Used Casino Dice and Cards

Anybody know, definitively, what happens to "retired" dice and cards from a casino? I know that gift shops and such sell authentic casino dice that were used on the actual casino floor. But I thought I remember seeing or reading somewhere that this wasn't true, and that those authentic casino dice were actually the rejects that the casino decided not to use at all. If that is true, then what happens to all those dice and cards that are used by the casino? Do they simply throw them away? Or destroy them somehow? Is that the real way they keep the place heated in the winter?

Quote: konceptum

...those authentic casino dice were actually the rejects that the casino decided not to use at all. If that is true, then what happens to all those dice and cards that are used by the casino? Do they simply throw them away? Or destroy them somehow? Is that the real way they keep the place heated in the winter?

What you were told about the "rejects" is not true. The cards you see in the gift shops were cards used in casino play. You can tell because they are slightly bent from about four hours of use. If there were a lot of rejects I think the casinos would send them back to the manufacturer for a refund.

I bought two packs of cards at the Fremont. They're in perfect order, but have a corner cut off. Inside the cardbaord pack, there are handwritten dates and numbers. I paid $0.95 each.

Aside from casino gift shops, I've seen them for sale at souvenir stores all over town.

Used cards are examined, and if they are in good condition, recycled, repackaged and sent back to the casino floor. I saw a segment on one of the Travel Channel Vegas shows about this. The quality inspections are performed by Clark County Prison inmates - some of whom are in jail as casino cheats. How's that for irony?


The cards/dice that are good enough for home use but not casino use are modified and THEN sold.

For dice, they drill a hole about 1/8" diameter thru the them.

For cards they either drill hole about 1/4" diameter, cut a corner, or mark a corner. Or cut and mark.

Anything to make it scaringly easy to notice if they have been slipped into play.

Then they go to the gift shop. Some go to outside vendors such as flea markets, etc.

Some casinos also keep a supply in the pits to be used as souveniers. If you've been tipping, you may be able to get some just for asking.


Those that aren't good enough for resale, and the overstock, go to the shredder.


Showboat in Atlantic City uses some as table markers in their Buffet. I now carry a full house with me where ever I go. Oh, sure, it's two Ace of Spades, Two Queen of Hearts, and three different back designs and colors, but it's still casino cards making a full house!

Every now and then, if I'm playing poker and make a bad play or bad bluff, after I lose, I'll go "Wait! I have a Full House" and put them on the table. It always gets a laugh, and never provokes a scolding or visit by security.

Quote: konceptum

Anybody know, definitively, what happens to "retired" dice and cards from a casino? I know that gift shops and such sell authentic casino dice that were used on the actual casino floor. But I thought I remember seeing or reading somewhere that this wasn't true, and that those authentic casino dice were actually the rejects that the casino decided not to use at all. If that is true, then what happens to all those dice and cards that are used by the casino? Do they simply throw them away? Or destroy them somehow? Is that the real way they keep the place heated in the winter?

Actual dice used in a casino are "cancelled" after taken off the craps table usually with some kind of mark, dot, circle, x etc at the number 4. I have even seen some casinos drill a hole right through the die.
Cards have a corner or corners rounded or cut off.
Retired dice end up at gift shops, casino supply houses and even on EBay!
When I worked in casinos, ALL rejects were sent back to the manufacturer, but that was years ago.

The real crime is the wage the Nevada state prison system allows that winning bidder to pay the prisoners.

Dice at the Venetian are ground up, never recycled as gifts.

Quote: 7winner

When I worked in casinos, ALL rejects were sent back to the manufacturer, but that was years ago.

In most business any defective supplies are commonly sent back to the manufacturer or distributor for a refund. It's just common sense.

Quote: konceptum

Anybody know, definitively, what happens to "retired" dice and cards from a casino? I know that gift shops and such sell authentic casino dice that were used on the actual casino floor. But I thought I remember seeing or reading somewhere that this wasn't true, and that those authentic casino dice were actually the rejects that the casino decided not to use at all. If that is true, then what happens to all those dice and cards that are used by the casino? Do they simply throw them away? Or destroy them somehow? Is that the real way they keep the place heated in the winter?

Cards they put a hole thru or chop a corner off, makes them easy to spot. Our instructors said they were more concerned with dice being brought back into play after being "fixed" and that was why they are sold to the public far less.

I saw a segment on one of the Travel Channel Vegas shows about this. The quality inspections are performed by Clark County Prison inmates - some of whom are in jail as casino cheats. How's that for irony?

You can say that again!

The pit boss at the Rio gave me a complete set of Pai Gow Tiles, with a very thin line etched on the back of all the tiles.

Quote: SOOPOO

The pit boss at the Rio gave me a complete set of Pai Gow Tiles, with a very thin line etched on the back of all the tilers.

Not that you woulld, but it seems a thin etched line could be filled in pretty easily. The tiles are made of solid black plastic and would appear to be more durable, and therefore used longer than the translucent material used in dice. I would think that during that time, scratches would show up in the regular course of play, making it simple to slip your reconditioned tile into play.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Not that you woulld, but it seems a thin etched line could be filled in pretty easily. The tiles are made of solid black plastic and would appear to be more durable, and therefore used longer than the translucent material used in dice. I would think that during that time, scratches would show up in the regular course of play, making it simple to slip your reconditioned tile into play.

But once the dealer noted the 3rd 'teen' tile the jig would be up.

Quote: SOOPOO

But once the dealer noted the 3rd 'teen' tile the jig would be up.

Which is why you would have alredy slipped the tile you swapped out into the coat pocket of the guy sitting next to you... Not that you would hehe..