Casino Chip Security

SenecaJim · #1 03-25-2007, 07:01 PM

I just spent the last half-hour trying to tell my wife Casinos don't have a major problem with couterfeit chips. I told her I believed they have a computer chip or tracking type signal, whatever, now days.

She didn't believe that. I told her IF that wasn't true the expense of trying to match the composite, the logo, and manufacture as such would take know how and money. Yadda yadda yadda.

Anyway, can anybody that has a working knowledge of this issue please explain it in a definite and coherent way so that, well, I can go nah nah to my wife. Plus even though I have read stuff about the computer chip and could develop theories if not, I would like to know a definitive answer from someone more knowledgable than myself.

Thanks,
Beleaguered Husband

wesrwood · #2 03-25-2007, 07:05 PM

at foxwoods some people were caught making 100 dollar chips in their hotel room.foxwoods had to redesign the chips afterwards

*TT* · #3 03-25-2007, 07:08 PM

tell your wife you were right. Take her to visit the GPI website, home of the #1 casino chip manufacturer.

sirpupnyc · #4 03-25-2007, 07:19 PM

Well, RFID chips do exist, but they're not that widely used, are they?

bav · #5 03-25-2007, 07:20 PM

Wynn is the only Vegas casino I know of using RFID chips.

SenecaJim · #6 03-25-2007, 07:27 PM

Good site. Thanks *TT*. Actually I mentioned the UV possibility but I then had to admit I had not seen a UV light being used at the cage. (at my regular casino). Of course, that might not be the system they use.

For curiosity sake alone here, do you know if they can somehow do that from the eye in the sky? And would you happen to know if all casions employ one of the versions mentioned on the website. If the previous poster was correct I'm guessing Foxwoods doesn't if they had to actually change their logo. ?

Anyway, thanks again for the site and for being such a good moderator for all this time. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

lgas · #7 03-25-2007, 07:50 PM

They had RFID chips in the high limit area at the Hard Rock in Vegas last time I played there.

*TT* · #8 03-25-2007, 08:01 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Wynn is the only Vegas casino I know of using RFID chips.

[/ QUOTE ]

at the 100 level i think your correct. But according to past press releases I have read, others are planning a system-wide change over time. The future of RFID includes the ability to determine pot size via computer for something like a pot limit game, and track action for player comps (not as important for poker obviously).

GTL · #9 03-25-2007, 08:04 PM

i am no expert in this area, but don't casinos keep track of how many high denomination chips they have out at any given time? i know at foxwoods if you want to color up to anything bigger than blacks you have to get a supervisor to come over and sign off on it.

StevieG · #10 03-25-2007, 08:33 PM

There are a couple of inherent advantages that chips have over paper currency to deter counterfeiters

1. Physically, it is difficult to make the chips. The equipment is not as simple as paper stock and a laser printer.

2. In order to exchange the chips for something of value, the chips must pass through the hands of expert handlers of the chips, namely casino cage personnel.

In addition, there are security features in use that make it them difficult to make a counterfeit, because the techniques are less widely available to the general public:

3. Printing with special ink visible only under UV light

4. Microprinting

And of course there is the possibility of trying to inventory the chips with

5. Serial numbers (generally done only for very high denomination chips)

6. RFID tags (though as noted, the Wynn may be the only place using these so far)