~ Supply, and Demand !

Personally, I don't collect LE's outside of Hard rock, and an occasional chip that visually trips my trigger (i.e. Harrah's "Its' a Dry Heat" & Mahoney's "Craps series")

That said, as long as there is demand, there will be no problem.

Most that collect LE's as a whole aren't looking at them as an investment. Key word: most. Those that do, are making a serious Beenie Baby mistake.

Bottom line; we need to collect for the fun of the hobby. Collect what you appreciate and enjoy.

The hobby for me connects at many different levels:

1) I love the History of the Old Nevada casino chips! My favorites are small town Nevada, followed by old Vegas.

2) I love traveling, and love foreign chips, jetons and plaques.

3) I love going to the casinos and collecting in person. Casino hoping is a blast. And it also helps me both gamble less, and come away with something tangable.

4) Another two words: Hunt & Gather ! Two primal urges satisfied in one entertaining activity.

5) And speaking of hunting and gathering, the next in line is treasure hunting. I enjoy going to antique malls and flea markets searching for the treasure. I've had a few great finds over the years. Of course calculating the time and gas spend for the treasure hunt, it isn't very cost effective. Not at all. But it is, in one word: FUN!

6) There is a tiny bit of profit for me reselling some chips. About enough to satisfy my good sense that the money isn't just going in one direction. Selling (and trading-see #7)has opened doors to meet some wonderful people who I'm now lucky enough to call good friends.

7) where else can you trade like we do. In person, via our websites, via emails. Perfect strangers one minute, and trading buddies the next.

8) We collect chips from a casino ...walk out....the casino closes and Poof our money doubled. Ok, sure, that's ultra simplified. I'm sure you know exactly what i'm getting at. Obsolete chips go up in value. Just that simple.

9)With all of the time we can spend:
~tracking our chips, keeping our trader lists updated, keeping our collections updated, making scans, visiting the chipboard, visiting other chipper websites, going to conventions, chipshows, club meetings, and casino hopping, it sure keeps us active.