Spinettis Home Gaming Supplies, Las Vegas

What to buy here: Collectible “Golden Nugget” Casino Chip and Dice, Custom Poker Chips.

Las Vegas was established in 1905 and until construction on Hoover Dam began in 1931 the town survived on illegal backroom gambling and prostitution. The new dam guaranteed more than 22,000 men and their families would move to the area, but the federal government refused to use Las Vegas as the hub. In response, the Nevada legislature legalized gambling on the local level knowing full well the workers would pour into Las Vegas on payday. Had the government used Las Vegas as the center of its operation, Las Vegas’ growth might have taken a different direction. As it happened, it opened the doors to a gaming industry that has grown beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

Although downtown Las Vegas set the stage for gaming in 1932, the Las Vegas Strip didn’t get started until 1945 with the El Rancho Vegas and Bugsy Siegel’s Flamingo. The Golden Nugget Casino opened a year later in what’s now known as Glitter Gulch. Because casino chips were worthless outside the casino, they were always cashed in, but some found their way out of town and now have collectible value. This Golden Nugget chip is from the 1960’s and is a classic example of a vintage chip and has the trademark GN sign of the 40’s and 50’s. This chip in mint condition sells for $60. These modern day dice sell for $1 - $5.

For the poker aficionado, chips are made in 3 different materials. The finest chips are made of clay and usually have a cloth inlay in the center. You can easily identify these chips in casinos as the chips that show edge wear. Plastic chips are the cheapest, they are very lightweight, and usually have a gold or silver hot-stamp design in the center. And of course there are the epoxy blend chips that have a photo or graphic design printed on each side.

When it comes to home poker, the sky’s the limit. You can buy an inexpensive set of 300 chips for as little as $20 or upgrade to a set of clay chips with custom inlay, personalized carrying case and playing cards for as little as $300. You can or course spend more on chips with fancy inlays, personalized playing cards, an exotic wood carrying case, and even your own custom designed 9-man poker table, but most players are happy with a 500 chip set with box and cards for $99.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10:30-5:30pm