Thanks for all the responses everyone! And no flames for asking boring, basic questions...thanks! (I'm used to RGP I guess.)

Well, this hobby sounds like fun. I guess the big question is...how expensive is it? I know one can obviously spend as little or as much as they want, but on average, is this one of the more expensive hobbies?

I guess the good part about this hobby is that if you start collecting chips that are in play currently, and decide it's not for you, the collection can easily be cashed back in! I know that's most likely sacrilege for most of you to hear that! How long do casinos usually accept their chips to be cashed in? Do they ever "expire"?

Thanks!

Mike