Part III: Business & Regulation · Banking, Chips & Financial Operations

Chip Runner

ChipsREPORTED

(1) A chip runner is a casino employee responsible for physically transporting gaming chips between the cage and gaming tables during fill and credit transactions. The chip runner picks up the prepared fill or credit slip along with the rack of chips from the cage, transports them securely to the designated table, and ensures all signatures are obtained on the documentation. The runner is an essential link in the chain of custody for chip movement on the gaming floor. In many jurisdictions, chip runners are required to follow specific routes, avoid unnecessary stops, and immediately return signed documentation to the cage. Surveillance monitors chip runner activity to ensure compliance with procedures. (2) A poker room employee who transports chips between the cage/cashier and the poker tables, saving players and dealers from having to leave the table for chip transactions. The Chip Runner handles chip fills for dealer banks, processes chip purchases for players, and may assist with other operational tasks. In rooms without a dedicated chip runner, dealers or the brush may handle these functions.

In practice

At larger properties, dedicated chip runners service specific pits. At smaller properties, floor supervisors or security personnel may perform this function. Some casinos have eliminated chip runners through centralized chip delivery systems. The chip runner is a valuable service position that keeps games running continuously without interruption for chip transactions.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary, 1,090 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.