They will (are) used by the pit to make their bigger losers feel better. The amount of loss needed was $10,000. (I am NOT stating this as fact.)

From another source (a player at the Gold Coast, with a Pit Host) that the chips are in deed in the cage, but they remain locked up and not available for use.

As far as usage of NCV chips, it is not unusual for a casino to reimburse airfare or gas costs with NCV chips. Or hand them out in special promotions, etc.

Jim