Chips used by players in poker are tokens representing a predetermined amount of money. These tokens are also frequently called checks. The main difference between tokens and chips is the fact that checks carry a certain value while chips do not. Prior to the manufacturing of modern poker chips, poker players apparently employed small valuable objects, including gold nuggets, coins and small items made of either ivory, bone, or wood.

 

The first poker chips, as we know them today, were manufactured in the 1880's. For more than two centuries, chips have been custom made to avoid cheating maneuvers. Today's gaming venues continue to develop unique blend composition in order to mold their chips and usually keep it a big secret. Chips typically come in all sizes and colors.

 

Poker chip design

 

Most authentic poker room tokens are compression molded clay chips. Today's chips are not made solely of clay, but of a combination of materials more resistant than just clay. The vast majority of modern chips also contain such earthen materials as sand and chalk. The manufacturing process is normally kept a secret, and all we know is that it is very costly and time-consuming. Most people don't know that the chip's edge spots are not painted on it, but actually areas where the clay has been removed out of the chip and replaced with a fresh piece of clay of a different color. It is then put under massive pressure and high temperature.

 

The printed symbols featured on clay chips are referred to as inlays. Inlays are normally made of paper. They are then covered with a thin plastic film which is placed on the chip before compressing it. During the molding process the inlay is affixed to the chip. It is not removable unless you want to damage the chip.

 

U.S. casinos and poker rooms usually use chips that weigh between 8.5 and 10 g. However, there is no official weight set. Chips produced for the home market can sometimes weigh up to, 13.5 g, depending on the manufacturing company and the chip's construction.

 

Poker room chip color

 

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission, an official body that regulates gaming venues, requires casinos to remain consistent when it comes to their gaming equipment. Following CCC's regulations, chips are of standard colors and size in all casinos:

 

Chip Value	Chip Color
$1	White
$2.50	Pink (used in Blackjack)
$5	Red
$10	Blue
$20	Yellow (used in Baccarat & Pai Gow Poker)
$25	Green
$100	Black
$500	Purple
$1,000	Orange
$5,000	Gray
$10,000	Numbered plaque

 

Chip Security issues

 

Each gaming facility (whether a casino or a poker room) has an exclusive set of chips, even if it's is part of a larger gaming corporation. Chips used in such public facilities boast numerous security features, including distinctive color combinations on the chips' edge spots and RFID technology. Such precautions make it very difficult for cheaters to perform any sleazy maneuvers.