The Essential Guide to Casino Chip Colors and Standard Values

Know Your Money

If you’ve ever watched a high-stakes film or sat down at a poker table in a premium card room, you know the currency of the casino floor isn’t bills—it’s chips. These small, weighted discs are the key to the game, but they aren’t just for flair. Understanding the standard casino chip denominations is the first step toward playing confidently, strategically, and responsibly.

While the chip’s monetary worth is usually imprinted directly on it (especially at a regulated card room like ours), knowing the universal color code can give you an edge, whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em or Blackjack.
Here is your essential guide to the casino chip colors, their values, and everything you need to know before sitting down for your next game.

The Universal Code: Standard Casino Chip Denominations Explained

While there is no strict, worldwide legal mandate, the vast majority of casinos and Sacramento card rooms in the U.S. follow a consistent color scheme, particularly for the lower-value chips used in most cash games. This visual standard helps dealers and players quickly assess the size of the pot or a bet.

White chips – $1
Red chips – $5
Green chips – $25
Black chips – $100
Purple chips – $500
Maroon (or orange) chips – $1,000

You will notice a general pattern: as the chip value increases, the colors tend to become darker or move toward less common hues, making them stand out and preventing costly errors.

The Full Poker Chip Value Chart (High-Stakes)
For larger tournaments or high-limit tables, the values stretch far beyond $1,000. While the following colors may vary slightly, this extended poker chip value chart is generally observed:

Pink: $250
Yellow/Gray: $1,000 to $2,000
Brown: $5,000

In the world of high-stakes gambling, particularly in major gaming hubs, you may see rectangular “plaques” that represent denominations of $5,000, $25,000, or higher—the real high roller currency.

From Clay to Counterfeit-Proof: A Quick Look at Casino Chip History

Have you ever wondered why these betting chips feel so sturdy and unique? That’s by design, and it’s a tradition that goes back almost two centuries.
The history of casino chips begins in the early 1800s when gaming houses used simple markers made of ivory, wood, or engraved clay to represent monetary value. The problem? They were incredibly easy to counterfeit.By the 1880s, casinos began commissioning custom-made clay composite chips. This innovation allowed each casino to incorporate its own unique markings, designs, and weights. Today’s betting chips remain highly customized, incorporating a blend of plastic, ceramic, or clay composite materials.
To further protect players and the integrity of the game, modern casino chips often include advanced security features:

-Unique Design: Specific logos, edges, and textures that are hard to replicate.
-Weight & Feel: A customized weight unique to the casino, instantly recognizable to dealers.
-Microchips: Some high-value chips now contain RFID microchips, making them virtually impossible to forge and allowing casinos to track their inventory electronically.

Ready to Play?
Understanding casino chip colors and values is a basic yet vital piece of knowledge that enhances your confidence and experience at the table. Now that you know the universal language of the chips, you’re ready to get in the game.
Ready to test your new knowledge?

Visit Capitol Casino in Sacramento and try your hand at one of our many table games, including Texas Hold’Em and Blackjack. We offer a sophisticated, welcoming environment for players of all levels.

See our full list of games and plan your visit today!
Call us at (916) 446-0700 or stop by: 411 N 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95811.