In November 2007 a TV Station in Arizona (Channel 15 ABC Phoenix) aired an expose on the casino industry in relation to the lead content in gaming chips. The expose stated that the Paulson Gaming Supply Company, now know as the Gaming Partners International (GPI) produced the bulk of gaming chips for the industry in the United States. Furthermore, these chips contained an abnormally high lead content, particularly in the inner ingot thus giving a chip its familiar weight and sound. The main focus of the expose was stating that just from exposure to the chips (handling ect.) you could be exposed to toxic levels of lead.
Following the airing of this expose the State Arizona immediately issued a Public Health Alert, however following investigation by the State of Arizona it was rescinded after their investigation failed to produce the same results as the expose. This was furthered backed by a story in the Las Vegas Sun which claimed it was physically impossible for either gaming staff or patrons to receive a harmful dose of lead by simply handling or using the chips. Following this story Channel 15 Phoenix pulled its original expose.
Fast forward to now and following an outcry from a citizens group in the State of California. An investigation was launched leading to the discovery that GPI chips where made in Mexico and actually contained lead in the ingot, as well as the dye to color the chips contained lead. In addition, it was noted that of the 30 largest casino’s in the USA 28 of them used the chips manufactured and distributed by GPI. After negotiations between Center for Environmental Health (CEHCA) a non-profit group that monitors lead content in all products, Gaming Partners International and 21 Casino’s in the State of California, it has been arranged no later the November 1st 2008 all 21 Casino’s will use chips with a lead content no greater than 0.005. Each casino will post a health warning in the meantime in their facilities.
The 21 Casinos are as follows California Commerce Club, Inc., Cameo Club, Capitol Casino, Casino Poker Club, Casino Real, Club One Casino, Inc., The 500 Club, Golden West Casino, Hustler Casino, Kelly’s, Lake Bowl Cardroom, Limelight Card Rooms, Lucky Derby Casino, The Nineteenth Hole General Partnership, Ocean View Card Room, Palace Card Club, Phoenix Casino and Lounge, Inc. and The Players Club. The only question left will other casinos follow suit, to give you an indication each chip costs roughly for a major casino in the neighborhood of 0.10 – 0.15 USD now think how many chips a single major casino has. It is an extremely costly venture to change all the chips in a casino.
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