Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a quick life and career update with you all: as of recently, I am no longer working at Spinettis Gaming Supplies. I was part of a recent layoff and my time there has come to an end after nearly 7 years.

For the last 5+ years, I served as the sole in-house graphic designer at Spinettis. During that time, I helped expand the custom product side of the business from simple hot stamp and inlay chips to include ceramic chips, web mold ceramics, UV-printed products like dice and chip cases, playing cards, plaques, and more. I was proud of the work I did—especially seeing customers react to their orders, whether in person or through kind messages. It meant a lot.

Some of the more exciting projects included helping Texas card rooms open, designing custom-cut cards for casinos, and even working on a custom baccarat layout for the Sphere (though unfortunately, I won’t get to see the final result). I also got the chance to attend various expos and conventions and became someone who could walk a customer through everything from entry-level chips to high-end collectible ones. I went from knowing nothing about chips to being able to teach others—and that was a great journey.

From what I understand, Spinettis may no longer be offering custom items going forward, or at least that part of the business seems to be winding down. If you’re looking for custom poker chips, layouts, plaques, or similar items, feel free to email me or shoot me a PM. I designed many custom layouts for blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, and other casino games, and I still have strong contacts in the industry who can help with manufacturing (chips, plaques, dice, layouts and more). I can get you great prices and quality work, and I’m happy to continue helping—even after I land a new role. This is something I love doing and want to keep doing long-term.

I’ve already started applying to graphic design positions across the country. So far, I've had a few interviews (including one for a casino in Wisconsin), but no offers just yet. That’s where I could use some help:

👉 If you know of anyone looking for a graphic designer—especially someone with a strong background in gaming/gambling-related design but also open to any and all industries—please feel free to reach out or pass my name along. I’m open to local or remote work, freelance or full-time.

While I’m no longer at Spinettis, I’ll still be part of this poker chip community. It's become a big part of my life, and I don’t plan on disappearing. That said, please don’t reach out to me about Spinettis inventory or orders—I’ve been signed out of all accounts and no longer have access.

I’ll be stopping by the office Monday morning to grab my personal belongings—things like what I’ve kept in my drawers, a few packages I’ve been holding for some folks in Europe, and other personal items. If you've sent anything to Spinettis with the intent of it reaching me, please don’t send anything else there going forward. I won’t be there to help anymore. I know someone recently sent something—I believe I’ll be able to grab that and help—but moving forward, I won't be able to assist.

That said, I truly enjoyed my time working there and am especially grateful for the opportunity to handle and learn about some of the most incredible chips out there—many that most people will never see in their lives. I’m also thankful for the relationships that have formed along the way. So many of you have reached out over the years—some of you I now talk to daily—and it's wild to think that what brought us together were little clay discs from old casinos. A handful of you have become some of my closest friends, and I’ll carry those friendships with me forever. I’ll always stay in touch and be around.

On a personal note, things have been a bit tough. My wife is currently in the hospital, her water broke early at just 25 weeks, and as of today, she’s 26 weeks along. We're hopeful and doing our best to stay strong. With everything going on, I’m staying optimistic that this is just a turning point toward something better.

Lastly, I just want to say, I’m a driven 25-year-old guy who loves exploring, learning, and creating. I truly believe this is just a stepping stone to something bigger. I’ve got a few things I’m currently working on, and I’m hopeful that they’re part of the larger plan that God might be showing me right now.

Thanks again to everyone who's supported me—whether through projects, messages, friendships, or encouragement. I appreciate all of you more than you know.

Oscar Lappalainen