I didn't know if this goes under What's New or Gambling or some other topic, but it certainly fits this topic.

I took one for the team last night. I went to the Golden Nugget and bought some gold from their Gold ATM vending machine. The machine is located near the main check in area, across from where the big gold nugget is on display.

The vending machine is about the size of a standard cola vending machine. It has about 5 different gold bars you can buy, and one gold coin. I think the sizes were 1 gram, 2.5 grams, 5 grams, and some others. The price of the items is updated every 10 minutes and is based on the cost of gold at that time plus about 10-15%. The gold bars are .999 pure but the coin is not, even though the coin costs a little more than a bar with the same weight.

I apologize for not taking notes on the details of the various options. There is an attendant at the machine to answer questions and assist you with your transaction if needed. The machine takes cash only. The gold purchased in the machine can not be cashed out in the casino, or used to pay any casino debts. There are various gold items that can be sold from the machine. Some were sold out when I was there. Prices of gold at the time I was there ranged from $135 to $1375.

The purchased gold comes out in a nice black case about the size of a small pack of cigarettes. The box is sealed. Inside the foamed lined case is a small plastic envelope that is sealed with the gold inside. It is packaged as a nice gift.

I got a 2.5 gram bar. It is pretty. One one side it says SUISSE, 2.5g, 999.9, and other markings. The other side has a relief of some kind of goddess of wealth. I forgot the story on that one. My bar cost me $135. It is pretty darn small. It is about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide, and not very thick. If you have an ATT or Tmobile sim card about that size, then it is almost exactly the size of my gold bar. I know the iPhone4 has a smaller sim card.

Next time I'm there, I'll get some more details to fill in the blanks and get more accurate descriptions.

JMT - very interesting - thanks for "taking one for the team."

Question - if you every decide to sell the gold bar, where would you sell it?

There are plenty of places that buy gold at weighed value. The price would have to go up about 15% for me to break even.

I think it would look nice in a clear case on a necklace. I would think there would be an assortment of ways to display it that would make the value exceed weight value. If there aren't a selection of cases, I think that would be a money making opportunity.

I wouldn't mind having one of each of the items.

I guess if you really wanted to make money on gold, you'd buy it from a broker and only have a piece of paper to show for it.

you mean you wouldn't stick it in an envelope and mail it away and expect the receiver company to send you a fair amount for your gold?....... I'm shocked! <VBG>