According to Max Rubin, author of Comp City, hiding chips is a good way to trick bosses into believing that you're a loser. If you're on a winning streak and the chips pile up in front of you, the bosses can readily see how much you've won -- and your comps could suffer as a result. On the other hand, he says, it's bad to get caught hiding chips, which "puts bosses' suspicions on red alert." Max suggests practicing moves, such as the palm, the sloppy pile, and the purse load, to snake chips off the game without attracting unwanted attention.
He also talks about what to do if you get caught: "The worst thing you can do is make a boss think you're up to no good. If you suspect a boss is wondering who's hiding chips -- if you detect a boss giving you the evil eye or if she asks loudly, 'What happened to all the greens [$25 chips]?' -- come clean quickly and innocently. Start pulling them out of your pocket and show her where the chips are. Have an excuse ready for hoarding them. Lines such as, 'This is how I keep track of what I'm winning (or losing)' are heard every day. The boss might think you're goofy or a pain in the butt, but she won't think you're doing anything out of the ordinary."
Of course, Max's mind is nothing if not devious. Everywhere he looks in the casino, he sees a scheme. And his advice is aimed at comp wizards who are trying to trick the casino into believing that they're betting and losing more than they actually are. The fact is, there's nothing inherently wrong with pocketing chips. They're yours, whether you won them or bought them or someone gave them to you. You're free to do anything you want with them. Put them down your pants if you like. Just be aware that a boss might think your behavior is suspicious if you do.
