The best place for a new collector to acquire casino chips is from the casino itself. Getting the chips at face value and being able to buy a few of each denomination will give you a nice trading inventory to get you started in the hobby. Here in Nevada, the majority of the casinos will let you buy chips directly from the cage. Make sure that you go to the cage when they are slow and a cashier will have time to help you. The graveyard shift is the best time.
Whenever you do go, make sure that there is nobody behind you in line if possible. Make a list of what you want before you get in line. That way after you ask for certain chips you can then hand the list to the cashier and it saves them having to write down the information themselves. Include on the list the denominations of the chips you would like and how many of each chip. If you are looking for Limited Edition chips, then along with the denominations, include a description of the chip, July 4, Halloween, etc. If you are looking for uncirculated chips that have not been on the tables yet then ask the cashier if they have some set aside that you can purchase. Always make sure and tip (or TOKE as they say here in Nevada) the cashier.
If you make it clear up front that you are prepared to toke the cashier for their help, that will go a long way in helping you get the chips you would like. $2 to $3 is good and up to $5 if you feel the cashier has really been helpful and you picked up something special.
If for any reason the cage refuses to sell you chips then you will need to get what you can off of the gaming tables. The best place to start is a table that does not have any players. Approach the dealer and let him know what you are looking for and tell him up front that it is worth a couple of dollars to you if he can help you. Dealers would much rather make a couple of dollars looking through chips for you than just standing around not making any money at all. If you don’t get what you need on one table then try any other tables that don’t have players.
As long as you go into the casino prepared you should come out with some nice additions to your collection and trading inventory at face value!
