In addition to the three threads during the past 7 days that discussed this topic, three other people have now asked me 'can casinos stop you removing chips from the premises and why'

Firstly to clarify a few things. We are talking about cash value chips and not ncv's/roulettes which are a separate issue.

There are a few 'legal' concepts to understand.

1. The casino can not 'sell' you the chips and you can not 'buy' them. They are legally IOU's.

2. Regardless of what notices may be posted regarding use of a casinos chips outside their premises etc. the chips ALWAYS REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE CASINO.

3. The state regulation is written to comply with federal laws relating to printing 'alternate money'. Although I am only addressing NV - I am pretty sure the same state laws exist elsewhere.

So the questions are:

Can a casino stop you from removing their chips from the premises. - Yes they can. In 99.9% of cases they choose not to.

Can a casino rep knock on your door and 'demand' to cash your chips - Legally he can. Doubtful whether it would ever happen.

Can casino reps turn up at the convention and 'demand' to cash all the chip - Legally yes but even more doubtful it would happen.

Here is a hypothetical scenario: The Palms is running low on $2.50 chips as it hasnt issued any for a while. Knowing that all the chips may soon be replaced I decide Im going to get what I can. I go to the cage and manage to exchange my cash for almost all they have and fill my suitcase. I then go to the tables and as a collector ask if I can go through the $2.50's for more they dont have in the cage. I manage to get another good quantity and as a couple of tables are low the pit boss calls the cage for some more. The cage says 'we aint got enough'. Someone makes a judgement call that I cant take that many chips and security is alerted.

I could be 'caught' in a number of ways.
1. Security aproach me as I am leaving.
2. Security try to stop me and I escape but they get my license plate
3. I leave undetected but someone identifies me from the surveillance tape.

Whichever event, I refuse to hand over the chips so the matter is handed over to the police and I am arrested. I contest the issue and it goes to court. I DONT THINK I WILL GET VERY FAR

The Palms scenario may be a bit far fetched but relate this to the smaller casino that barely has enough 50c chips to service its tables anyway.