One thing has always puzzled me. Strikes are redeemable but not playable. Are they a true token or cheque?

Tom , strikes are playable and the casinos must accept them for play. I have used them at table games at the Palms and other casinos. If you look at a Palms $1 token and the $10 token they read almost the same other than the denomination.

This being the case it appears the strike can be directly linked to the chip and may be evaluated by the controlling agencies using this chip ruling as a guide.

Tom