Example 1
Poker chips in a casino each have a passive RF device integrated therein. The reader, present at a blackjack table for instance, sends out an interrogation signal sufficient to read all of the chips at the table (including the players' chips), or at a reduced power to read only those chips in the tray. Upon receiving a response from each tag, the reader or a backend system coupled to the reader can quickly determine the value of the chips on the table and/or in the tray. During active play, this information is useful for historical tracking of the flow of chips in and out of the tray, as well as alerting management to the need to either add chips to the tray or remove chips therefrom. Prior to opening the table or upon closing the table, the chip count in the tray can be quickly and accurately determined by an integrated or portable reader.
Likewise, when a patron wishes to cash out at the cage, the value of a stack of chips can be verified by a reader mounted there and compared against the visual chip count.
This feature would also provide a theft deterrent to dealers who may try to slip chips into their clothing and exit the casino. A reader near the employee exit can be used to detect chips leaving the casino.
