Three of the most enduring methods of coin pusher cheating require no electronics, no software, and no specialized tools. A piece of string, a small magnet, and a sense of timing are all a cheater needs to drain your coin pusher inventory. These low-tech methods have been used for decades, and they remain effective today because many operators focus their security investments on electronic threats while overlooking the simple tricks.
I have encountered all three methods in venues across the UK, Europe, and North America. In each case, the operator was surprised to learn that such basic techniques were responsible for significant inventory losses.
String Cheating — The Classic That Still Works
String cheating is as simple as it sounds. The cheater attaches a thin, nearly invisible fishing line to a coin or token. They insert the coin, let it reach the playfield, then pull it back by the string. The coin is retrieved without being spent. The cheater repeats this process, building up a pile of coins on the playfield without spending any real money. When the pile eventually triggers a payout, the cheater collects the winnings — using the same stringed coin to start the process over.
Modern coin pushers with electronic coin validation do not detect the string because the coin passes the acceptance test normally. The string is too thin to interfere with the mech sensors. The only way to detect string cheating is to watch for the behavior: a player whose hand moves in a consistent retrieval motion after each coin drop.
Magnet Cheating — Silent and Effective
A strong neodymium magnet, often concealed in a ring or palm, is used to pull coins toward the playfield glass. When the coins hit the glass, they drop into the payout tray. The cheater does not need to win through normal play — they simply pull coins off the shelf with the magnet. The machine records no payout event because the coins were never part of the machine’s payout logic. They were simply moved by an external force.
The magnetic shield described in previous articles blocks this method. The shield is a thin ferrous sheet between the playfield and the glass that neutralizes the magnetic field from external magnets.
Timing Exploits — The Yo-Yo and the Pulse Window
The yo-yo timing exploit involves inserting a coin at the exact moment the machine’s payout cycle opens. The machine registers the coin as a credit, dispenses a response token, but the inserted coin has not fully settled yet — the player catches it and retrieves it. The result is a free credit gained through precise timing. The pulse window exploit targets coin acceptors that have a brief validation window after each acceptance. A second coin inserted within this window may be accepted without triggering the validation check.
How the Gen2 System Stops All Three Methods
The Gen2 coin pusher protection system addresses each method differently. For string cheating, the coin mech monitor detects the unusual timing of insertion and retrieval. For magnet cheating, the magnetic shield blocks the external field. For timing exploits, the system monitors the coin mech validation cycle and blocks any insertion that falls outside the normal timing pattern. One comprehensive installation covers all three.
If your coin pusher machine is showing signs of string cheating, magnet cheating, or timing exploits, send me a message with your machine model and a photo of your setup. I will do a quick remote check for free. Every device comes with a money-back guarantee, official invoice, express shipping, and 1-on-1 technical support.
WhatsApp / WeChat / Phone: +86 158 1582 1587 — Engineer Wang
To discuss the best anti-cheat strategy for your specific arcade setup, message me directly. I offer a free remote diagnostic session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if someone is using string cheating on my machines?
A: Watch for players who insert a coin and then immediately withdraw their hand in a specific motion. String cheaters often sit close to the machine and keep one hand positioned consistently near the coin slot.
Q: Is magnetic shielding expensive to install on existing machines?
A: The magnetic shield is a low-cost addition to the Gen2 system. It is custom-cut to fit your machine’s window size and installs with non-permanent fixtures.
Q: Can timing exploits be used on modern coin pushers with advanced coin mechs?
A: Yes. Advanced coin mechs are more resistant, but no mech is immune. The Gen2 monitoring adds an electronic validation layer that mechanical improvements cannot match.
Q: Do I need different countermeasures for each exploit, or does one setup cover everything?
A: The Gen2 system covers all three methods in a single installation. The magnetic shield is a separate add-on, but the monitoring module and tilt sensor are integrated.