Prosecutor: Slot cheat was trying to hit Megabucks jackpot

Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Damm called Nikrasch the mastermind behind a $6 million slot cheating scheme dating back to 1996.

Nikrasch was convicted in 1986 of participating in a similar slot cheating ring that illegally won $10 million.

Nikrasch's ultimate goal was to hit the Megabucks jackpot, which is now over $17 million, and move to France, Damm said.

"And I would submit to the court that he was in the process of doing that at the time of his arrest," Damm said.

U.S. Magistrate Robert Johnston ruled Monday that Nikrasch poses a flight risk and said he must remain in custody pending his trial.

Megabucks, operated by International Game Technology, is a series of linked, progressive slot machines. The jackpot reached a record in February.

Nikrasch, 56, and three others were arrested June 9 after a federal complaint charged them with conspiracy, interstate travel in aid of racketeering and interstate transportation of stolen property.

Damm said authorities have evidence linking Nikrasch and the other suspects to at least nine fraudulent jackpots in Nevada.

Nikrasch received a 15-year prison term for his 1986 conviction but was released on parole in January 1991. His attorney, Oscar Goodman, said he owned a jewelry store while on parole and worked part time in the engineering department at Jerry's Nugget in North Las Vegas.

Damm said Nikrasch was discharged from his parole in May 1996.

Also named in the latest scam are Eugene Bulgarino, 65, and Joan Bulgarino, 66, both of Las Vegas, and Ronnie McElveen, 59, of Modesto, Calif. They have been released on their own recognizance.

The prosecutor said evidence also shows that three of Bulgarino's five children won fraudulent jackpots through the scheme. He said their son, James, won a $200,500 jackpot in September 1996 at the Excalibur; their daughter, Linda Gillam, won a $3.7 million jackpot in July at Harrah's; and their daughter, Debra Capozzi, won a $1.7 million jackpot in November at Luxor.

None of the Bulgarino children have been charged in the case.

Authorities have said more arrests are possible.

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