Chips. I have always collected something. I have collected Hot Wheels(93-2000). I still look at them in the store, but don't buy. I have collected football cards( 95--2000..not baseball) and I have collected sports figures(Starting Lineups & McFarlane). I have about 1000 figures.
During my adult life I have always seemed to be collecting something. I normally put a lot of effort/time/money into whatever it is that interests me. I remember spending hundreds of dollars (weekly)buying football cards just to open to see what was inside the new packs. It was kind of like gambling. I still have all of the Hot Wheels, sports cards and figures. Most of those things are not worth what you have into them.
The best things about collecting chips(and other gaming) is that you never know what you are going to "Find". There is a niche for all levels of collecting. Most of the folks you run into are great people.