Unlike most of you long-timers, I just started collecting chips less than a year ago.

I had been looking for something to collect for a long time. Something to eventually pass down to my son. Throughout the years, I have been into stamps, baseball cards, coins, etc.

I love playing poker, mostly in casino tournaments, so this seemed natural. Also I go to Vegas 3-4 times per year, which helps as well.

I have had an absolute blast collecting chips in the past year, and my collection numbers close to 1,000. Like in any hobby, you can't collect "everything" so for right now I have focused on $1 Las Vegas/Southern Nevada, $1 California, and Racinos.

Three things I really like about collecting chips. First, in the beginning it can be relatively inexpensive. Second, unlike other hobbies (such as baseball card collecting) mint condition is not the only thing people care about. Though condition is important in Chips, a tiny, microscopic speck is not going to decrease a chip 90% in value, like you find in Cards. Third, the wonderful people I have met in this hobby. Some of the friendliest, most helpful people you can find.