... it is my opinion that removing chips from a casino is not theft. You gave them money for them (way more than they cost in most cases). And, while Nevada gaming regs may say that the casinos continue to "own" any chips that are removed from the casino, they are really nothing more than an IOU, which the casino has to honor if and when you bring the chip back to cash in.

Furthermore, like any other negotiable instrument, your interest in the IOU can be sold to another person without violating any laws.

So, rest easy. No theft. No receiving stolen property. No "complicity" on the part of eBay.

Don't even ask about the "R" word!!

Ashtrays on the other hand present a different situation. Removing them without permission (as opposed to buying them in the gift shop) is theft. Anyone who buys an ashtray which is stolen is receiving stolen property. As for what eBay's exposure might be in this case, I'm not sure. Maybe Travis will have an opinion on that. ----- jim o\-S