the GCB to take this position. I think a lot of the rules were already on the books - like the no taking the chips from the casino for "conversion" purposes. I think this is just a derivative of the rule change that the Feds forced on gaming back in the late 50s or early 60s. You used to be able to buy dinner in the restaurant with chips. In fact, in Reno you could walk down the street to the clothing store - there was a very nice one across the street from the Mapes in those days - and buy clothes with chips from any prominent Reno Casino. The federal government took a dim view of this and forced the rule that chips could not be used as legal tender. For a time you could not play a foreign chip on the table - you had to go to the cage and exchange it. Things loosened up a little since then but you still can not pay for dinner with chips.

I think one of the major issues was probably the lost tax revenue. If the hard Rock had to sell all their LE chips as No Cash Value souvenirs the state would make a lot more money. I feel the other big reason was the manipulation of the LE programs at some of the casinos. I think it projected the image of cheating - insiders making money off the sale of chips. I do not think the GCB can allow that.

I agree with what Will said about the impact on the NIS folks. I am very sorry to see that happen but I do not think it is the end to collecting.

Just my opinion - and probably not a well informed one at that.

Chas