I get an impression that some of the casinos have people who are paying attention to our discussions here. In fact, I know that several people who post do have direct connections with the chip programs.

It would be my feeling that we should have a discussion of this here. We can, hopefully, avoid some of the fights that come about and keep this as rational discussion and not an arguement of an issue that does effect the future of the hobby. Maybe we will get some attention of the casinos. I think that with some of the heated battling some of the casinos may respond to an extreme. I recall arguements that it is unfair that certain individuals have quantities of chips set aside and other smaller dealers don't get a chance at chips for their customers. Those who have reserved quantities have been mentioned to go in early and pick up their allotment then buy more at the specified limit. Then they go to the end of the line and get more. Some have mentioned that this would lead to some people buying out almost an entire edition. At those times, certain people have talked about boycotts and some of the casinos have responded to severely limit quatities so collectors and smaller dealers can get some. Now, the bigger dealers and the smaller dealers are complaining and again talking boycotts because of the rediculously low (limit 3) limits that is too restrictive. There is probably some answer in the middle between small quantities, large quantities and low LEs and maybe raising the LEs a little. Also, I recall alot of discussions about insiders (employees) getting alot of chips and collectors, and dealers not getting what they need. We cause a fuss here, and now I got an e-mail from a dealer that told me that she could no longer offer a certain casinos chips because management believes there is a conflict of interest.

Either the casinos are reading our discussions and trying to respond or some people are sending complaints to which they are responding. Unfortunately, I believe they are responding, in some cases, to an extreme. I am dissappointed that I can not get those certain chips from the one dealer but I can understand and respect the reason that that source has to discontinue. That might be a reasonable response by the casino. However, I think the situation that brings this subject up again is a little extreme. 3 chips is obsurd. Out of a 750 LE which I think is a minimaly reasonable edition I think a casino could allow a dealer 20 or 25 chips, Maybe even 50 and still spread them around a bit. I think they should also be responsive and alert to those who seek out surrogates to get additional alotments or who use other means to seek an unfair share. How about stamping the back of the hand of those who get chips. That way they can tell if somoeone is coming back for more. Then say that a dealer can only seek x number of chips in 24 hrs. That would allow other dealers and collectors a chance to get some chips. Then, if there are still chips left the next day a dealer can go back for more if he feels he can sell more. Also, there is the real possibility that you could raise the LE to 1500 or 2000 and still have it limited enough and have enough to supply demand. Another possibility that has been mentioned is to take a percentage of a release and mix them into the racks at the tables. Sell so many at the cage in mint uncirculated condition and have the rest at the tables in circulation. After all, it is part of the intention of these chips to entice gamblers in to the casino. If they have to play some Blackjack to win a couple the casino may benefit a little more. I have said before, I buy more for the art and attractiveness or significance of a chip not because I am one of only 500 who will get one. I also have fun rescuing some of my chips from the tables. Some of my favorites are the slightly worn ones that I happened upon by chance. With limits, I do not think allowing one or two dealers to get an entire LE with 200 chips ea is fair but 3 is also rediculous.

I would say that if the dealers want to boycott or return all their chips that would be fine. Being that I am not anywhere near LV and only get there once a year at best, there is not much I can do. If I can't get a chip I cant get it. Therefore, It is in the hands of those of you near the casinos to decide how you respond. Hopefully it would not come to that but If I have to wait till I get there in June to get some of the chips I want than That is what it will take. I would just hope that any action that is taken does not cause the casinos to shut down their programs. After all, it has been mentioned before that the casinos do not profit much from these chips.

I guess I have gone on long enough. These are some thoughts of the top of my head. Sorry for the lengthiness