While chips are basically the only betting unit used in most casinos, there is another form of "coin" that is making its way into use in Las Vegas. The token, an almost-dollar-sized coin that is not quite the same weight of an Eisenhower silver dollar has now found its way into widespread use in Las Vegas casino. Originally approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission in 1965 as legal substitutes for the no-longer manufactured silver dollars, tokens never found widespread acceptance in most casinos.
The Eisenhower silver dollar was being minted as a replacement for the old dollars of solid silver. There was no need to make tokens. The "slot machine casinos" (small storefront casinos that have no live games, only slot machines) set aside a small number of their slot machines for use with tokens, and then proceeded to give the tokens away, free, to their customers. These players had only to walk in through the front door and they were given a limited amount of tokens to use on special machines. Some of these casinos even arranged with airline charter companies to give away tokens and game books along with the plane tickets when the customer booked his original trip, back in his hometown. What better way to get people into your establishment than to let them play for free!
Of course these special machines rarely paid back any money, but the customer didn't care!
Casino Money
When the Susan B. Anthony dollars came onto the scene in the late 1970s there was a perplexed reaction from gambling casino managers in Las Vegas. How would they handle the new size coin? Should they convert all of their dollar machines to accommodate the new coins? Would the new coin find acceptance by the public? Would people carry the newer, smaller coin? Would the women's movement in the United States force the Use of the new coin? Would the new coin find its way onto Blackjack and Craps tables?
Casino Tokens
To solve these problems in a very rapid manner, casinos elected to use the "1965 law" that permitted the use of tokens. Many quickly manufactured tokens for use in their own online casino. Every time an Eisenhower or Susan B. Anthony dollar came up to a change booth it was to be replaced with a token. These tokens would be good in dollar slots, on Blackjack tables, Crap tables, and anywhere else in the casino! According to the markings on the face of the token” One dollar gaming token-Acceptable only at Casino,
Las Vegas, Nevada" and on the reverse side "One dollar gaming token for use by player only"-the coin is good only inside the particular sydney online casino that issued it. If tested in a court of law, I am sure that this edict would prevail. In actual use, however, any token issued in Las Vegas can be carried to any other casino within the Las Vegas area and will probably be accepted. The tokens have even been used to pay cab fares, for drinks, and most often as tips for every working person from doorman to bellhop, to cocktail waitress to bathroom attendant. Therefore, by state legislation and exceptionally widespread use, tokens have become legal tender in Las Vegas.
