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►