I went downtown this morning and stopped by the Golden Gate Casino. I went to the cage and asked to buy 5 $1 chips. The cashier asked me if I planned on using them on a table game? I said no, I collect them. He told me he was unable to sell me any, and did not give a reason when I asked why. I had ran into this problem at the Golden Gate about two months ago. First I went to the cage...nothing. I went to the craps table, asked one of the dealers if he would sell me some chips.....nothing. luckily, I saw a cocktail waitress walk by with a few chips on her tray. I followed her to the bar and bought the few chips she had. I think I gave her $8 for $5 in chips, she was ok with that. When I went to Binions today, the cashier said they are not allowed to sell chips when they are running low, and maybe thats why Golden Gate wouldn't sell any.
The only other casinos I can think of that ever gave me a hard time about chips..........The Hacienda out near Hoover Dam would only sell me two chips. The New Frontier before they closed would only sell me 3 chips per cashier window. Every other casino I have been to and asked for chips, never a problem. In fact, most casino cashiers will go out of the way and look for nice clean chips and even offer tips on cleaning them. And I always tip at least a dollar or two.
Just wanted to share my experience and next time I will say ".....Errr, yes I plan on using them at a table game"