Casino & Gambling Memorabilia | Collectibles & Collectors Items

Buying and collecting casino and gambling memorabilia is a fast growing hobby today. Many start by collecting casino chips but rapidly extend into collecting just about anything that a casino has to offer -- from chips, tokens, silver strikes, slot cards, room keys to cocktail napkins and swizzle sticks. Collectors include those who actively gamble as well as non-gamblers. Many collectors are passionate about preserving gaming history. Others simply take pleasure in the business of buying, selling and collecting these historical objects for their own appreciation. Just like collectors of other types of memorabilia, many just enjoy the prospect of stumbling upon a rare and unique find. If you have just embarked on this unusual hobby of buying and collecting casino and gambling memorabilia, this article might make an interesting read.

What is casino and gambling memorabilia?
The list below comprises popular items from the world of gambling that collectors are interested in. Many are antiques or vintage objects, while others are from a more recent age. Many of these objects come in their original boxes and are made from precious authentic materials such as ivory, silver, leather, wood, ebony, bronze and copper. Some of these items come from world-famous international casinos.

Antique gaming chips and tokens
Dice and Dice Shakers
Matchbooks
Vintage bridge sets and domino sets
Poker Chip Set
Trump markers and stands
Card Cases
Cribbage Boards
Score-Keeping Boards
Victorian Whist Marker
Gaming Markers
Casino Tin Signs
Roulette Wheels
Vintage Slot Machines
Put N Take Wobble and Spinners
Gaming Brochures, Press Kits, News Clippings
Casino Advertising and Posters
Photographs including images of famous casinos and gaming table layouts
First-Edition Books and Manuals
How-To Guides distributed by casinos
World Series of Poker Annuals
Miscellaneous items such as matches, menus, coasters, key rings

Where to find casino and gambling memorabilia?
Whether you are a business buyer looking for items to sell in your online or retail shop - or a serious collector looking for a specific casino or gambling antique, you may be able to find what you are looking for in these places:

Auctions
Antique auctions, both online and land-based, are great places to find casino and gambling memorabilia. Although these auctions have all manner of antiques from furniture to paintings, there are usually items of gambling memorabilia on display for auction. You can normally find details for these auctions in your local newspaper. Alternatively, you can participate in online auctions from the comfort of your home just by logging onto your computer.

Internet and Specialist Websites
There is a huge array of specialist websites offering a valuable range of casino and gambling memorabilia. Many of these are based in America and a few in Europe. As long as you are prepared to pay for the additional delivery costs, you can readily buy items from these offshore websites.

Specialist Collectors' Fairs and Markets
There are specialist fairs or antiques market held around the country which have stalls specialising in casino and gambling objects. These fairs and shows are usually sponsored by collectors' clubs or a local antique traders' association. These fairs and markets are ideal places to browse for items of interest. You can meet and socialise with other collectors who may be able to give you valuable advice, should you be searching for specific memorabilia.

Collectors' Clubs
If you go online, you will find there are scores of collectors' clubs. Not only are these places where collectors' can share their views and ask questions, but they are a fantastic resource where anyone can visit for information on gaming and its long history. Many of these online clubs have their own online stores selling and buying memorabilia. They keep archives and even publish online newsletters for their members.

Collectors' Conventions
There are annual collectors' conventions specialising in gambling memorabilia in Las Vegas and a few other cities which draw sellers and buyers from all over the world. These conventions tend to be large events attended by thousands of people. There are stalls selling everything you might be interested in. There are also information stalls available where you can go to have a discussion or to ask for advice.

Magazines
There are a handful of magazines both online and printed, that may carry advertisements selling casino and gambling memorabilia. These include:

Gaming Times Magazine
The Casino Chip and Gaming Token Collectors Club Magazine
Chequers Magazine
It is also worth looking at magazines specialising in collecting antiques or magazines for collectors such as 'Antiques & Collectibles' and 'Antiques Dealer'.

Classifieds
You may also find the objects you are looking for here at Classifieds or perhaps by browsing through other online and printed classifieds and directories.

Buying casino and gambling memorabilia safely
As some items of memorabilia can be quite costly, make sure you are careful especially when shopping online. When buying an item that is labelled antique, make sure you can verify its authenticity. When buying memorabilia, especially antique or vintage items, be realistic: even if the items are described to be in excellent condition. Read the description provided thoroughly before you agree to buy. Sometimes the seller may be able to provide clear photographs but this is not always possible. Be extra careful if the items you are buying are fragile or breakable. Agree with the seller what to do if the items should be damaged through delivery. Insured delivery services are essential if an item is particularly valuable. Also discuss with the seller how you would collect an item that is too heavy or bulky. Finally, remember that all traders can be fined or prosecuted if they sell unsafe or incorrectly labelled goods.