Just some observations from my many runs to Empress in Joliet this week to try and pick up chips not used on the tables yet:

1.Quality of chips not yet in play is ok, however, there apprar to be some flaws. Notice surface marks, and dark marks in spots on some of the chips.

2.Since new ownership cage personnel DO NOT want to get chips from racks that have not been issued. These are stored in the cage and not a vault. A sliding glass case houses them and not much effort is required. Girls told me they were told NOT to pull chips from unused racks or face the consequences. Got mine early morning from a girl who I have gotten mint chips from for years(day one of issue and day2). She said she couldn't do it anymore. Can't figure that one!

3. 10x odds on craps

4.More slot club card locations and new point system, great for the player.

5.Talk of LE chips, Empress has never had one

6.Friendlier atmosphere for players(IF NOT CHIP COLLECTORS).

7.I searched 100 $1 chips for variations(people in the lobby thought I was I Psycho!) I found only one style of H&C.
Chuck