Choosing the Right Casino Playing Cards: 100% Plastic Cards vs. Paper Cards With Laminated Plastic Finish
With over 30 years in the casino supply business, we’ve helped countless customers find the perfect playing cards for their specific needs. Our customers often ask for help choosing between 100% plastic playing cards and plastic laminated finish paper playing cards. Here, we break down the pros and cons of each option, to help you make the best choice for your gaming experience.
Understanding the Material: 100% Plastic vs. Laminated Finish Playing Cards
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s clarify the difference between 100% plastic and laminated cards. 100% plastic cards, as the name implies, are made entirely of plastic. Laminated cards, on the other hand, are typically made of paper or cardstock coated with a thin plastic layer. This combination offers the traditional feel of paper cards with an added layer of durability.
What to Consider in Casino Cards
The primary factors to consider when choosing casino cards include durability, feel, ease of handling, and cost. Both plastic and laminated cards have unique attributes in these areas, making them suitable for different applications.
100% Plastic Playing Cards
According to MGM, “Most land-based casinos use 100% plastic playing cards to prevent cheating.” If authenticity is a priority, 100% plastic playing cards are the right choice for you. Additional pros and cons are as follows:
Pros
- Durability: Plastic cards are known for their resilience. They resist bending and creasing, ensuring they maintain their form over long periods.
- Washability: Spills are inevitable, especially in a lively gaming environment. Plastic cards can be wiped clean easily without damaging the cards or smudging the prints.
- Feel: They have a particular slick feel that many professional players enjoy.
- Fraud-Resistance: harder to mark than paper or coated cards, making it harder for players to track their movement.
Cons
- Cost: Plastic cards tend to be more expensive due to their longevity and durability.
- Handling: Their slickness can be a downside for some, as they can be a bit more challenging to handle and deal effectively, especially for beginners.
- Slippery: These decks can slide around when placed on the table resulting in messy decks or a too active slide to players.
Cleaning 100% Plastic Cards
One standout advantage of 100% plastic cards is their ease of cleaning. Keeping your playing cards in prime condition is simple with 100% plastic cards. A light cleaning with a damp cloth not only removes any residue but also preserves the vibrant print and the card’s overall quality.
Laminated Finish Playing Cards
Paper playing cards laminated in plastic are the favorite of magicians and beginner players alike. Read on to learn the pros and cons of this versatile card type:
Pros
- Cost-effective: Laminated cards are typically more affordable, making them an excellent choice for home users and event rentals.
- Ease of handling: These cards have a more traditional feel, making shuffling and dealing easier, particularly for casual or new players.This is also why they’re terrific cards for magicians who rely on dexterity!
Cons
- Durability: While laminated cards offer reasonable durability, they aren’t as long-lasting as their plastic counterparts. They can bend, crease, and show wear over time.
- Damage from liquids: Spills can damage laminated cards, leading to smudging and peeling.
- Varying quality: While 100% plastic cards are consistently higher quality, laminated cards can vary widely in terms of the paper, coating material, and application process. Be sure to buy from a reputable seller.
Cleaning Laminated Cards
While spills can potentially damage laminated cards, with prompt attention, they can be wiped clean. However, liquid can seep into the edges and cause smudging or peeling, so care must be taken during cleaning.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between 100% plastic and laminated finish playing cards depends largely on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re a home user planning an occasional poker night or a retail reseller catering to casual players, laminated cards’ ease of use and affordability might make them the right choice. On the other hand, casino event rentals, academies, and card rooms that need their supplies to withstand heavy use might prefer the durability and professional feel of 100% plastic cards.
In any case, it’s all about finding the right balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. At Casino4you.com, we provide both options, allowing you to select the cards that best fit your needs and budget. Explore our 100% plastic playing cards and laminated playing cards.