most people can't collect everything (unless you're Gene Trimble :)

Usual guidelines are to collect what you like first, then branch out to other things. That way if you lose interest in the general collection, you at least have a special collection of items you really like. There is no way I can collect every chip ever made, especially the $100 and $500 and above chips.

For example I play poker and use to deal Pan. I have a modest collection of chips that have "Pan" or "Poker" imprinted on them from different casinos.

Also, other gaming collectibles are available at little or no cost, and over time can appreciate in value. For example, matchbook covers and ashtrays, although smoking is becoming a "dead" issue, casinos still make them. More recently, slot cards or player cards issued free by almost every casino are popular. Some of the original cards can be values in the hundreds of dollars, and their history goes back to only the late 1980's.

Remember, its a hobby, and the joy comes from the hunt and discovery. Happy hunting/collecting.