Lead warning for Californian gamblers

2008-08-04 17:19:57

Signs in 21 Californian card clubs will warn gamblers that the poker chips used in the venues contain traces of lead.

The metal has been linked to cancer, birth defects and other health issues, which led the Center for Environmental Health to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the chips, reports the Las Vegas Sun.

Gaming Partners International (GPI) - producer of poker chips used throughout the world - was the subject of the lawsuit based on Proposition 65, a law requiring businesses to notify consumers if there are harmful substances on the premises.

The company's representative, attorney John Allen, stated that despite the "unpleasant experience" of the court case, he respected the "legitimate" efforts of the Centre for Environmental Health.

According to GPI's website, the firm is the market leader and currently provides poker chips to 28 out of 30 of the largest casinos in the US.