Casino chips—also known as poker chips, gaming tokens, or casino tokens—are the official currency used in most land-based casinos. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned gambler, understanding where and how to get casino chips is essential before hitting the tables.
Table of Contents
This quick guide will walk you through where to get casino chips, how they’re used, and what you should know to navigate the casino floor like a pro.
What Are Casino Chips?
Casino chips are disc-shaped tokens used instead of cash for placing bets on casino games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. They come in various denominations, colors, and materials (mostly clay or composite), and each casino often has custom-branded chips.
| Chip Color | Common Denomination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White | $1 | Standard low-value chip |
| Red | $5 | Common for table minimums |
| Green | $25 | Mid-tier betting |
| Black | $100 | High rollers often use this |
| Purple | $500 | High-limit rooms |
| Orange | $1,000 | VIP tables and tournaments |
Note: Chip colors and values can vary slightly between casinos.
Where to Get Casino Chips
There are several ways to get your hands on casino chips. Let’s explore the most common methods:
1. At the Casino Cashier (Cage)
The most direct way to get chips is by going to the casino cage, the cashier’s window where transactions are handled.
Steps:
- Walk up to the cage and present your cash, traveler’s checks, or casino marker.
- Request chips in any denomination you want.
- The cashier will provide the chips, often in stacks of 20 for smaller denominations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure and straightforward | Lines may be long |
| Can choose exact denominations | No table interaction |
2. At the Gaming Table
Most players get chips directly at the table where they intend to play.
Steps:
- Choose a table game (e.g., blackjack).
- Sit down and place your cash on the table (never hand it to the dealer).
- The dealer will exchange it for chips after verifying the amount.
- You start playing immediately with those chips.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and convenient | May not get your preferred chip mix |
| Great for spontaneous play | Cash must be visible on the table |
3. Casino ATMs and Kiosks (with Chip Dispensing)
Some modern casinos have self-service kiosks or ATMs that dispense chips directly, usually in standard denominations.
Steps:
- Insert your card or cash.
- Select chip amounts.
- Receive chips through the kiosk or a printed voucher redeemable at a specific booth.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 availability | May have higher fees or limits |
| Avoids table or cage lines | Not available in all casinos |
4. Casino Credit or Markers
High-limit players often use casino credit (called “markers”) to get chips without upfront cash.
Steps:
- Apply for credit at the casino in advance.
- Once approved, visit the table or cage and request a marker.
- Sign the marker and receive chips.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need to carry cash | Requires application/approval |
| Useful for high-stakes play | Must repay within set terms |
Payment Methods for Getting Chips
| Payment Method | Available at Table | Available at Cage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | ✅ | ✅ | Most common and accepted form |
| Debit/Credit Cards | ❌ (indirectly) | ✅ (may buy voucher) | Fees and cash advance rules apply |
| Traveler’s Checks | ❌ | ✅ | Accepted in many larger casinos |
| Casino Credit (Markers) | ✅ | ✅ | Requires prior setup |
Tips When Getting Casino Chips
- Know the minimum bet before exchanging for chips. Some tables start at $5, others at $100 or more.
- Use smaller denominations when learning a new game.
- Watch your stack—don’t leave chips unattended on the table.
- Color up at the end: exchange small-value chips for larger ones to make cashing out easier.
How to Cash Out Casino Chips
When you’re done playing, you’ll want to convert your chips back into cash.
Where to cash out:
- Casino cage: The most reliable and official place.
- Table “color-up”: Dealers may exchange small chips for larger ones but won’t give cash.
- Casino kiosks (if available): Some allow cash-outs or vouchers.
Note: Some chips are non-transferable between casinos. Always cash out at the same casino where you got the chips.
Getting casino chips is a simple but crucial part of enjoying your time at a casino. Whether you’re stepping up to the blackjack table or buying in at the poker room, understanding where to get chips, how to use them, and how to cash them out will save you time and confusion.
Use this guide to walk confidently onto the casino floor—and remember: play responsibly, and know when to cash out.
