How The United States Playing Card Company has built a manufacturing legacy
Founded in 1885, the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) has been a leader in playing card manufacturing for over 140 years. President Craig Townsend shares some details of the company’s history: “Our flagship brand, Bicycle, has become synonymous with quality and tradition, making its mark across generations. From family game nights to professional cardistry, magic, and even pop culture milestones, our products have been part of countless iconic moments of play and entertainment.
“Our decks have also played a remarkable role in history. During World War II, for example, USPCC created the secret ‘MAP deck,’ a deck of Bicycle playing cards that concealed escape maps to help Allied prisoners of war find their way to freedom. Our playing cards have also been launched into space with NASA, carried by soldiers in conflicts, and used in some of the most historic gaming moments worldwide. 
“USPCC offers a diverse range of playing cards, from everyday decks to specialty editions and collectible series, catering to gamers, magicians, collectors, and casual social players. Bicycle is known for its iconic design, unmatched quality, and history. We also have casino brands such as Bee, which can be found in most major casinos across North America. With a vertically integrated supply chain, we maintain consistent quality and global distribution, ensuring that every deck meets the highest standards.”
With a storied history, the company is still recording incredible achievements, as Craig points out: “We hit a very rare milestone in 2024; we reached over 100 million decks produced in a single calendar year. We are also very excited to celebrate Bicycle’s 140th anniversary this year. Our longevity and success are built on four key pillars. The first is quality and craftsmanship; a commitment to superior playing card quality has been at the heart of our business for over a century. Heritage and trust are also central; our legacy resonates with consumers, creating a sense of nostalgia and reliability that keeps them coming back. Another crucial aspect is our vertical supply chain; we control every aspect of production, from raw materials to final printing. Our process ensures consistency and excellence. We also prioritize adaptability; we continuously evolve with market trends and technological advancements to remain the most efficient in our manufacturing processes. These factors have allowed us to maintain our leadership in the industry and continue growing, even after 140 years.”
As part of the celebrations of this historic milestone, USPCC will be celebrating at its own exclusive annual event. Craig elaborates: “Cardtopia is our flagship event, taking place this year on June 14, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. This event will bring together card enthusiasts from around the world. The experience will include exclusive product launches, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences that highlight every facet of card culture, from traditional card games and magic to art, design, and digital innovations. Cardtopia isn’t just a one-time event; it will serve as a long-term platform for engagement, supported by a dedicated digital hub at Cardtopia.com, which will undergo a global relaunch in June 2025.”
Remarkably, for the company’s entire history, manufacturing has remained in the US. Craig outlines some of the key benefits: “Keeping our manufacturing in the United States has been a critical component of our success. By maintaining a vertically integrated supply chain, we ensure that every aspect of production, from paper and ink to printing and final distribution, meets the highest quality standards.
“Domestic manufacturing provides better quality control, faster turnaround times, and greater agility in responding to market demands. For our casino brands, security is paramount, and manufacturing in the US allows us to maintain strict oversight of production and prevent potential security risks associated with offshore manufacturing.”
Craig also points to the importance of strategic partnerships: “Collaborations have been essential to expanding our reach and driving innovation. One of our most notable partnerships was with Disney, helping them mark ‘100 Years of Wonder.’ Beyond Disney, we’ve worked closely with top magicians and cardistry experts to develop specialty decks that elevate the craft.
“As a global company, we not only support our markets, partners, and customers worldwide, but we also receive support, learn, and co-develop with others in the industry. This collaborative approach strengthens our position as the global leader in playing cards, allowing us to constantly refine our craft, drive innovation, and shape the future of the category.
“We’re continuously pushing boundaries with new projects and innovations. In celebration of our 140th anniversary, we are also launching exclusive, limited-edition decks that honor our rich history. Additionally, we remain committed to refining our production techniques and implementing novel efficiency initiatives that will help shape the future of playing card manufacturing.
“Our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and American manufacturing continues to set us apart in a competitive market. As we look ahead,” Craig concludes, “we remain excited about the possibilities for growth and grateful for the dedication of our employees, partners, and loyal customers who make our success possible.”
USPCC builds on a legacy that stretches back generations, continuously evolving to stay ahead of the market as new technologies and techniques emerge. With this approach, its brands will continue to inspire generations to come.