Several major Vegas casinos on the Strip will soon stop accepting poker chips from competing resorts, marking a shift in long-standing industry practices. The change, set to take effect on August 1, means players will no longer be able to cash out or exchange chips from other properties at certain casino cages.
The decision comes after incidents involving counterfeit chips and concerns over security and accountability. Previously, it was not uncommon for casinos to honor each other’s poker chips, particularly for regular patrons who moved between properties. That practice, however, has gradually faded in recent years as casino operators adopted tighter financial controls and increased surveillance protocols.
A spokesperson for the Nevada Gaming Control Board confirmed the policy change, saying that while there is no formal law prohibiting the acceptance of outside chips, the board supports operators who implement policies to protect their financial systems. The agency added that casinos are required to clearly post their chip redemption rules in visible locations on the gaming floor and at cashier windows.
Some Vegas casinos, such as those operated by MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, have already limited the redemption of outside chips, though exceptions have been made for high-limit players or under certain circumstances. The new policy is expected to eliminate such exceptions and standardize chip redemption procedures across the Strip.
Industry analysts note that the shift may inconvenience tourists unfamiliar with individual casino policies, but operators argue that the benefits of reducing risk outweigh the drawbacks. Patrons are now encouraged to cash in their chips before leaving the property where they were won. With the new rules approaching, Vegas casinos are reminding guests to treat poker chips as property-specific currency and to avoid transporting them between locations.
