Childs v. State’s Empirical Analysis

Citation profile

13 state decisions

Most-quoted passages

The sentences later courts lift from this opinion, ranked by how many decisions quote each — the parts of the opinion doing the work. These counts are smaller than the citation total above because most of the 13 citing decisions cite the case generally; a passage count includes only decisions quoting that exact language verbatim.

1. “1. Childs did “manipulate” the machines’ handles “in a manner contrary to the designed and operational purpose.” A slot machine is not designed to let the player win every time or even to give the manipulating player an advantage above that created by the random spin of three reels. 2. There is ample evidence of Childs’ “intent to cheat.” 2 It is clear that Childs was cheating in the ordinary sense of the word. He simply was not playing by the rules. Some of the time, at least, he could not lose. 3. Childs certainly had knowledge that what he was doing affected the outcome of his slot machine manipulation. He could not manipulate these machines without intending and knowing that he was going to profit by these activities.”

   2 later decisions quote this exact passage
   e.g. Childs v. State · Skipper v. State

2. “In light of the statutory purpose, we interpret the current cheating statutes to proscribe the alteration of the group of characteristics which identify and define the game in question. The attributes of the game — its established physical characteristics and basic rules — determine the probabilities of the game’s various possible outcomes. Changing those attributes to affect those probabilities is a criminal act. Thus, if a player or dealer deceitfully alters the identifying characteristics or attributes of a game with the intent to deprive another of money or property by affecting the otherwise established probabilities of the game’s various outcomes, he or she is guilty of cheating within the meaning of NRS 465.015 and NRS 465.083.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Skipper v. State

3. “As used in this chapter: 1. “Cheat” means to alter the elements of chance, method of selection or criteria which determine: (a) The result of a game; (b) The amount or frequency of payment in a game; or (c) The value of a wagering instrument approved by the state gaming control board for use in connection with a cashless wagering system. 2. The words and terms defined in chapter 463 of NRS have the meanings ascribed to them in that chapter.”

   1 later decision quote this exact passage
   e.g. Skipper v. State