I visited the Western during the day, thinking that would be a better
choice than at night. The preparations for my trip included: removing my watch,
emptying my wallet...

I found this passage in a newsgroup posting this morning. http://www.talkaboutgambling.com/group/rec.gambling.blackjack/messages/104259.html

Coupled with Steve Goodrich's recent post about booking a room at the Western under re:What's The Worst Bet You've Ever Made? it has become apparent the value our fearless NIS folks are to us collectors. I looked at my Frommers map of LV several times and the Western isn't even on it! What a joint, I guess! I went downtown once, visited a bunch of places but turned around at El Cortez and returned to the Trop to get near some soap and hot water. From the story I've linked, it seems that buying new chips from the Western cage is only for the most intrepid, is this so? Boy, THANK YOU Andy! I had No Idea! Anyone hang at the Western and care to comment? I'd guess those green and black chips must stay new for a long time at the Western. I'd post a pic of my new Western $5 but we've got that new rule now: "...chips SHOULD NOT be continually displayed on this board..."