Poker chips are made from a variety of materials, including clay, ceramic, and plastic. In the past, poker players used a wide range of small valuable objects, including jagged gold pieces, gold nuggets, gold dust, coins, ivory, bone, wood, paper, and a composition made from clay and shellac. However, modern chips are not made of clay alone, but a composite material meant to mimic the touch and feel of those style of chips. Clay chips were standard in saloons and card rooms in the 1800s but haven’t been used since the 1950s. They were replaced by clay composite because they’re more durable and not brittle like the old clay chips.
Plastic chips are the cheapest and most lightweight option, but they are not as durable as other materials. Ceramic chips are more durable than plastic chips and have a smoother surface, which makes them easier to shuffle and stack. Compression-molded chips are made of a combination of materials, including clay, sand, and chalk, and are more durable than clay chips alone.
The exact process for making poker chips is not shared with the public, but it involves compression molding the materials into the desired shape. High-value casino chips may also contain an RFID tracker to prevent theft.
