I tried to pick up the some Bonanza chips last week with a buy-in at a 21 table. Was given a lecture by the floorman about not giving them out anymore because it costs them money?? Thought I was doing a buy-in! Wasn't worth it to even try and play. I do believe it has been against Nevada gaming laws to but chips from the cage, but loosely followed. At one time we could pay for meals in the casino's with chips.
I think your right about a recent crackdown, because the bonanza is not the only casino I have had trouble getting chips lately. I will keep my ears open and try and find out what is really going on. When times are tough, this isn't the way to keep customers coming back. Especially since I just busted my but in Nashville trying to promote Reno for a 2010 national convention.....Doug