Thanks to all who replied for all the helpful info.

My question is a little different than what David is discussing, but I think Mark, Gene and Walter answered it. If I understand everyone's points, it sounds like the act of removal from the casino is not illegal, but to refuse to turn them over later if you were requested to would be (i.e, they remain the property of the casino as David says). I just wanted to know if removing them in and of itself was illegal. Basically, it sounds like it is legal to harvest some chips, collect them, etc., but you always run the risk that someone knocks on your door and demands that you cash them in.