Jim,

This can be debated forever. I think that we are in agreement that the HPA is poorly worded and that it is unclear whether numismatic items, other than coinage, are covered by the HPA.

Is there any court that has rendered a decision on what items are covered under the HPA? If not, all we can do is debate and lobby for a change to the act to clearly indicate what is covered.

I think that the best course of action for our hobby is to modify the Club's Code of Ethics to promote Honesty in Chipping.

This is the text of my proposal:

1) A "non-original" chip has content other than that provided by the manufacturer or casino.
2) A clearly visible and non-removable indication is required on non-original chips.
3) A "non-casino" chip is one not authorized for use in a casino.
4) The exact nature of non-original and non-casino chips must be explicitly mentioned in advertisements and at the time of exchange.

It will be a chore to describe a casino, but for this purpose it could be ... an establishment that uses chips as a medium of exchange for gambling. I mean to exclude fantasy chips, manufacturer's samples, home use chips, advertising chips, counterfeits, home made chips, movie props, souvenir chips and the like. If it never had the potential of being used in a casino, it is non-casino chip.

I acknowledge that my proposal is neither complete or that it fully accomplishes my intentions. I wrote it as a starting point for the Club's Standards committee to further refine. Feedback is appreciated.