For many, casinos are more than just places to gamble—they are symbols of luxury, history, and entertainment. Over the years, countless unique and valuable items have emerged from casinos, making them highly sought-after by collectors. From vintage poker chips and defunct casino tokens to rare playing cards and neon signs, these relics offer a glimpse into the golden age of gambling.
What Is Casiniana?
Casino collecting, also known as casiniana collecting, appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts, from history buffs to memorabilia lovers and even former players who want to own a piece of their favorite gambling spots. Whether it’s a rare chip from a long-closed Las Vegas casino or an old slot machine that once dispensed real coins, each item tells a tale from gambling history.
In this article from Casinoz, we’ll explore the most popular casino collectibles, their historical significance, and why they continue to fascinate collectors worldwide.
Collecting Casino Chips
Of course, most people collect chips. Sometimes, such a craze begins with an occasional visit to casinos during the holidays abroad and gradually develops into a hobby associated with significant financial costs and time.
Some chips used in casinos for over a hundred years are of particular value and are the owners' pride. Usually, they are chips of the first U.S. gambling clubs or limited edition chips that are not currently in use.
The popularity of collecting chips became apparent in the 1980s when several American magazines started selling old casino chips. Later, the Casino Chips and Gaming Tokes Club was founded. Its members could purchase chips, exchange them with each other, participate in various activities, and so on. This organization works with the American Association of Numismatists.
The price of rare chips can reach several tens of thousands of dollars.
For example, in 2008, on eBay, a one-dollar chip from Showboat Vegas Casino that was used in the sixties was sold for almost twenty-nine thousand dollars (and this is not the limit).
In the U.S., two catalogs give a rough estimate of chips:
- "The Official US Casino Chip Price Guide,"
- "The Chip Rack."
Collecting poker chips can be considered a form of collecting casino chips, though many enthusiasts specialize in this field. The value of such chips varies widely, from a couple of dollars to tens of thousands. It depends on the materials the chip is manufactured of, its age and its historical significance.
One of the most impressive collections of chips is a selection of Harvey Levin from Fort Lee, New Jersey. He began to collect the chips almost forty years ago when his wife and children went on a trip to Las Vegas. He has over seven hundred valuable chips from the casinos that operate or are still in different countries. Levin takes on chips directly from casinos and buys them from collectors on eBay. Although he does not have costly items, the total value of his chips is tens of thousands of dollars.
Collecting Casino Playing Cards
Playing cards are among the most accessible and fascinating casino collectibles. Whether used at blackjack, poker, or baccarat tables, these decks hold a piece of gambling history and often feature unique designs, security markings, and branding from famous casinos.
- Used Casino Decks
These are authentic playing cards that have been used at casino tables. Casinos retire decks frequently to prevent card marking and cheating. To ensure they aren’t reused for play, they are often:
- Clipped – A corner is cut off. Drilled – A small hole is punched through the deck.
- Stamped – Marked with "CANCELLED" or a similar label.
Despite these modifications, they remain valuable to collectors, especially if they come from famous or now-defunct casinos.
- Branded Casino Decks
These are custom decks printed with the casino’s name, logo, or artwork. They are often sold as souvenirs in casino gift shops or given away as promotional items.
Limited-edition decks, especially those celebrating anniversaries or major events, can become highly collectible.
- Commemorative & Limited-Edition Decks
Released for special occasions, these decks often feature unique designs, gold or silver foil accents, and custom artwork. Some casinos collaborate with well-known playing card manufacturers like Bicycle, Bee, or Copag to produce premium decks.
- Vintage & Defunct Casino Decks
Cards from old casinos that have closed down are particularly sought after. Examples include decks from classic Las Vegas establishments like the Dunes, Stardust, and Riviera—casinos that no longer exist but left behind valuable memorabilia.
Where to Find Casino Playing Cards?
- Casino Gift Shops – Many casinos sell branded decks as souvenirs.
- Online Auctions & Marketplaces – Websites like eBay, Etsy, and dedicated casino memorabilia forums often have rare finds.
- Estate Sales & Flea Markets – Sometimes, collectors stumble upon vintage decks in unexpected places.
- Casino Memorabilia Conventions – Events like the Casino Collectibles Association Show in Las Vegas bring together dealers and collectors from around the world.
Casino playing cards offer an exciting and affordable way to own a piece of gambling history.
Collecting Dice
Collecting craps dice is more complicated than chips because you can not just take them out of the casino. Nevertheless, they can be found online, in collectors clubs, and even in casinos. As usual, the rarer the dice, the more expensive they are.
One of the most valuable dice is from the Flamingo Casino, which has a logo depicting a flamingo made in the late forties. However, the cost of each chip is determined directly during the transaction. Five hundred dollars for a pair of dice is not the highest price.
Collecting Ashtrays from Casinos
Many casinos produce their own branded ashtrays or even decorate standard ones with their logos. Sometimes, these products can be sold in souvenir shops at large casinos, but players usually take them along when leaving a casino.
If you think that nobody collects casino ashtrays, you are mistaken. A few large websites are devoted to this hobby, and enthusiast Art Anderson even wrote a book, "Casinos and Their Ashtrays." It is illustrated with photographs from Paul Gregory's collection. Some items cost several hundred dollars.
Collecting Slot Machine Memorabilia
Slot machine memorabilia is a fascinating niche for collectors, offering items that capture the evolution of gambling technology and design. Popular collectibles include:
- Old Slot Machines – Vintage mechanical and electromechanical slots, especially from classic casinos, are highly prized.
- Reel Strips – The physical spinning reels from older machines featuring classic symbols like cherries, bars, and sevens.
- Slot Tokens & Coins – Before the switch to digital payouts, casinos used metal tokens, some with unique designs.
- Slot Machine Glass & Panels – The decorative glass fronts from old machines, often featuring vibrant artwork and branding.
- Tickets & Vouchers – Early paper payout slips and modern TITO (Ticket In, Ticket Out) vouchers add to a collection’s historical depth.
Collectors seek these items for their nostalgia, rarity, and aesthetic appeal, with vintage machines and casino-branded tokens being particularly valuable
Collecting Casino Matchbooks & Lighters
Casino-branded matchbooks and lighters were once common promotional items, making them nostalgic collectibles today. Popular among both casino and tobacco memorabilia collectors, these items often feature:
- Unique Logos & Designs – Matchbooks from legendary casinos like the Stardust, Dunes, and Sands showcase vintage branding.
- Limited-Edition & Commemorative Sets – Some casinos released special designs for anniversaries or grand openings.
- Lighters from High-End Casinos – Luxury establishments sometimes offered engraved metal lighters as VIP gifts.
While matchbooks are inexpensive and easy to find, rare or vintage ones from closed casinos can be highly valuable.
Collecting Casino Room Keys & Keychains
Casino room keys and keychains are unique collectibles that capture the charm of famous gambling destinations. Collectors seek:
- Vintage Metal Keys – Older casinos used custom-engraved brass or steel keys with branded keychains.
- Magnetic & RFID Key Cards – Modern plastic key cards feature casino logos, special event designs, or high-roller exclusives.
- Commemorative & Limited-Edition Keychains – Some casinos issued special keychains for VIP guests or promotions.
Keys from defunct casinos or legendary hotels, like the Sands or Riviera, are especially desirable for their historical value.
Collecting Dealer Buttons & Markers
Dealer buttons and markers are essential casino items that have become sought-after collectibles. Popular types include:
- Poker Dealer Buttons – Used to indicate the dealer position in poker games, often branded with casino logos.
- Reserved Table Markers – Plaques used to hold tables for VIP players, sometimes featuring elegant designs.
- High-Denomination Chips & Plaques – Special markers used in high-stakes games, often rectangular and unique to specific casinos.
Collectors value these items for their connection to casino gaming history, especially those from famous or defunct gambling establishments.
Collecting Casino Menus & Drink Tokens
Casino menus and drink tokens offer a glimpse into the luxury and hospitality of famous gambling venues. Collectors desire:
- Vintage Restaurant & Bar Menus – Featuring elegant designs, classic dishes, and historical pricing from iconic casinos.
- Drink Tokens & Free Play Coupons – Given to players as complimentary rewards, often branded with casino logos.
- High-Roller & VIP Menus – Exclusive menus from premium lounges and high-stakes areas.
Rare menus from defunct casinos or limited-edition drink tokens can be valuable memorabilia for collectors.
Collecting Casino Promotional Items & Merchandise
Casino promotional items and merchandise are fun and diverse collectibles, often featuring unique branding. Popular items include:
- Branded Clothing – T-shirts, hats, and jackets from famous casinos.
- Souvenirs – Mugs, keychains, pins, posters, and postcards featuring casino logos or landmarks.
- Limited-Edition Giveaways – Special items for grand openings, anniversaries, or VIP guests.
These collectibles offer nostalgia and historical value, especially when tied to defunct or legendary casinos.
Collecting Casino Signage & Neon Signs
Casino signs, especially neon ones, are highly collectible due to their bold designs and historical value. Items include:
- Vintage Neon Signs – Iconic casino signs that once lit up Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
- Table Game Signs – Small signs used to label blackjack, roulette, or poker tables.
- Directional & Promotional Signs – Advertising special events, high-roller lounges, or famous casino attractions.
Large neon signs from defunct casinos are especially valuable and often become centerpiece collectibles.
Collecting Gambling Magazines & Books
Gambling-related publications capture the history and strategies of casino gaming. Collectors aspire:
- Vintage Casino Magazines – Old issues of Las Vegas Life, Casino Player, and similar publications.
- Strategy & Guidebooks – Early books on card counting, poker strategy, and gambling techniques.
- Casino History Books – Documenting famous casinos, gambling legends, and industry evolution.
Rare first editions or signed copies by well-known gamblers add significant value.
Collecting Vintage Casino Photos & Postcards
Old casino photos and postcards offer a nostalgic look at gambling history. Popular collectibles include:
- Historic Casino Postcards – Featuring classic venues like the Sands, Dunes, and Stardust.
- Black-and-White Photographs – Capturing iconic casino moments, celebrity visits, and legendary gamblers.
- Aerial & Interior Shots – Showcasing the evolution of famous casino resorts.
Items from closed or demolished casinos hold particular appeal for collectors.
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Conclusion
Collecting casino memorabilia is a rewarding hobby that allows enthusiasts to preserve and celebrate the rich history of gambling culture. Each collectible, from vintage chips and playing cards to rare slot machine items and neon signs, tells a unique story of the casino world’s past.
Whether you're drawn to the nostalgia of a defunct casino or the artistry of a branded souvenir, these items offer more than just a glimpse into gaming history—they connect collectors to the glamour, excitement, and evolution of the casino industry.
Do you collect any casino items? Tell about them to other Casinoz readers.
