"Very short conclusion. The Shoen's owned the casino for two years before applying for a gaming license, so I would also tend to doubt that they had an opening, tables and were just waiting for the license. (no evidence to prove they didn't have the tables and chips waiting for two years either?)"

I can guarentee you, the casino was fully equiped and setting, ready to open.
The chips would have been paid for in advance as most opening racks are. They would have been part of the estate when the casino did not open.