Ask The Slot Expert

Dear John,

What do you think about those $10 commemerative tokens? I currently have 40-50, some from anniversaries and special events. Will their value increase? They also seem harder to find, casinos have been taking the machines out.

Thank you,
Linda

Dear Linda:

I have quite a large collection of the tokens, too.

A market for the tokens hasn't developed like the one for chips, I think, because the tokens are readily available. The chips increase in value because the casinos only order a few hundred or a few thousand of them and when they're gone, they're gone.

I suggested to a few slot managers that they change the token design every year. After all, once you have the token, you won't play the token machine again. If there were a new design every year, regulars would play to get this year's token.

I expect the value of the tokens to rise when a casino changes their tokens, removes the machines, or closes its doors. In short, the value should rise as soon as you can't get the tokens anymore. Since your collection includes a number of special event tokens, your collection should have increased in value. You can check the Chequers web site, the Gambler's General Store, and the various auction web sites to get a value for your collection.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos!
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@home.com.

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