Washington Gambler Accused Of Using Vibrator To Cheat Coin Pushers

A Washington man accused of cheating coin pusher machines at Northern Quest Resort and Casino is due for trial on May 26 after prosecutors said he used a concealed vibrating device to trigger payouts.

Good to Know

• Jeremiah Kevin Villegas was already banned from Kalispel Tribal Gaming Agency properties.
• Prosecutors said the alleged coin pusher activity took place from August 26 to September 3.
• His charges now include one count of second degree cheating and one count of second degree burglary.

Prosecutors Say Coin Pushers Were Targeted

Jeremiah Kevin Villegas, 33, allegedly returned to Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights despite a 99 year ban from Kalispel Tribal Gaming Agency properties.

According to the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney Office, Villegas used a hidden vibrating device while playing casino coin pushers. The Spokesman Review reported that he would cash out, then press against the sides of the machines to trigger extra rounds and payouts.

Court documents cited by the outlet said surveillance video showed his hands inside his sweatshirt pocket. Video also allegedly showed him kicking the sides of the coin pusher machines.

Kalispel Tribal Gaming Agency agents reportedly observed the activity over a nine day period. Villegas was arrested on October 12 and initially faced 14 counts each of second degree burglary and first degree cheating.

The case later narrowed to suspicion of one count of second degree cheating and one count of second degree burglary. Second degree cheating in Washington can carry up to one year in jail. A first degree cheating conviction could have carried up to five years.

The agency had banned Villegas last June over alleged assaults, threats, and “pushing and kicking” casino machines since 2024. Court records also said he had threatened the agency by phone and email after a slot shift manager contacted him about his behavior.

Villegas was arraigned on November 5. His bond was set at $5,000 when he appeared in court on April 13, according to the Spokesman Review. He remained at Geiger Corrections Center.

Casino cheating cases are uncommon in Spokane County. The prosecutor has handled only three such cases in the last six years.

If you’d like to know where to find coin pushers in the U.S.,  we have a list of all the casinos with coin pushers.

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