Andy:

I have several Paddle Wheel Chips from a variety of North Dakota Charity Casinos. These are the same as roulette chips. I also have several Tournament chips and other similiar things.

In all cases, I approached an unused table that was open or the pit boss, show them a book with pictures and provided an explanation of what I was doing and in some cases was allowed to either purchase the items at a very nominal cost or given them to me for free!

When I was not allowed to purchase them, I then ask if they could take the chips to a copy machines and provide me with a copy. If that request was refused, I then took out pen and paper and made detailed notes.

One does NOT have to steal anything to preserve gaming history.

As for ashtrays, coin cups, and other brick a brack, these items can not be redeemed for cash nor used as a gaming wager, so if it is not nailed down, it probably, and I emphasis probably, fair game. Many such items the casino hopes you take with you as a form of advertisement such as match books.

Having said that, if you try to remove a tv from one of the hotel rooms, they may have a different point of view.

Hope this helps somewhat.

John