who got those chips. Do you really think the cops destroyed them, or did they fill up a lot of poker games?

You're right, though, the cops in CA hated Cornero and were willing to do just about anything to make him go away, including break the law themselves.

In the case of the hometown joints, they really were breaking the law, so I'm not at all surprised at the glee in which they were raided - unless of course they received some perks, or orders, not to.

Cool chip. Illegals histories (and semi-illegals) I think make up the best part of chipping, followed closely by bygone era gambling and unabashed vice.

Today the strip represents plastic and fiberglass vice - Bah! It'll keep ya alive, like C-Rats, but it ain't real.