Poker has long been a favorite pastime for many, combining strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. One essential part of the game is having a good set of poker cards, and the quality of these cards can significantly impact your playing experience. With a multitude of brands offering decks, some have set themselves apart in terms of durability, design, and feel. To help you choose the perfect deck for your next game night, we’ve curated a list of the best poker card brands available today.
Illustration of poker cards
Best brands of poker cards in 2025
Bee
Bee playing cards, produced by the United States Playing Card Company, are renowned for their casino-quality standards, having defined the industry since 1892. Known for their flexible, durable cards made from premium materials and proprietary card stock, Bee cards offer superior slip for easy shuffling. They are committed to sustainability, using FSC certified materials, and their borderless diamond card back design is ideal for disguising sleights of hand. With over 125 years of innovation, Bee cards are a favorite among serious players and magicians, and they can be customized to match any brand. Cartamundi, the global leader in playing cards, produces 150 million decks annually, further endorsing the quality of Bee cards.
Bicycle
Bicycle Playing Cards, manufactured by the United States Playing Card Company since 1885, is a renowned brand for poker cards, known for its premium quality and distinctive designs, such as the classic Rider Back design. The brand offers various sizes, including poker-size and jumbo index cards, which are particularly beneficial for users with low vision. Bicycle cards are made in the USA on high-quality stock with a patented air-cushion finish and softly beveled edges, enhancing gameplay. The brand has a significant presence in the global playing cards market, with North America dominating the market and accounting for over 38% of global revenue. Bicycle's enduring popularity is a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation.
Copag
Copag is renowned as one of the best producers of poker cards, offering high-quality, casino-standard products. Known for their durability and excellence, Copag cards are made from cellulose acetate, a form of durable plastic. These cards are widely used in both home games and professional poker rooms, including those in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Copag, along with other notable brands like Modiano, dominates the market with their superior quality and design. In the global poker market, such brands contribute significantly to the segment's growth, with the market expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.49% from 2024 to 2031.
KEM
KEM is renowned as one of the best producers of poker cards, known for their high-quality, 100% plastic construction made from cellulose acetate, making them waterproof and durable. Established in 1935, KEM cards have maintained a strong reputation for their longevity and performance. In 2004, the United States Playing Card Company (USPC) acquired KEM, ensuring continued production of these premium cards. KEM cards are available in various sizes, including poker and bridge sizes, and have been adopted as the official cards of the World Series of Poker since 2007. Their durability and water resistance set them apart from traditional paper-based cards. For more details, visit their official website.
Modiano
Modiano is a renowned brand in the poker card industry, known for its high-quality playing cards that are favored by both professional and casual players. As one of the main players in the Casino Playing Cards Market, Modiano stands out for its durable and well-crafted cards, which are often preferred in casinos and home games alike. In 2023, Modiano was listed among the key competitors in the market, alongside other prominent brands like USPCC, Angel Group, and Cartamundi. The brand's popularity can be attributed to its commitment to excellence and the widespread use of its cards in various gaming environments. Modiano's presence in the market reflects the growing demand for premium playing cards, particularly in regions where poker is a popular pastime. For detailed insights, you can view the global casino playing cards market report.
Tally-Ho
The Tally-Ho brand is highly regarded in the playing card industry, particularly among magicians and card enthusiasts, for its high-quality and durable decks. Known for its distinct and powerful design, Tally-Ho decks are often compared to the renowned Bicycle 808 decks but are noted for their stiffer stock and excellent performance in card handling techniques such as fanning, spring moves, and crimp hold tests. The Tally-Ho No.9 Fan Back deck, for instance, is praised for its clear distinction and the quality of its court cards and ace of spades. This brand has maintained its popularity over the years, with many magicians swearing by its durability and performance. The Tally-Ho decks are also recognized for their bold back design, which remains visible during card flourishes. For a detailed review, check out this Tally-Ho No.9 Fan Back Deck Review.
Fournier
Fournier, founded in 1870 by Heraclio Fournier, is a renowned brand in the playing card industry known for its high-quality and secure cards. The company holds a significant global market share of over 35% and is synonymous with excellence in playing cards, producing over 10 million decks annually. Fournier's cards are used in 90% of European casinos, 70% of Middle Eastern casinos, and all casinos in South Africa. The brand merged with the United States Playing Card Company (USPC) in the 1990s to further solidify its position as a leader in the market. Fournier's commitment to quality and service has made it a standard in the industry. For more information about Fournier's rich history and dedication to excellence, visit their official overview page.
Aviator
Aviator is a renowned brand in the playing cards market, particularly esteemed for its high-quality poker cards. Known for their plastic-coated decks, Aviator cards are durable and long-lasting, making them a favorite among professional and casual players. Each case contains 12 decks, and a master carton includes 12 cases, totaling 144 decks, which is convenient for both personal use and bulk purchases. The brand's popularity is reflected in the broader market trends, where North America, driven by a strong gaming culture, accounts for over 38% of the global playing cards market revenue as of 2023. Aviator cards are often preferred for their reliability and performance in various card games.
Dal Negro
Dal Negro is a renowned brand in the playing cards market, particularly esteemed for its high-quality poker cards. As a key player, Dal Negro contributes to the global playing cards market, which was valued at USD 5.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2023 to 2030. The brand's products are popular in various regions, including Europe, where the playing cards market is experiencing significant growth driven by an expanding consumer base and increasing disposable incomes. Dal Negro's commitment to innovation and quality has helped it maintain a strong presence, especially in countries like Italy, where it is well-regarded for its traditional and custom-designed decks. The brand's success is reflected in the overall market dynamics, where North America and Europe are the dominant regions, with North America accounting for more than 38% of the global revenue in 2023.
Cartamundi
Cartamundi, a Belgian company with a history dating back to 1765, is a leading manufacturer of card and board games, including high-quality poker cards. In 2019, Cartamundi acquired the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC), adding iconic brands like Bicycle(r), Bee(r), Hoyle(r), and Fournier(r) to its portfolio. With 13 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a workforce of over 2,500 people, Cartamundi generates significant revenue, such as approximately $440 million in 2018. The company's B9 True Linen stock has received rave reviews for its smooth handling, making it a preferred choice for cardistry and custom decks. Cartamundi's global presence and innovative products solidify its position as a key player in the playing card industry. For more information about their acquisition of the United States Playing Card Company, check out the official press release.
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