Since 16 July 2025, a change has been taking place in the way poker chips are handled in Las Vegas. Several of the Strip’s giants have put an end to the long-standing practice of accepting chips from other establishments and cashing them in at their own casinos. From now on, chips are only valid where they were earned.
Why this change?
The main reason for this decision is to step up the fight against money laundering. Until now, poker chips could be cashed in at different establishments, making transactions more opaque and difficult to trace.
The request comes directly from the operators themselves, and not from an obligation imposed by the regulator. This new standard could pave the way for similar policies in other off-strip casinos, or even inspire revisions to the classic table game chips.
Although the initiative came from the operators, the Nevada Gaming Control Board is supporting the move and helping to legitimise its intentions.
‘We believe this change was a good idea and a great example of our industry actively addressing [anti-money laundering] concerns,’ said Mike Dreitzer, Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
A way of combating money laundering… but what is its impact?
Historically, poker chips circulated from one casino to another, making it difficult to track the flow of money. The authorities believe that this measure restricts the channels for fraud by limiting traceability. All cash-ins are made “at home”.
To accompany the change, the establishments have :
- Put up visible displays near the tills.
- Informed their teams to ensure smooth communication with players.
- Maintained the possibility of exchanging tokens within the same group, sometimes integrated into the system of shared counters (notably at MGM).
What’s still possible… or not
Chips can still be cashed in within the same operator. For example, a token earned at the MGM Grand can be withdrawn at the Mandalay Bay, but not at an establishment such as Caesars Palace or The Venetian. This strict measure applies only to poker chips; chips from other games (blackjack, roulette, etc.) are not affected.
In practice: tips for poker lovers in Vegas
- Collect your winnings before changing casinos: Once you’ve accumulated chips, redeem them immediately if you plan to change casinos.
- Check the rules of each operator: Before putting chips on the table, find out about the cash-out policy.
- Give preference to affiliated chains: If you want to play one game after another without interruption, stay with the same group (e.g. MGM) or accept that certain chips cannot be cashed in elsewhere.