Another item I collect, which I neglected to list in my article on collecting, is slot cards and room keys.

Yes, I’m talking about the credit card-size plastic cards you get at casinos for joining their “club” and room keys from hotels and motels.

There is a club for card collectors, and every year they have a swap meet in Las Vegas.

Meeting at a small hotel, with a continental breakfast and a noon meal, it’s all at no cost for members. What a deal. Purchase and trade cards, with food, and you would be amazed at the nominal membership fee.

In addition to the swap meet and food, you also get a quarterly newsletter, filled with card and casino information. A monthly email lists newly issued slot and room cards.

Does this sound like an advertisement for the club? It isn’t. Living in the Midwest, I just find it exciting to belong and the newsletter is very informative.

I never have purchased cards outright, so I have no idea as to their value. However, there is a Price Guide, which can be purchased. I obtain my cards in two ways, first by actually going to the casino and becoming a member of their club or by purchasing grab bags at the swap meet.

In-Person and by Mail

Even if I can’t attend the swap meet, which I haven’t for two years, I send a check and Dave mails me the cards. Purchase of the cards helps to keep club dues low, provides the food for the swap meets and, most importantly, supplies me with cards for my collection.

Actually going to the casinos is my favorite way to get new cards. Some will give you perks for joining their club. The perks can be hats, shirts, playing cards, food discounts or credits to be used in their casino.

My brother-in-law and I have been known to go to a casino, become a member and leave if they didn’t provide us with a perk. I do not go out of my way to get room keys. However, I always keep, at least, one of the “keys” for my collection, when we travel.

My cards are kept in plastic business card pages that can hold ten cards per page, stored in three-ring binders.

My wife questions why I collect these cards.

My standard answer: It’s fun, inexpensive and some cards have exceptional graphics.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net