As others have said before - the robber may not be as dumb as he (she?) seems.

First, make a trial run - Police suspect the same man pulled off a similar heist at the Suncoast casino just after midnight last Thursday, but only got about $20,000 in chips. (NY Post 12/15/2010)

Second, you need an insider in the casino - ...because the robber apparently knew what high-stakes table to target during the early-morning hours, it's possible he had some inside information from players or casino staff.

"He knew how to get the biggest bang for his buck," Voyles said.

"Internal thefts in the casinos are way up. This economy is turning honest people into thieves." (NY Post 12/15/2010)

Third, you need a high roller who would be willing to buy the chips at say, 25¢ on the dollar for the high value chips. Not a bad deal for the thief and not a bad deal for the high roller.