'Serious money' and 'unlimited growth' are probably the two worst things that can happen to the chipping 'hobby'.

Serious money would 'benifit' only a few top rank dealers, while attracting and encouraging those who would counterfit and alter chips for profit. - Not good for the hobby.

'Unlimited growth' would make already scarce chips even more so, thus driving up prices even more, and attracting speculators why buy chips only as investments. - Not good for the hobby.

I would much prefer a small, inexpensive 'hobby', where you can trust your dealer/trading partner, and can have fun without 'investing' megabucks.