Some casinos in A.C. will balk at giving out keys.... as it represents a security problem (so they say). *Many hotels require showing a room key to a security guard in order to get on the elevator. (A bogus claim; anyone who has ever stayed in Trump Marina for example can show their old previous hotel key that was not turned in a month ago and still get on the elevator today).

Also, many of you may not be aware.... but a hotel key will get you into the comp/hotel guest line at the buffets so that you don't have to wait in the long, ordinary peon-folks, line. This bonus feature alone ought to make it worthwhile to those who have turned up their noses at this former off-beat casino collectible that has been gaining in popularity!

BTW..... there are a few A.C. casino/hotels still using metal hotel keys (Trump Plaza, Taj Mahal). Claridge and Sands use a generic key card without a casino name on them.