I noticed that several people (in Guma's post) had questions about collecting commemorative chips so I figured I'd try to give some helpful hints. As you can see this is my collection of WSOP commemorative chips. I blocked out the 3 newest chips so if you'd like to see what they look like you can check out Guma's post.
WSOPcommemoratives-CT.JPG
The first thing I do is check out the state of Nevada's approved chip report about once a month. Since the gaming commision has to approve a chip before it is released most of the chips appear on these reports before it is released. Here is the link:
http://gaming.nv.gov/chip_token_rpt.htm
By knowing that a particular chip has potentially been released it also allows me to either search for it on ebay or contact a new chip release service and see what they want for it.
I live in Las Vegas so if I know a new chip is coming and I really want to add it to my collection I'll call the casino and ask the main cage if it is available. If you call during a slow time of the day the people in the cage are usually pretty helpful. If I decide to go into a casino and buy a commemorative chip you can normally find it at the main cage. Other than your own time (& some gasoline) this is the most cost effective way to aquire. One time I had a relative travelling in Reno and I had them pick up the chips I wanted. If it is a popular chip (like the WSOP ones) I'll normally pick up a couple of extras to sell since that helps cover the cost of going down to the casino. And, if they don't sell you can always return them for full face value.
One time I contacted a chip dealer in Lake Tahoe because I knew (by using the methods above) that a new chip had been released. Even though he had just been in the casino the day before he didn't realize that this chip had been released. So, he sold the chip to me for face plus shipping as a thank you for giving him a heads up.
If if I don't want to spend the time and gas to go to a casino I'll usually use a new chip release. There are several chip dealers who make a living out of providing newly released casino chips to their customers. Even though I live in Vegas I'll go this route about 75% of the time. I've found that normally it is less money than buying the chips on ebay and saves me the time of having to go to the casino. For example I paid $27 to get the 3 newest RIO WSOP chips shipped to me. And, I paid $6.50 for the recent Ballys/Paris WSOP chip. I prefer to use CC>CC club members when purchasing a newly released chip since they're held to the club's standards and so far I haven't had any surprises. Normally, these guys are also very picky about grading chips so if they say the chip is slightly used or uncirculated you should get a chip that is in that condition. I've used new release services that provide chips from Vegas, Reno, Tahoe and Atlantic City. Also, if you happen to have a chip that they're looking for you can sometimes negotiate a trade. Now, all you're out is shipping.
Sometimes before using a new chip release service I'll search ebay. I'll try to see if anyone is giving great deals via a "buy it now" auction. However, as everyone realizes it is best to double check what the shipping charge is before making the purchase. If a chip is being released in a city where I don't know of any chip dealers (ie: Kansas City) then I usually have no choice but to buy it off ebay.
I've noticed if a chip is being produced in limited amounts (ie: only 500, etc. produced) it is usually best to buy it right after it has been released. If it is being mass produced (like the $1 Harvey's WSOP) I'll normally wait until the excitement dies down and get it for a little over face value. Sometimes the people who are working the main cage can supply you with this helpful piece of information.
Hopefully, you've found the above helpful. If you have any additional questions let me know. I don't offer a new chip release service so I can't help you out with that. I also have very few extras at the moment so unlikely I can help you out if you're searching for a chip from my scan. Maybe GamingOre or Ross can give some additional hints since both are very knowlegable about chips.
