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Types of Poker Chips

Poker chips were introduced into games in the mid 1800s. The first poker chips were made out of bone, paper or wood. By around 1880, companies began producing clay-composite chips that had designs and engravings on them, making them distinguishable from players chips. Poker chips now are made of different materials.

Plastic
- Plastic poker chips are available in a wide range of colors and styles. Although they are not as sturdy as other chips, they can be replaced easily and are much lighter to carry.
PVC Injected Plastic and Metal Slug
- This is a composite chip that has been injected with PVC and there is a metal slug in the center. These are manufactured quite frequently in China and are very heavy. These are best for home use only because of their bulkiness, but they are much cheaper than other chips available.
Diamond
- Diamond poker chips are more expensive but they have a closer feel to casino chips. Also, in terms of style, they are much more pleasing to look at, and there are more options available for customizations, engravings and size and shape. These are also more durable than plastic chips.
Clay Composite
- Clay composite chips are made through an injection mold process, and manufacturers are able to place full coverage graphics on them, which cannot be done on other chips. Clay composite chips are made of ceramic and clay.
Casino Grade
- Casino grade poker chips are made of molded and compressed clay, but the actual process of making these chips is an industry secret and highly protected. Casino-grade chips are not too slick, making them slightly heavier than their cheaper counterparts, and easier to handle and stack.

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