Casino chips, also known as poker chips, gaming tokens, or checks, are small discs used as currency in casinos. They come in various colours and designs, each representing different denominations of money. While they are primarily used in casinos, they are also used as play money in casual games, are collected for their numismatic value, or are kept as souvenirs.
Casino chips are made of a mixture of materials, including metal, clay, ceramic, and plastic. They are inlaid or painted with colours and numbers that indicate their value. Some casinos use RFID tags embedded in the chips to collect data and prevent counterfeiting, and gaming plaques may have printed serial numbers.
Casino chips serve multiple vital functions beyond simple currency substitutes. They act as a standardised medium for placing bets and receiving payouts, eliminating the need for cumbersome cash handling. Their uniform size and stackability make them exceptionally easy to manage and count, allowing for quick verification of payments by both players and casino staff.
Furthermore, chips enhance security by minimising the risks of theft and fraud; their unique designs and embedded security features make them difficult to counterfeit, thus ensuring a controlled flow of money within the casino.
Beyond the practical aspects, chips also have a psychological effect. By distancing players from the tangible nature of cash, chips can foster a sense of ease when placing larger bets, as they may be perceived as mere game tokens rather than actual money. This can also contribute to the efficiency of gameplay, enabling quicker and more accurate betting, which is particularly beneficial in games like roulette.
Low-denomination chips, such as yellow chips, vary in value by location. Blue chips are sometimes used for £10, especially in Atlantic City. In Las Vegas and California, most casinos use blue or white for £1 chips, though many casinos in Las Vegas use metal tokens instead. Chips are available in denominations of £1,000 or more, with some casinos offering chips valued at £5,000, £10,000, £25,000, and higher. Casinos often use gaming plaques for denominations above £5,000.
