I am very sorry to hear of the Passing of Gene.
Whilst Gene's knowledge of Casino Chips was extensive, his involvement in Las Vegas Poker goes back over 35 years.
Gene ran Poker Tournaments in Las Vegas for 35 years and played Professional Poker 1961-1980 and worked at the Palms Casino 2001 - 2012 i.e. Poker Manager & Tournament Director 2001-2012 and Tournament Director only 2010 - 2012.
Gene was instrumental in the design of a number of PALMS Card Guards manufactured for Tournaments held at the PALMS. When Gene mentioned to me that he had 2 Sets of different PALMS Card Guards that had never been issued, I was fortunate enough to acquire these from Gene.
I was lucky enough to meet Gene one occasion but had many EMail communications with him. No question ever went unanswered.
My thoughts go out to Gene's Family & Friends.