Casino Games

Gambling dates back to ancient times, but the casino as we know it originated in Italy. This original casino, called the Casino de Venezia, was established in 1638 and continues to operate today. The word "casino" means a building built specifically for pleasure, usually for playing games of chance. Popular casino games include poker, blackjack, dice games, and slot machines.

In the United States, gambling was illegal and casinos were outlawed in the early 20th century. In 1931, however, gambling was legalized in the state of Nevada, and the first casinos in the United States were established in Las Vegas. Today, the United States is the largest casino market in the world with more than $50 billion in revenue.

Collectors of casino memorabilia acquire chips, cards, coins, keychains, and other souvenirs from casinos, many of which are famous or no longer exist. They are attracted by the designs on the items and the historical significance many of these souvenirs represent. While some rare designs sell for thousands of dollars, most casino souvenirs can be purchased for reasonable prices, often under $20. The Casino Chip and Gaming Tokens Collectors Club holds a convention every year to trade these souvenirs in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Quick Facts

• According to the Guinness Book of World Records, as of May 14, 2009, the largest casino chip collection belonged to Bruce and Sue Wunder. The collection consisted of 449 casino chips and 105 slot tokens from 554 different casinos
• In 2007, a chip from the Desert Inn Casino in Las Vegas sold for $20,000. The Desert Inn Casino closed in 2000
A chip from the Showboat Casino in Las Vegas sold in 2008 on eBay for $29,000. The Showboat Casino was sold in 2000 and renamed Castaways. It closed permanently in 2004