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

14. RFID Chip

Chips

An RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) chip is a gaming chip embedded with a microchip and antenna that transmits a unique serial number when scanned by an RFID reader. These chips enable real-time tracking of chip location, automated inventory counting, and instant counterfeit detection. High-denomination chips (typically $500 and above) are most commonly equipped with RFID technology due to their higher fraud risk. RFID readers at cage windows, table game positions, and count rooms can instantly verify chip authenticity and update inventory records. The technology also enables casinos to track chip movement patterns and identify suspicious activity, such as chips being moved between tables or areas without authorization.

In practice

Wynn Las Vegas was among the first major properties to implement RFID chips comprehensively. Modern UHF RFID chips can be read in batches of 200+ per second at distances up to 5 meters, with AES-128 bit encryption for security.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 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.