How Did Paul Larson Cheat?

I heard a story recently about Paul Larson. He was a contestant on the television game show called “Press Your Luck”, in the mid 1980’s. Larson was notable for winning over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Up to that point he won the largest one day total ever won on a game show. Upon reviewing videotapes of the show, the producers of the show began to notice that Larson would celebrate after his spins, earlier than a normal contestant would have a chance to see and respond to what space was landed on. This was a giveaway that he knew that he was going to get something good. The producers of the show accused Larson of cheating and wanted to refuse to pay him, however, there was nothing they could find in the rules of the game that would disqualify him.
How did Paul Larson “cheat?” He spent hours watching recordings of the show and memorized the patters of the game board. Is that cheating? It is quite an accomplishment for Larson to take the time to study and find the patterns and memorizing them. Others might view that as genius. He took the time. He prepared himself to a point that he was able to turn a game of chance into a guarantee win. Here is the point of the story. I don’t believe Larson felt as though he was cheating. He prepared to improve his odds at winning a game of chance. That took work. It wasn’t a free ride. …show more content…
In my opinion, it is cheating when one gains through lazy means. Or, cheating takes an unfair advantage over another’s trust. Of course it is bad to take advantage of one’s trust, or, to gain an unfair advantage through lazy or stolen means. However, just because someone felt cheated doesn’t mean it is actually true. Is it bad to gain an advantage over someone else? Of course not, as long as that advantage was gained through work and practice. Some say that dishonesty and cheating is common in the corporate world. Not so. This conclusion is likely based on peoples own biased