My speculation is that it's the closest the US casinos can come to the traditional plaques used in the european version of the game. Most clubs don't want to pay B&G's big prices for the true acrylic plaques, although Sahara and Sands did, and Eldorado, Reno still does ($100 and up).

Baccarat is a nothing-game with no decisions to be made by the player other than how much and Player/Banker/Tie. Tradition and ceremony are important, which is why most still dress the dealers in tuxs on the big tables.

I think the oversize chips make a great specialized chip collection, which is why I started mine about 5 years ago. It's 95% baccarat, with a few race and sports book chips and a few NCV's used for comp chips. Also a few oversize 'gift jetons' from the Canadian casinos.