This post is explanation of what the MoGH is and does for those who are not familiar.
FYI. I will only respond publicly to those who are civil. I am, the MoGH board is, the ChipGuide admins are, as well as most of you are, tired of all the negatively that a few individuals are bringing into the hobby.
FYI. Everyone involved in running the CCA, the MoGH, and the ChipGuide are VOLUNTEERS. They donate their time and expertise for the benefit of the hobby and get very little in return, perhaps an occasional Thank You from a thoughtful collector. They are certainly NOT deserving of the negativity directed at them. They are deserving of your respect for all their volunteering efforts on your behalf.
The MoGH starting out as the Building Fund. The idea was to establish a club house in Las Vegas where CCA members could gather. It was soon determined that this idea was not feasible and the Building Fund was transformed into the Museum of Gaming History. The idea at the time was to eventually establish a physical museum. Over the years several spaces were offered to the MoGH, but it was determined that we had no where near the resources and expertise to operate a museum. We could have opened a museum. But, most likely the result would have been a failed effort that resulted in bankrupting the MoGH. Instead, we decided to get our name known in the community by placing exhibits in various locations in Las Vegas.
Note that everyone, there have been many, who tried to operate a casino related museum or retail store in Las Vegas has failed. The only exception is Spinetti's.
A few years ago, the MoGH hired a museum expert to conduct a study and provide the results in a weekend seminar to educate the MoGH board on what was needed to establish a physical museum. FYI, no one on the MoGH board at that time had any experience in museum operations. The most important thing that we learned is that museums should not depend on paid admissions in order to cover operating expenses. There will be lean months when admissions will be low and then the museum will not be able to cover their expenses and have to close. Expenses should be covered by the patrons of the museum who make substantial annual donations. The reason that the MoGH does not have a physical museum is because it does not have the necessary patronage. Instead we continue with our various exhibits around Las Vegas.
Those who criticize the MoGH, are mostly those who have done nothing to support the MoGH. No donations, never volunteered, never offered a worthwhile suggestion. Nothing but criticism. If you want to be helpful, volunteer. If you want to be helpful, make a suggestion. If you want to be helpful, make a donation. But don't criticize, the doesn't help anybody, it only turns people away from the hobby. For me, I don't criticize unless I can offer a solution and I am willing to do the work to make I happen. I don't expect others to do the work for me. Otherwise, I keep my mouth shut.
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