January Update

Added five new chips to the collection via the internet and the trading of a couple of doubles.

1.  Paris - Las Vegas.  New house chip for Paris.  Not much different than the old one.  The phrase "Las Vegas, NV" was moved from under the $5 to the top of the inlay.  The "$5" was made smaller and moved to the left of the Eifel Tower.  The "Paris" was moved more to the center.  If you are only going to make minor changes like this, I'm not sure what the point is.  It bothers me less now, but 10 years ago Paris used to have predominantly $15 blackjack tables while everyone else had $5, $10 or $25.  Why did it bother me?  Because if I was going to play $15 a hand, I would need a pretty big stack of $5 chips, which was always rather awkward and cumbersome.  But I've always like the casino nonetheless.

2.  Aliante - N. Las Vegas.  No longer affiliated with the Stations brand after bankruptcy, it is now just called Aliante Casino and Hotel.  I've never been there, in fact I don't think I've ever even driven past it.

3.  The Quad - Las Vegas.  The Quad (awful name) replaces the old Imperial Palace.  While the IP lacked in decor and cleanliness, it certainly cornered the market on low room rates, Nazi paraphernalia, and the ability to do whatever you wanted at a table without being asked to leave.  I'll be interested to check out what the casino looks like now that Caesars has remodeled everything.  Burning the IP down would have been an improvement, so any money sunk into it certainly has to help.

4.  Tropicana - Las Vegas.  4th Issue.  You know the drill, Tropicana.  Smell.  Old People.

5.  CBS Sports World Casino - Las Vegas.  Limited Edition.  This is one of three (I believe) the Sports World Casino put out in the short time it was open.  The first just said "CBS Sports World" on it.  When the TV network CBS objected to the use of "CBS" they changed to one that just said "Sports World Casino" on it.  At some point, they also released this one which is just like the original CBS chip - except it has "Limited Edition" and "Established Aug. 29, 1997" on the inlay.  So I think I can shut the book on Sports World chips.  Unless the network relents and the casino re-opens in the future.

December Update

Five new chips found their way to my collection via @julieanne19.  Don't follow for her updates, follow for her profile picture.  On to the Christmas chips:

1.  Foxwoods Casino - Mashantucket, CT.  Been near here many times for work, but never was able to convince Tom to make the 45 minute trip to nation's largest casino - according to a 2005 report on square footage devoted to gambling.  I believe this is one of their earlier chips, but I can't find much on it online.  Hopefully I'll be able to get some more details on this one soon.

2.  The D - Downtown Las Vegas.  Used to be Fitzgerald's.  Haven't been since the name change, but they are apparently swapping out the "Luck of the Irish" them Fitzgerald's used to boost for a more modern feel.  I kind of was hoping they'd make The D like Detroit.  But then I couldn't figure out a good way for that to happen and still be able to lure customers to the casino.

3.  Tropicana - Las Vegas.  This is the 3rd issue House Chip.  Not sure exactly when it came out, but it's one of their early chips.  My thoughts on the Trop are well known.  It smells like old people.

4.  Savannah Lady - Savannah, GA.  This was a riverboat that started in 1993 and lasted about a year before sailing off to Ft. Lauderdale.  Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of casino river boats in Savannah can be found here.

5.  O'Sheas 23 Years - Las Vegas.  O'Sheas is closed.  1989-2012.  In it's place will be something called the Linq.  Gone are the days of beer pong in the back and really cheap blackjack in the front, almost on the street.  One bachelor party, we painstakingly took two pitchers and 22 cups with us so we could use them at tailgate, only to have them break on the flight home.  So long O'Shea's.  Sadly, Bill's is right behind you.