Went in about 2 years ago. Even at night. No problem. During the day the police did ask my friend, a Chicago Sergeant, what we were doing around there. He was standing in the middle of the street taking pics of the Ultra New Town Tavern though! We then went to several businesses to ask about old pictures of the clubs. And of course old chips too! We scored and ended up with 3 brand new red 21 layouts from the New Brown Derby and a bunch of $1 and $5 chips. This too was at night when we had to go back to the previous owners house. Sure it's a little uneasy feeling going to an neighborhood that you do stick out in, but just walk in like you own the place talk to the big tall security guy with what I think was a 44 Mag. on his hip and your cool. I talked to all the old guys playing poker and they even stopped the game to take my cards. I never got a call on chips but you never know- they all said they had old chips! Then we hired a younger black guy to go find us chips, long story but I think he smoked my money as I never got the chips he needed cash to go get! Live and learn! He did make us the contact to get the New Brown Derbys and I was going to give him $50 for his help anyways. We were told of a previous casion owner so went to their door. We could not see in but they could see out. We were greated by the Richardsons. A lovely couple in their 80's that owned Love's & Lee's Tavern. Yes they said there were $5 chips. But we collectors have never found one! After a good hour of visiting and learning all about the old clubs and hearing great stories how she worked at the Cotton Club and dealt to Sammy Davis Jr. and all the big stars they then found old pictures. They had 8 by 10's of the Cotton Club which they loaned my friend to take back to Chicago and make duplicates of. I still have a few of the copies left. It's very rare to find older, especially 40's or 50's interior pictures. Here's the exterior probably when they opened in 1945. These are rare pictures to find.
I would feel more unsafe walking around the Vegas weekly rental crack dealing places like around Hard Rock or behind the old Stardust. Places I have been to get chips in Vegas over the years were way worse and more nervwracking. I went around Vegas buying chips from 1987 to 2000. I should write a book....

So just walk in like you own the place, go see security if you feel you need to. Stop at the bar in back and tell them you are crazy and are looking for chips that cant be cashed in. I think walking in and trying to get old chips would give them the idea you are nuts and not to bother with you! And if they have issued a $25 or $100 yet grab me one.