As a fairly new chip collector{only two years},I have avoided getting into the roullette chips because I would be nervous taking chips the casino does not want me to have.
But I must admit that if the casio posted signs saying that they did not want the regular chips taken I would still grab some.Also when the casinos have tried to limit the amount I can get{main street station for example},I'll still try to get the amount i want for my collection. I agree with Jim,ethics of collecting chips are only what people feel right about doing.
The signs in the casios about using chips and tokens for monitary purposes outside the casio is a federal law not a single casino rule.I used this fact after a chip run through Canada and my car being searched in customs.The border guards tried to say I failed to declare the chips.I countered with the fact that under federal regs they were worthless, so they should not be declared.We final agreed to call them currancy and since i had under $10,000{way under}there was no problem.
Sorry for the long post its my first.Thanks for area Greg it is great