Bob,

Thank you for raising this question, I am certain that you are not the only one with these thoughts. Here is a response from the MoGH:

The MoGH does not have that many members and most are also CCA members who support the MoGH with their annual donation (dues) of $35/year. The few MoGH members who are not also CCA members are generally not casino collectors but support the idea of a (physical or virtual) casino museum. For instance, we have a couple of MoGH members who are Mob Museum executives.

Technically, to access ChipGuide advanced features, someone could save $5/year by getting a MoGH membership, but right now that only applies to a handful of individuals. As you pointed out, a CCA membership includes a lot of other benefits that MoGH members do not enjoy, including the CCA's quarterly magazine. I just can't imagine that there will be anyone looking to save $5/year by getting a MoGH membership in order to access the full functions of the ChipGuide, but we will be watching.

As far as compliance with the CCA's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics only applies to CCA members. The only thing that the Code of Ethics can be used for is to remove CCA membership from violators. If you are not a CCA member, the Code of Ethics has no meaning. Currently, and always has been, there are more individuals in the hobby than those who are CCA members. We already understand what it means to have dealings with individuals who are not bound by the CCA's Code of Ethics. I do not see that MoGH vs. CCA membership has any special consideration above what has already been pointed out as far as the CCA's Code of Ethics. And, again, there are only a handful of MoGH members who are not also CCA members.

Summary is: There are only a few MoGH members who are not CCA members and mostly they are not collectors but individuals who are interested in the museum. Saving $5/year does not seem a likely reason for someone to seek MoGH membership in order to access full ChipGuide function. FYI ... CCA and MoGH membership fees were the same, until the most recent increase in CCA dues. Perhaps the MoGH should follow suit. Compliance to the CCA's Code of Ethics is a non-issue, because we already know how to deal with those who are in the hobby but not CCA members.