Simon,

The chips we collect are generally in use in the casinos at the time we take them and are normally the chips the casinos use to play the table games. The casinos rarely discourage someone from taking the chips from the casino. It means profits for them when we do. It is the only bet that they can't ever lose on. In fact, many casinos produce "collectors" chips for the sole purpose of having them leave the casino.

I would say technology and a large initial investment are what keep crooks from making duplicates. Just like with our currency, it isn't easy to counterfiet chips and even if someone did, the casino can easily change the whole rack of chips and then where would you be.

Greg