where a lot of people collect a lot of different things (just check out the newsstands for the number of different collectibles titles, specific and general) I think the main reason is that prior to 1968 (for the real old stuff) casino operations were illegal, and that since then the 24-hour membership rule has limited the number of people going in. The fact that you are not supposed to take chips, and cannot buy from the cashiers cage is also a factor.

However I think the major factor above that is that (in the UK, and based on my own experiences, so take it for what it is worth), most people start collecting as children, and so access to casinos is not possible, in contrast to stamps, coins, toys and almost all other collectibles.

Also, having become a collector (because of my trips to Las Vegas!), finding chips here can be difficult. Even most newspapers won't take my adverts asking for chips as they have a ban on gambling related items!

Just some thoughts....

Jason

p.s. As always - if anyone does want to trade for UK stuff let me know. I don't generally collect plaques, for those of you interested, but I'm happy to pick them up from my local casinos if you want any - I have some scans from the Westcliff on my website - they start at £50 (which is about $95) at the moment, I'll ship for face + postage if anyone wants any.