In my opinion, and I am assuming the very same opinion of all laws, havesting is stealing. To take it one step further, buying "harvested" items, is still recieving stolen property. That said, I seriously doubt that even when confronted by casino security, the most that would happen is that you are asked to return the roulette chips.

I know of a fellow collector that was confronted by casino security after harvesting a few dozen ashtrays. Secirity simply stated "sir, I think you already have enough." He was not detained or even asked to return the ashtrays that he already had in his backpack.

We can justify it all we want, but stealing is stealing. Please understand that I am not condoning nor am I condeming. Most collectors have plenty of roulettes, ashtrays and such. As "they" say......preserving gaming history.