that allow it to turn in a 360-degree circle. It is stretched out in somewhat of a horizontal position with a short incline upward.

  The participant needs to counter balance their weight while going toward the back end. If they get there, ring the bell and climb back down, they are winners. Some only have you ring the bell, without climbing down, to win. Instead of using the rungs when going up, use the outside rope with your feet and hands. This gives you the advantage. This is another one that I have not been successful with in past attempts. I guess I will never climb the ladder of success.

  BOWLER ROLLER

  I have only seen this game once on the midway, but I was able to win one time on the third try. Player rolls a ball up an incline and the ball goes into a valley. If the ball leaves the valley, player loses. If it stays in valley, player wins. As mentioned, I did win on my third attempt.

  After the first two attempts, I found the right amount of force needed to get it over the incline into the valley and come to rest there. I tried a fourth attempt, but did not have the right amount of energy to keep it in the valley. Watch the legs on this game and use your level to measure if it really is level, or if one side (front or back) is favored. Some may tell you that it sank in the dirt and that is why it is not level. Although they may have their own level, bring yours to use when checking.

  You may encounter other games that have not been mentioned in these chapters. I strongly suggest you obtaining the recommended books mentioned to further your education on these games. Bruce Walstad said if you come across a game that you are not familiar with, look at how it is played. Chances are it will use one of the principles you are familiar with and you can go from there.

  Chapter 15

  Sideshows & Other Features

  Until I met Todd Robbins at a convention in Illinois, I did not think much about sideshows as I have seen most of them earlier in life and always thought they used magic to do the feats demonstrated. I found out that this is not the case.

  Todd not only wrote the foreword for this book, but also has been instrumental in helping me formulate this chapter. Some may ask how these features gained the name Sideshow. Todd said that these acts were put on the side of the midway away from the mainstream activities. He also said that this term refers to a display of people with physical abnormalities such as the Lobster Boy or the Half Woman. These were also known as Freak Shows.

  Another part of the sideshow was the Working Act; similar to what Todd does at Coney Island and other venues. Watching someone swallow a sword, eat fire or a light bulb, walk on broken and jagged glass, drive a nail up their nose, blow a hot water bottle up until it bursts or smashing a block on their head are just some of the features in a working act. What a way to make a living!

  And then there is the part of the sideshow that is sad and sometimes gross; human or animal remains preserved in jars. Commonly called Pickled Punks, these deceased remains would show disfigurements or abnormalities with animals or human babies. Colorful banners would adorn the outside of the tent exaggerating what was really inside. Although close to telling a lie, the banners did not cross the line by saying these were alive right now. Some would show that they were alive at one time.

  Research has shown that the carnival evolved from the circus many years ago. Even then, there were sideshows where con artists sold snake oil, had the girlie shows and performed acts that took the victims money, like the three card monte or the trick I call Dope on a Rope.

  A feature you may not want to see (and will not see) is the pickpocket. Think how many reports you have gotten about lost wallets on the midway? Did they really lose them or were they victims of the pickpocket? To understand this further, may I suggest you look at the chapter in Sting Shift on this. It will open your eyes. I also suggest your obtaining a video on Harry Blackstone, Jr. doing his act of pick pocketing those on stage. Mark Raffles is also a great performer with this.

  Another feature that many do not think about is the short change artist. Anyone making change has the ability and opportunity to retain some of your change. It is the ones with manifested intent you need to be alert for. If you walk away and do not come back, they made a profit. If you come back to get the rest owed, they can give any excuse that would not allow you to prove intent.

  There is a great section on this in Sting Shift as well as a personal account by Bruce Walstad. I also suggest your reading the book The Change Raisers by W.M. Tucker. You can obtain this book from Street Smart Communications as well. This shows different ways to steal your money.

  Nowadays, the only sideshows I see at fairs in my area are magic shows or other features that are non-working acts. These people just sit there as you walk up, look into the center of the trailer or tent and walk out. It is hard for me to think how someone can do this for a living. Seeing a dwarf or a bearded woman having people stare at them throughout the run of the fair is sickening. I understand that this may be the only way they can earn a living. God bless them and give them dignity.

  As mentioned in the first part of this chapter, I did think that these sideshow acts were staged, similar to magician's acts. Todd showed me different. Seeing him put a lit cigar out on his tongue, hammer a nail up his nose, blow up a hot water bottle until it burst, walk on broken and jagged glass barefoot, spit fire from his mouth and, the grossest part, eat a live roach, made me have a great appreciation for the work these performers do day in and day out.

  Todd said that learning to do this was an experience in itself. He did injure himself sometimes, but practice makes perfect. To know how they do these feats is to understand the secrets of the human anatomy and principles of physics. Todd said that being a part of this has given him an education in human psychology.

  I saw Todd use this philosophy at a store Bruce, Lindsay, Bob Brown, Todd and I were at. Todd was outside plugging a book for the store, just kidding around, when a man came up and wanted to buy two of them (they were the same books). Todd is a great outside talker and could turn the tip for many a show.

  Earlier I mentioned the act I witnessed while a young lad where the lady turned into a gorilla, burst out of the cage and came into the audience. Years ago, when my twin daughters were young, I took them to see the same type act that scared the crap out of me when I was young. At the time the gorilla came out of the cage, one of my daughters had already run out of the tent. I saw her peering in to see if I was coming out or being eaten by the gorilla.

  The other was frozen in place. I picked her up and went outside to retrieve my other daughter. This type act is not real. It uses principles of magic to achieve the illusion. You know as well as I do that a human cannot morph into an animal. Well, maybe? I have seen some men in bars act like animals by going after the women or brawling. Of course, that has a lot to do with what they consumed earlier. Some think that they are rich, handsome and invisible when filled with alcohol.

  A part of the sideshow that I have not witnessed, but was introduced to during a convention in Milwaukee, is known as the Jam Auction. It is really not an auction at all. Fast talking pitchmen peddle merchandise at inflated prices. My good friend, Bob Brown, an inventor, magician and representative of Magic Inc. in Chicago demonstrated this for members of Professionals Against Confidence Crime. The well-known Dean of the Society of American Magicians, Jay Marshall, assisted him. The only problem was Bob did not do the blow off at the end. This is where he was to get a few of us to shell out big bucks for some cheap item. He said it was uncomfortable for him to do that with a room full of cops.

  Basically, the act goes like this; whatever ruse is used to get people into the tent has the talker turning a crowd of people into an audience. Their demeanor and mannerisms are appealing to the audience members. Products are shown and demonstrated. Money is taken from and returned to the owner. Products are shown to be as good as the name brand ones on the market. Some humor will be a part of it as the jammer might show an unbreakable comb, only to have it break.

  The jammer will talk about wanting the audience members to be part of the advertising committee. As time goes on, those who would not participate are weeded out and shown the way out. Those who remain are enticed with more products. Like any good con artist, the jammer brings these people into his confidence.

  Psychology is used so other members will pressure those who may not conform to the norm. High-pressure salesmanship is turned on. Larger products are shown. People, thinking they will get their money back as has been the routine, find that they now own a large item that they did not want in the first place.

  Some of the key elements to making this work are the following;

• They get the people in, keep them there and make them buy
• Techniques of persuasion, conditioning, labeling, norm formation and specific instruction cause manipulation of the audience members
• Pressure of embarrassment is one reason no complaints are made
• The jammer builds trust by showing some products do not live up to expectations (such as the unbreakable comb)
• Those who stay are selected committee members who expect good things and have a good time
• The jammer forms the mindset of the audience members by making them think they will get something for nothing
• The personality of the jammer, to the audience, is not only entertaining, but he appears as an expert and seems trustworthy
• Last, but not least, audience members think the rewards get larger

  Can you make a case against these people? Check with your local prosecutor. You might want to consult with your consumer's affairs department. They enforce the Fair Business Practices Act. Although I have never encountered one of these in my time on the midway, I understand that some still exist.

  If you have seen some events on television in the past, you may have caught an act of Jim Rose, James Taylor (no, not the singer) or even Todd. It seems that people have shown enough interest in this type of entertainment that warrants a livelihood for many who are in this profession.

  If you want more info on this type lifestyle, you can click on sideshows or any of the performer's names and several sites will come up showing a variety of interesting information.

  One thing I do caution you on is this; do not try any of this stuff yourself. These people are trained professionals who know the dangers associated with it. If you try to swallow a sword, you could cause internal injuries and bleed to death. Driving a nail up your nose could cause you to damage your nasal passage and/or the inner workings near your eyes and brain. Eating a large quantity of light bulbs could cause you to shit a chandelier. Seriously, do not attempt this without proper instruction or you could have your last performance being buried; and not as a publicity stunt.

  Seeing some of the things these people do has given me a whole different attitude toward them. I salute them on their achievements. I could never do any of the stunts they do. Todd showed me how to blow fire out of my mouth once. I singed my mustache and had to shave the rest off.

  If you ever get the opportunity to witness some of the acts mentioned, please do so. Seeing it in person is much better than on tape or television.

  Chapter 16

  Final Church Call

  You may not understand the title of this chapter, so I will explain. Church Call is carnival terminology for a gathering of all carnival personnel to hear final instructions from the carnival owner and any last minute business matters. In this book, it is the last say I will have for you, the reader.

  Many have accused me of not liking carnival personnel because I am somewhat strict about enforcement of the games. This is far from the truth. I have the utmost respect for the men and women in this industry. It takes a dedicated and devoted person to travel to strange venues, put up with bad weather and patrons.

  The Outdoor Amusement Business Association, in their section on Carnival Facts, states that many people are involved in this industry, some of which are family owned businesses. They strive to make improvements to this industry in the manner of safety and client relationships.

  They do this by testing equipment, lobbying for laws and working with organizations on fund raising projects and other charity events. The OABA is the largest trade organization for the carnival industry and boasts over 5,000 members and over 500 member carnivals.

  One item that caught my eye with this organization was their establishing a code of ethics and promoting the interests and image of this industry. Speaking to some members in this industry, I have found that they, like me, are tired of the negative stereotype given this profession because a few unscrupulous individuals wanted to increase their profit margin by deceitful methods.

  The OABA has produced a video tape about game concessions and how the owners and operators need to come into the 21^st Century. The title of this tape is Carnival Games…Colorful Past, Spectacular Future. It shows that those with the mindset of the olden days (where people were ripped off) need to change or they will be forced to concede to other game owners who are living up to the message of this tape.

  No, I don't have anything against the many decent and hard working men and women in this line of work. It is the scumbags who rip people off that I hold disdain for. When a person plays carnival games, they do so thinking that they have a chance of winning if they are skillful.

  Those criminal game operators who alter a game to give very little or no chance of winning to the patron not only commit the crime of theft by deception, but cause the patron to leave with a bad taste in their mouth. As such, they will not do business with the other concessions and vendors. Their mindset is that all carnies and games are crooked. Just like one cop being caught doing something bad we are all stereotyped in a negative manner. Although unfair that is human nature.

  I have heard excuses given for reasons some games were not above board. They ranged from bad weather to low volume of patrons. Although I can understand their plight, I cannot accept their reasoning for altering a game to make up for lost revenue.

  They knew this was part of the business when they got involved in it. Like show business, it is not the type of job where you know a certain income will be shown each week. Profits are sometimes low, sometimes high. And sometimes there is none at all. It is tempting to alter a game to make up for lost revenue when your survival depends on it.

  As the saying goes, you can get more with honey than with vinegar. Although you may have encountered some dishonest carnies at one time, show the decent and honest carnies the respect and dignity they deserve. They have jobs just like we do. We deal in law enforcement, they deal in live entertainment. Don't let sour opinions from others cause you to have a pre-disposed mindset about these people. Let your own experience be your guide.

  In their book, Keeping Carnies Honest, Bruce and Lindsay write that some carnies refer to law enforcement personnel as "Town Clowns". They even suggested changing the name of the book to Revenge of the Town Clowns, but said it would not be professional. I would have to agree with them.

  Members of the carnival industry and law enforcement are supposed to be professionals in their dealings with members of the general public and each other. The only BOZO that should be on the midway is the guy in the dunking tank.

  Some material in this book has been made sport of with certain jokes being made about the games, etc. While this was done in jest, carnival game fraud is a serious problem on some midways. If you choose to do inspections, please educate yourself on as many games as possible, speak with others who have experience and use what is comfortable for you from the pages of this book.

  I congratulate you on your desire to investigate and inspect carnival games. Know that you will not make "Officer of the Year" for this endeavor. Many citizens and even your peers may not care if you do this job.

  Don't go into this field thinking you will get recognition. Don't go into this field to get even with carnies that ripped you off at games. Don't go into this field because you like to throw your authority around. These reasons will be your demise.

  Go into this field because you want to live up to the phrase To Serve & Protect. Knowing the ups and downs associated with this specialized assignment and keeping your values in tact will give you the right to be known as a CARNIVAL COP!

  RESOURCES---BOOKS---CONTACTS

  ---

  The following pages will show you the many different books; people and other resources you can contact to further educate yourself in this field.

  ---

  Bruce Walstad
  Street-Smart Communications
  brucewalstad@gulftel.com
  

  ---

  Glenn Hester
  P.O. Box 3095
  Brunswick, Ga.31521-3095
  
  ghester144@yahoo.com
  

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  Robert Steiner

  bsteiner@earthlink.net

  ---

  Todd Robbins www.toddrobbins.com
  646 9^th Ave. # IRS
  New York, N.Y.
  212-664-0456
  

  ---

  Showmen's League of America 300 W. Randolph
  www.showmensleague.org
  Chicago, IL. 60609
  312-332-6236

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  James Taylor Shocked and Amazed
  www.atomicbooks.com/shocked.html

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  Outdoor Amusement Business Association
  1035 S. Semoran Blvd. Suite 1045A
  Winter Park, Florida 32792
  www.oaba.org
  407-681-9444

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  Fraud Tech
  Dennis Marlock
  www.fraudtech.bizland.com

  ---

  Fraud Bureau
  www.fraudbureau.com
  

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  Professionals Against Confidence Crime
  P.O. Box 210454
  Milwaukee, WI. 53221-8008
  www.pac-c.org

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  Better Business Bureau
  www.bbb.org
  

  ---

  National Fraud Information Center
  www.fraud.org/welcome.html
  

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  Society of American Magicians
  800-876-7060
  www.magicsam.com

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  International Association of Fairs & Expositions
  P.O. Box 985
  Springfield, MO. 65801
  417-862-5771
  www.fairsandexpos.com
  

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  BOOKS & HOW TO OBTAIN THEM

  Keeping Carnies Honest

  Bruce Walstad & Lindsay Smith

  Contact Bruce Walstad @ Street-Smart Communications

  Robbery on the Midway

  Tom Rinaldo

  Contact Professionals Against Confidence Crime

  The Secrets of Amusement Park Games Revealed

  Brian Richardson

  Contact Amazonbooks.com

  All About Carnivals

  Gene Sorrows

  Contact PACC or Street-Smart Communications

  Carnival Secrets

  Matthew Gryczan

  Contact Amazonbooks.com

  Games You Can't Lose

  Harry Anderson & Turk Pipkin

  Contact Amazonbooks.com or Street-Smart Communications

  Sting Shift

  Lindsay Smith & Bruce Walstad

  Contact Street-Smart Communications

  DON'T GET TAKEN!

  Robert Steiner

  Contact Bob Steiner

  The Change Raisers

  W. M. Tucker

  Contact Street-Smart Communications

  Note: Some books may be out of print. Please check with the above list to see if others have copies available.

  About the Author

  Glenn Hester started his career in law enforcement in 1983 when he joined the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office in Monticello, New York. After working five years there, he returned to his native state of Georgia and joined the Glynn County Police Department.

  Glenn is both a magician and a law enforcement officer, which makes his training and expertise unique for this line of work. He is able to spot certain fraudulent methods the average person may not recognize.

  This is Glenn's second book. His first was self published in 1992 and dealt with using magic in crime and drug prevention presentations. He is currently revising it to include updated material.

  He has been researching carnival games for many years. From past experiences as a youth in Georgia through countless midways visited in other venues, Glenn has had a desire to know the secrets of fraudulent methods employed to cheat a player.

  He is intent on cleaning up the reputation of the midway by working with carnival personnel and having games that give a good opportunity to players. He has been named as a nominee for the Georgia Governor's Public Safety Award in 2002 when his chief put his name in for his work on inspection and instruction in this subject matter.

  He was dubbed the CARNIVAL COP in an article from the magazine "The Front Line", a publication of the Southern States PBA.

  Glenn has worked with his twin daughters on using some of his games for science fair projects. He has also instructed science educators from his home state at their convention for the last two years.

  He feels that working with members of the carnival industry will improve relations, as each will know what is expected from the other. He is also working on a proposal for regulations on carnival games for his home state.

  A certified instructor for the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council in Georgia, Glenn teaches a 20-hour course on carnival game fraud and inspection at various training sites around the states. His unconventional and unorthodox style makes his classes both educational and entertaining.

  Glenn has set his goal to one day coming in second to last at some of the carnival games he comes across on the various midways encountered.

  Illustration of Games

  Inside

  CARNIVAL COP

  Carnival Cop has various pages filled with information from research and personal experiences over the past several years by the author. Some of the features in the book are:

• Over 60 games that are considered fraudulent, gambling or suspect
• Illustration/Pictures of some of the games mentioned
• Some tips on how to win the games
• Methods and practices used to deceive a patron at a game
• Tips on establishing Probable Cause for an arrest
• Guidelines which the carnies can follow that addresses many problems associated on the midway
• Sideshow entertainment and some features that can be criminal in nature, such as pick pocketing, short changing, false advertisement and the Jam Auction
• Modifications of some games that make it legal, fair and balanced to both the game owner and player
• A step by step process of beginning and following through the inspection procedures
• Games that should not be on the midway
• Personal experiences of the author in this field
• Resources to contact
• Books to obtain
• Web sites for further education

  Although written for law enforcement personnel who have an interest in doing this specialized assignment, non-law enforcement personnel will benefit from the contents, as they will discover how they can be cheated at some of the games. The author's unorthodox and unconventual manner, when describing certain games or his thoughts on something, makes for interesting and humorous reading.

  WHY INVESTIGATE & INSPECT CARNIVAL GAMES?

  (to be used on back cover of book)

  As a young lad, Glenn Hester played carnival games on the midways of the many different carnivals he visited. Although winning during practice play, he could not understand why he was not successful during real play. This cycle of misfortune continued into his adult life and prompted him to question the honesty of some games. After joining the ranks of law enforcement, he discovered that the same games he played in past years were known to be dishonest.

  Glenn has researched, trained and collected crooked carnival games over the years. His determination and desire to apply this knowledge on the local midway was realized when a complaint was made on one of the games at the annual Fair. He embarked on procedures to inspect games at the next annual event.

  Throughout the years of investigating, inspecting and instructing on this subject matter, Glenn developed procedures to implement prior to, during and after inspection. His research has attempted to address the majority of problems law enforcement and civilian personnel may encounter with crooked and gambling carnival games and unlock the secrets of the methods used to cheat.

  Glenn has assisted other jurisdictions in the inspection process by acting as a consultant and/or being a part of the inspection team. Some carnival owners think Glenn is unfair regarding which games are allowed to open and which are shut down. The question Glenn asks is; Which games are fair at the Fair?

  Being both a magician and law enforcement officer makes this combined talent unique for investigation and inspection of this specialized crime as some principles of magic and physics are employed to deceive patrons playing the games. The Ancient Greek Philosopher, Diogenes, went about his quest looking for an honest man. Glenn does the same, except he is looking for dishonest carnies.

  Why investigate & inspect carnival games? Glenn sums it up with this statement; When a game is altered to give a player little or no opportunity for winning, it is no longer a game. It now becomes a crime! And that is why he investigates and inspects carnival games as a CARNIVAL COP!