Not an authority!

But with the article they could have been samples; real order, but not purchased; or just fantasy chips.

Best part is that you find things. I hand out cards and talk to people and the best I did was a bowl full of buttons at a paper show, which had two chips in it? Yes I do see slot tokens and occasional related items, old poker chips, but casino chips at a rummage sale, or flea market? HA!