As a first-time collector, starting a chip collection can feel daunting and confusing. But once you've nailed the basics, it can be an entertaining and informative hobby.

Here are a few tips and tricks for collecting casino chips.

Display Them With Pride

Many collectors display their chips in display cases. Display cases are available for purchase from any number of outlets or, if you're extra crafty, you can make one yourself. These cases help prevent your chips from getting damaged and dirty. In order to preserve them well, the area in which they're displayed should be dry and away from direct sunlight as well as harsh lighting. Nowadays one can also find special plastic-sleeve folders to keep chips in. These come in particularly handy when you're traveling to collector's events and gatherings. 

Keep Them Clean

As a new collector, one important thing to remember is to keep the collection in good condition. In addition to displaying them correctly, it's necessary to keep them clean. Remember to disinfect any new chips obtained from a casino since they may be dirty and full of germs. Ceramic chips can be cleaned with a simple solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Wiping them with alcohol will also make sure they are free of germs. It's best not to collect chips that have stickers on them as these can come off during the cleaning process. 

Join a Club

Thanks to the rise of the internet and social media, joining a collectors club or community is now easier than ever before. Joining a chip collectors club has many benefits. One of them is that they help grade the quality of their members' chips. Clubs also have regular events and gatherings, making it the perfect opportunity to trade and show off the collection to others. These clubs are a great source for learning more about the history of chips and other interesting facts. Members also share various tips and tricks, which can be very helpful for new collectors. Clubs are also a great place to hear about upcoming auctions or sales involving rare chips.

Start Small

When starting as a collector, it's necessary to start small and let the collection gradually evolve. Chips come in different colors and molds, depending on the casino they came from. As a first-time collector you should also consider establishing a niche for yourself — for example, poker players often prefer to collect chips for their poker chip collection after games and tournaments they participated in. It's best to start by collecting chips valued at one dollar and from there to proceed with collecting higher valued ones. One-dollar chips are also easier to obtain from casinos since many of them have quite strict rules governing the use of their higher-valued chips.

Register with BetMGM now to explore many games and services, including online slots, poker tournaments and sports betting.