Pete - I think you are right on the "monetary" point.

The chips are property of the casino. We agree on that point, as the reg says: "Chips and tokens . . . [much double-talk deleted] . . . are not the property of anyone other than that licensee." We agree on that!

However, larceny consists a taking and carrying away of tangible personal property of another with intent to permanently deprive. Sound exactly like chip collecting? It should.

It's the casinos property - we agree on that. Reg 12.060 2(b)says that casinos shall issue chips and tokens only to patrons of its gaming establishment and only at their request;

So a NIS guy goes in right to the cage and buys chips is not, by any sane definition, a patron.

The reg goes on to say the casino shall:

(d) Post conspicuous signs at its establishment notifying patrons that federal law prohibits the use of the licensee’s tokens, that state law prohibits the use of the licensee’s chips, outside the establishment for any monetary purpose whatever, and that the chips and tokens issued by the licensee are the property of the licensee, only[.]

Clearly the chips belong to the casino and also as clear, the reg requires the casino

People who collect ashtrays steal thewm - what could be plainer. You're not going to say they don't, only that it's a small crime.

Talk about being silly - "swizzle sticks"? Be serious - it's a good example of a product produced to be trashed after one use. Now that is a great straw man arguement.

I'm a strict constructionist and I say that if they wanted to stop you from leaving the casino with their chips, they could do it because leaving an establishment with property that belongs to the establishment is clearly larceny

A collector taking one home, is breaking the law.

Later Pete - thanks for the link to he reg.

Cheers!