Taxation and Tax Stamps in relation to Playing Cards

The combination of moral objections to gambling and the search for additional revenues prompted many governments to introduce taxes on playing cards. In many cases the collection and control of such taxes required administrative bureaucracy that led to financial expense, as well as corruption. Additionally, enforcement and avoidance (e.g., smuggling, forgery) often undermined the good intentions. The effectiveness of taxes on playing cards was therefore not always optimal and in most cases it was phased out.

The collection and control was carried out in different ways. The most common system was stamping the cards with a well-readable tax stamp, often on an ace or another pip card. Stamps, embossing, watermarks, adhesive strips, extra labels or seals etc were sometimes used around the wrappers or on the box. The tax collector might then sign when satisfied. Stamps in different countries had their own national symbolism, depending on the period in which they were used • See also Monopolies • Estanco de Naipes del Perú►