Chip collecting rewards curiosity more than money. You can start with a handful of chips from a casino you have visited and end up with a collection that tells the story of a whole city. This guide covers the basics.

Pick a focus

Australia has a manageable number of casinos, but thousands of chips. Most collectors choose a focus so a collection can become complete. Common choices are:

  • One casino, every era. Follow a venue through its rebrands, such as Darwin from the Don Hotel to Mindil Beach.
  • One chip from every casino. A $1 or $5 chip from each licensed Australian casino is a great first goal.
  • A type. Roulette colours, tournament chips, souvenir chips or plaques.
  • A state. Every casino in Queensland or Western Australia, for example. Browse by state from the home page.

Where chips come from

The simplest way to get a current chip is to visit the casino and keep one. Older chips change hands between collectors, at collector meets and through online marketplaces and auction sites. Casinos sometimes release retired chips as souvenirs, and occasionally sell them in bulk when they change designs.

Condition

Chips are made to be handled, so wear is normal. Collectors look at the edges for chipping, at the inlay for scratches and fading, and at the faces for dirt and discolouration. A clean, sharp chip is worth more than a worn one of the same design, but an uncirculated example of a rare chip is a bonus, not a requirement.

Cancelled chips

When casinos retire chips they often cancel them so they cannot be used again, by drilling a hole, cutting a notch or stamping them. Cancelled chips are a normal part of collecting and are often the only way to get older issues. Record the cancellation when you catalogue a chip.

Storing your collection

Keep chips out of direct sunlight, which fades colours, and away from heat. Chip cases, coin capsules and display frames all work. Avoid soft PVC sleeves for long-term storage, and handle valuable chips by the edge.

Use the catalogue

Every chip in the guide has a permanent ACG number. Use the catalogue to identify what you have and to plan what you need next, and read how to identify a casino chip for the details that separate one issue from another.

Got chips we don’t? The guide grows with every contribution. Send us photos and we will add them with credit.