Casino chips in Nevada, with all of the security features, etc., typically cost more than $1 per chip. So, they lose money on $1 and fractional chips that walk, not to mention reduction of inventory they need to run their business. I would think that advertising and good will would make up for the loss on the $1 chips, especially if someone makes a special trip to the casino to get them. They may then gamble and lose some money to them (a loss leader of sorts). Different casinos view it differently.

Michael Siskin