Someone commented about an image of 1st and 2nd issue MGM Grand Detroit chips I posted there, and I didn't want to give a half-a$$ answer to his questions (which unfortunately I already did), so I told him I'd post it here to see what responses you all have:

"So is the idea that 1st issue is circulated and after the chips get too beat up they circulate a 2nd issue after a few years?

And are the subsequent issues already made when the 1st issue is out? I've read that casinos are required to have complete back up sets of chips ready to go if there is a security problem. So are these second issues the ones that they would use in that situation and they would just roll them out earlier than planned if they had to?

Seems like an expensive proposition to have a backup set different from the next generation set they were planning to use anyway. I also figure to save costs that behemoths like MGM/Mirage and Harrahs could have a generic back up set that any of the properties in the same city could use if needed. Wouldn't be branded by casino but then again I haven't heard of a complete switchover being needed in LV or AC before either."