Mark as you know I used to work at the Hard Rock for 6 years. I haven't worked there for over a year and a half. I have made a ton of friends while working there. Anyone who works at the Hard Rock whether it be bartender, dealer, cocktails, cage or slots (which is what I was) can buy chips that they come across. Lets say a bartender receives a chip as a tip, he or she has no obligation to turn it in for cash, the same goes for cocktails and slots. Any person (non-employee) can walk up to the cage at any time and ask the cage cashiers if they happen to have any "hard to find chips" in their drawer and then they can buy them at face value. The same oportunity is afforded to employees. When I was in slots, daily, I would ask the guys up front if anything has been turned in. I guess my only advantage was being able to be there 5 days a week, but even then you can miss out. On one of my days off a slot floorperson cashed in a customers chips for him. In the pile was two Hagar $25's. Instead of getting upset I thought, "good for her". However there was a gentleman who came by the Hard Rock 7 days a week and asked for the older silver strikes and the cage would sell them at face.

I hope this helps with the inner workings, even though I am now on the outside, just helping a friend out.

Take Care