It's my understanding that No Cash Value chips issued by a casino must be approved by Gaming. However, the Hard Rock chips are "No Value" chips, not NCV's. No Value chips do not have to be approved. There's a distinction between NCV and NV chips.

Hard Rock worked with John Yee on issuing the chip, so I assume it had the necessary OK by the club. If others have more definitive info, please chime in.