I started picking up chips while gambling in 1996. In 1997 on vacation in Orange County Ca. I was in an antique mall and saw the Marina chip. I never did buy any chips and this was the first. Had a price tag of 3 dollars. I didn't know anything about it except it was old since I knew the Marina was no longer there. In 1998 I was back at the same mall and went to the same showcase and there was the Caesars chip with a 5 dollar price tag. Again I didn't know much but I bought it. This was before I knew about the club or anyone else collecting chips. The rest is history.