Will, this varies all over the map. I have bought chips directly at the cage; bought them at
the tables (I'm a crap shooter & can't resist
trying to make a pass or two before walking away from the table with the chips) and have even purchased chips directly from casinos via mail. I have written letters, offered $20. for 20 $1. Chips & offered to pay $2.50 Postage or send a stamped, return addressed envelope with limited success. At the prices being offered on eBay, common house chips are so cheap that its the easy way to go. Groups of $1. Vegas chips are being offered at face value. Obviously, obsolete, limited edition, or other unusual chips are going to be more expensive & won't be found on the tables in most cases.