Many areas of the game have had increased levels, so the VIP area is one they might be reconsidering, in which case,rather than trading them for gold now, and having to restock later you might want to keep the tokens instead.
Also , why should you be able to trade them specifically for gold ,any more than other accumulated items?
Whether or not they are useful, accumulated items, either bought or won ,are just a normal feature of the game, and the more you do either of these, the quicker they increase.
I appreciate, that winning them yourself in competitions is of no real value to you, but they are to those still needing them.