How Often Are Casino Chips Cleaned?

While watching the WSOP I noticed how clean the chips are, which got me wondering do the casinos clean their table-game chips?

[Editor's Note: This answer is written by Andrew Uyal, a shift boss at the Cromwell, a former blackjack pro, and author of our upcoming book Blackjack Insiders. He's also a contributor to our new book, Vegas Golden Knights -- How a First-Year Expansion Team Healed Las Vegas and Shocked the Hockey World.]

I think this is a great question, as it’s something that isn’t discussed enough.

The answer is, no, not really. Gross, huh?

I won’t speak for all casinos, but I’ve yet to observe a protocol or regular process for cleaning chips. Of course, if a situation calls for it — like if a drink is spilled on them, or blood somehow gets on them, or someone throws up on them — they’ll get cleaned.

You might have noticed when you visit newer casinos, their chips are slicker and more slippery than, say, a decades-old joint in downtown Las Vegas. That’s because older chips accumulate what I’ve affectionately dubbed “hand goo.” That’s right, those little dark smudges on the chips are the residue from years of sweaty oily hands.

When I used to play, I sometimes scraped it off on the cup holders and ended up with a collection of hand goo in front of me. More than a few pit bosses seemed to take serious note of how nasty it actually was. I like to think I inspired new cleaning procedures, although that’s unlikely.

I’ve heard stories that some casinos routinely clean their chips, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or even semi-annually. However, I’ve worked at a number of casinos and played in countless more, and I’ve yet to see anything of the sort.

The WSOP chips are a different animal. I assume that's because the tournament is televised and has a huge following. Whatever the reason, the WSOP chips are kept pristine. They may even have new ones every year. In either case, they’re much better cared for than the ones used by hundreds of people every day.

Moral of the story? Wash your hands!

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Comments

Bob Orme Aug-06-2018

Cleaning chips

There have been machines made to clean casino chips, and I think a few casinos used them for a short time. Many current and past casino chips have inlays that can be damaged by liquids, including water. The WSOP chips are new every year. That is a security measure to prevent players from using previous year's chips for buy-ins, or putting/sneaking previous year's chips into play during the tournaments.

Deke Castleman Aug-06-2018

This in from Pat via email

Good QOD concerning how and if casinos chips are cleaned. 
 
I have heard/read that the  2 dirties things in a casino are the chips and the rug that you stand on.  I often wonder if customers and or employees get sick from handling the chips.

I know once my feet were hurting and I slipped my loafers off and security told me and I quote “ put your shoes on the carpets are fifthly.”  YUK.

black jack Aug-06-2018

El Cortez

Back in the day the green chips at ElCo were actually a nasty brown from all the smoke residue and "hand goo" built up on them. Thank goodness I was only a red-chipper back then...

Kevin Rough Aug-06-2018

Borgata has to clean theirs

Borgata, in Atlantic City, has to clean their chips.  The casino is now celebrating its 15th birthday and I have never seen a dirty chip there.  I was at the new Hard Rock casino in Atlantic City last week and already the chips there are dirtier than any chip I've ever seen at Borgata.

VegasVic Aug-06-2018

Getting Sick...

You won't get sick if you don't touch your mouth/nose and you wash your hands after you play.  Or bring wipes.  Slot/video poker machines are just as dirty as chips.  Between the chips, the smoke, the hygiene "issues" of many casino patrons, the lack of sunlight, it's not a place I would work personally.

Roy Furukawa Aug-06-2018

Not for weak stomachs

My observation at strip casinos over the years has been that many of the young guys clubbing do NOT wash their hands after going to the restroom. Now you know how lucky those young ladies are at the clubs and it comes to the chips afterwards.

Aug-06-2018

It's not just the chips

The currency and coins you handle, the chairs you sit in, drink holders, the cards, the dice...everything has been touched repeatedly by humans, and if that was two hours ago or less, all that bacteria is still alive.
With the pigarette smoke, the stale air, people sneezing, coughing, farting, and belching, and the lack of sanitation, a casino is one of the unhealthiest environments there is.

Dave in Seattle. Aug-06-2018

Sick... IN 'Vegas.

About 1/2 of the trips involve catching a cold,or worse. Everything that you touch may have active viruses alive. Between the airline seat pockets and the dirty casino environment. You can be infected.
Some casinos still have the hand wipes for free at the cage. Please use them.
Just wash your hands at least 4 times a day.
After a 2 hour session of whatever,washing your FACE is very refreshing.
Casinos are a public place as is the air ports.
I remember when there were coin-in slots and my hands got BLACK from the filth. I have become more "germophobic",lately.
Thanks for the post!

Andrew Karnes Aug-06-2018

Chip Crud

When I worked the crap table i used to get in teouble for scraping the crud off the chips. I would NEVER touch my face while i was on thw game unless it was with a tissue. When i wenr on break I would scrub my hands like a surgeon brfore I got something to eat or drink ( I even washed my hands BEFORE I went to the bathroom too). We had some NASTY NASTY players at our boat.

Rick Sanchez Aug-13-2018

Good for you

Why bother cleaning them? Getting some of that bacteria in your system is probably good for your immune system. Why do you think we are getting super bugs now? over sterilization along with over use of antibiotics.
Just wash up after you play and don't rub anywhere around your face.

Question of the Day - 06 August 2018

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