I pretty much have quit asking for chips from dealers or cages anymore just for the reasons you stated. I am buying something from them but they make it seem like I'm stealing. (yes, I know the regulations etc.)

However, last week while I was at the SNCCC show in Las Vegas I was in the Golden Gate with another chipper.
I needed a few of the $5 Dancing Dealer chips to finish out my set. There was a nice young lady dealer at an empty roulette table and my fellow chipper suggested I ask about them. The young lady took my list and started searching through her stacks. Then the pit boss came over and I assumed he was going to be tacky about it. Not so... he helped!!.. and when we were still missing a couple he told me to go to the cage and tell them which ones I still needed!! I didn't do that as the cage personnel at the Golden Gate have been really rude to me a few times when I have politely asked for chips and explained why. And, yes, I tip well.

I know their margin on a $5 chip is higher than on a $1 chip so I'm sure they love it when they go out the door.

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