I bet there are many more casino/poker chip collectors out there(right now) than you might think. We just need a way to connect with them. I think that these younger poker players that travel the U.S. (And World) throw a couple of chips in there pockets for souvenirs and they cash the rest in. They are collectors, but just don't quite know it yet.
When I go play poker(1 or 2 times a month) I bring a few chips with me as card guards. A couple of good ones and a few "give a ways". I see if anyone has interest in these weird chips and if they do I start talking about them and end up giving them a Cheap chip. I don't think anyone has joined the club from me doing this, but they might of started to collect... And it's only a matter of time before they join. They just need a way to find us.
We need to simplify our Club name and spend time advertising. Maybe we could go to our local newspaper and have them do a write up on locals collecting chips. Or a poker player magazine(Card Player) write up. We could go to our local casino/cardroom and put together a display of local chips from that establishment or other local establishments. It WILL draw attention. We just need to get the word out!!
My short story....
I will be 44 next month and start my official collecting of chips at the Stardust 2 weeks before they closed.(2006?) the BJ dealer asked if I was going to keep any souvenirs because they were closing down the place soon. I said sure and grabbed 4 $1 chips. (2 CIC and 2 regular) I might of picked up a chip or 2 here or there and then got married in 2008 and got chips from every casino on St. Maartin. My first "big score" that got me hooked was a Holiday Lodge $5 blue smkey. I bought it for $2.50 in a bucket at an antique store in Reno. I have never stopped loving chips since that time. It used to be about the value of a find for me.....now it's more about the history behind the chip. I would trade a $100 chip for a $10 chip if I really wanted the cheaper chip and had no emotional attachment to the more expensive chip. I just try to be fair most of the time. My wife says I give too much stuff away....I just like to see things go to those who would appreciate it most. Sometimes a chip needs a good home.