Playing Card Monopolies
Several countries in and outside Europe had exclusive rights to the manufacture or sale of playing cards. Well-known examples were the royal playing card factories of Portugal, Spain, and their colonies in America. After the Second World War, several Eastern European countries set up playing card factories. Monopolies also existed Algeria, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Tunisia, UK, USSR and several others. Thailand has a playing card manufacturing monopoly even today. These monopolies belong, or belonged to, the state itself or were leased to private individuals. This meant that only one company could legally sell playing cards. This usually benefitted the treasuries.
• See also Taxes and excise duties on playing cards►
Estonian Historic Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
The court cards and indices on Estonian playing cards are Södur, Emand, Kuninga.
Greek Heroes
Playing Cards manufactured by Aspioti Elka A.E., 1960, with ancient greek-style courts.
History of Danish Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
The earliest mention of playing-cards in Denmark dates from 1487 when King Hans, who reigned from 1481-1513 and was notorious for his gambling, again and again drew money from the treasury to pay for his losses.
Iranian Popular Art
Representing Iranian culture and history and intended for a Persian market, these playing cards were designed by V. Romanowski de Boncza, ordered by the Iranian government playing card monopoly at the time and printed by Thomas De la Rue & Co., Ltd, c.1937.
Playing Cards from Mexico
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by Simon Wintle
MEXICO shares a long tradition with Spain in the field of playing cards. The Estanco de Naipes (playing-card monopoly) was established in 1576.
Portuguese Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
The Real Fábrica de Cartas de Jogar was founded in 1769, by Royal Charter of King José, under the master craftsman Lorenzo Solezio, brother of Félix Solesio who ran the Spanish Real Fábrica at Macharaviaya.
Russian Playing Card Monopoly
The Russian Playing Card Monopoly was established in March 1798 with all revenue going to support the St Petersburg Foundling Hospital. After the construction of the Foundling Hospital's own factory in 1817 (known as the Imperial Playing Card Factory), all subsequent Russian playing card production was located there until the end of the State monopoly in 1961.
Taxation on Spanish Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Taxation on Spanish playing cards and the monopolies.
Thai Playing Cards Manufacturing Factory
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by Adam Wintle
Thai Playing Cards Manufacturing Factory was established in 1938 as part of the government Excise Department.
Tunisia
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by Simon Wintle
Playing Cards in Tunisia. Chkobba is one of the most popular card games in Tunisia, mainly played by men in coffee shops but also played at home by men and women alike.
United Kingdom
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by Simon Wintle
Playing cards first arrived in England during the 15th century, but none have survived from such an early date.