The Bellagio Casino is withdrawing its standard $25,000 chip to keep a daring bandit from literally cashing in his chips from a recent $1.5 million Las Vegas heist.
The robber, wearing a full-face helmet and escaping on a motorcycle, made off with the chips at gunpoint on Dec. 14.
Although the casino isn't sure how many of the $25,000 red chips with a gray inlay were part of the loot, it could be as high as 60, the Associated Press reports.
Under state law, the casino, which is owned by MGM Resorts International, must give public notice that it is discontinuing specific chips to allow gamblers enough time to redeem them.
Anyone with this $25,000 red chip must cash in by April 22, or it will only be worth the plastic it is made from.
It was not clear whether the casino is discontinuing $25,000 chips outright or plans to introduce new ones with a different design.
MGM Resorts spokesman Alan Feldman tells the AP the red chips were switched out at the tables within an hour of the robbery, and the Bellagio immediately filed to discontinue them.
Meanwhile, police and casino officials are keeping watch on anyone trying to cash in the big ones.
"Obviously, anyone walking with one of the old series is going to be subject to a certain amount of questioning as to how they obtained them — assuming it isn't someone we know," Feldman tells the AP. "It's pretty unusual for someone we don't know to come strolling up with a handful of $25,000 chips."
(Posted by Doug Stanglin)
See photos of: Las Vegas
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