Hi Jim,

Points worthy of consideration across the board in your post, but...

>>Yes, I know there is some validity to the argument that the chips are only "rented" or "loaned" or "bailed", but the point is that this IS different than a typical theft, where the taker has given nothing of value. The taking of ashtrays, silverware, plates, towels, robes, ice machines (!!), etc., would unquestionably constitute theft. I'm not so sure about roulette chips.<<

You "rent" a room at a casino/hotel. If the room was vacant of all amenities necessary or desired for a comfortable stay (like ashtrays for smokers, towels, silverware [if you use room service], robes [I'm not up to that level of Comp yet]), you'd have a problem with the accomodations because they didn't provide you the items that you thought you paid for to use during your stay. Roulette chips are provided for you to use during your stay at a table game, and you pay to use them. They aren't meant to be taken home after you use them during your visit to that table anymore than the amenities (regular creature comforts) in your "rented" room are.

Thanks for your input, and if you want a roulette lesson, watch me play. Even the dealers at the Paris have commented on my positive success at their table.

Bob