Perhaps a small difference is enough.

Obsolete = The casino is closed and the chips are no longer in play elsewhere. The balance of the chips have been destroyed. These chips cannot be redeemed for cash.

Off the Tables = The chips are no longer in play but may still be in the vault or available for use elsewhere.

At least for Nevada and AC this is much easier than someother states. In WI we had the second issue Golden Nickel (Ho Chunk) set as obsolete for a couple of years. Right when Ho Chunk was ordering the latest issue, suddenly everything in the vault appeared on the tables. No way of knowing what will surface around here.

We know that some $10 and $20 chips are in a vault, and only two of each escaped. (or possibly someone greased the right palms?) They could disappear into history or tomorrow there could be hundreds back on the tables. 'off the table"

First American Games (Oneida Green Bay) chips are unavailable and according to the casino have been sent back to the Mfg. for distruction. However when I was friends with the Mother of a dealer, I got one of each for my collection. So where are they really?

I do like the simple definition that they are no longer in play and the casino is closed, the chips cannot be redeemed at any casino for cash. We all know how many times, something that has been thought to be long gone, can somehow be found in a box. But they are still obsolete.

"Obsolete" has nothing to do with availability, rarity or value, in many cases.