Here is one answer. There are quite a few people living in Las Vegas who can just go down the street and pick up new chips at the window. Other places they have to wait in line for hours. Me - I have to drive a minimum of 4 hours to get to the nearest casino. Do you think I covered my $5000 trip cost when I picked up chips in Russia a few years ago?? Not likely. I don't begrudge anyone a fair markup on chips since I know what is involved. I don't mind getting the chips since I enjoy going to the casinos and it gives me trading stock so I don't have to pay the markup. Another thing to mention - as long as you hold onto those chips you are tieing up your money.