I had thought about going to some of the earlier conventions. Even the first one at the Aladdin in 1992. I would see ads for the conventions, but other things got in the way & I never went. Then in September 1995 there was a chip show at the Four Queens. I did not know about it, but a good friend of mine from Halifax did & called me. He always came out for about a month during every World Series of Poker at the Horseshoe. He had been collecting the $2.50 add on chips to the original 20 chip set which he had missed the year they were released. He wanted me to go to the Four Queens show & see if I could buy him a set.

So I went there & not only picked up a set for my friend, but also for myself. I was at that moment officially a chip collector. If my friend had not asked for the favor, who knows if I would have collected casino chips. I had a interest in it, but always put it off. I can tell you I am very happy I did start collecting. Not as much for the chips, but for the good friends I have made in the last 20 years or so.

Now some thoughts...Is the hobby in trouble? Yes, very much so. Member numbers in the club are down, as are dealers setting up at the convention. Eventually the casinos are going to go to a card for table games. You put however much you want on the card & then scan it at each table. Then place your bets on a screen in front of you. How long before they do this? Could start in less than ten years would be my guess. But when it happens there will be no more chips. Then any small interest someone might have goes away.

I agree with what a lot of people had said about the younger generation. They are not collectors. Not just casino chips, but anything. I don't see that changing.

I think our one last hope is the MOGH. Hoping to attract people to the hobby through just the convention is nowhere near enough. We need displays in the casinos & a full time location for the MOGH.

I also think the convention should stay at the South Point. The club has a good deal there & should keep it. Sign a TEN year deal if the South Point will let us. As Doug pointed out they have shuttles to take you elsewhere. It is not like it is located in another city! If we were to move, there would be other complaints. Not everyone is going to be 100% happy. But the deal & casino itself is a good one. I would hate to see us make a mistake & move.

Lastly...Enjoy your collection. Don't worry about what is going to happen to it when you die. Just give whoever is going to get your collection a phone number for someone who can help them. Let them worry about it at that point. Enjoy the chips now while you can.

Andy Hughes - Life Member-2471-52