Maybe he's telling the truth but still misrepresenting the chips... I mean, technically, we ALL purchased the chips BEFORE the tournament. I paid for mine 2 months in advance. I just didn't take delivery of them until after the tournament was over.

Plus, he could argue that they're in "uncirulated condition" or that they're uncirculated because they never hit the gaming tables at the casino.

Either way, you're correct in that, unless Gene or someone actually let a set out beforehand, he is misrepresenting the chips.