Tunisia

Playing Cards in Tunisia

Gambling was prohibited in Tunisia until after World War 1 and this probably stifled any local production. The 1st law organizing the tobacco sector in Tunisia appeared in 1898 and matches, salt and playing cards were subsequently added (c.1920) to products managed by the monopoly  more →.   Playing cards in Tunisia have followed French influence, and many packs for Tunisia have been made in Belgium, but cards currently on sale appear to be standard Anglo-American Bridge or Poker packs sold in tobacco shops, as well as souvenir packs made in China. Locally produced packs usually carry a tax stamp of some kind and since the 1970s they have an imprint, usually on the Ace of Diamonds, which refers to the playing card monopoly.

Right: cello-wrapped box from "Jeux de Cartes RAMI" made in Tunisia, 2012 →

The ‘Rami’ deck shown below is presumably a pun on the game Rummy.

Above: 'Rami' playing cards made in Tunisia (2012), with standard Anglo-American courts and two 'Little Jokers'. The imprint of the national tobacco and playing card monopoly can be seen on the Ace of Diamonds. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + Bridge score card in box. 'Rami' playing cards seem to have been in production for several decades.

Note: The Tunisian state has a monopoly on the sale of playing cards. Following the French example, the Régie des Monopoles Tunisiens or RMT manages the monopoly. This service is a part of the Régie Nationale des Tabacs et des Allumettes in Tunis. Importation of cards was allowed provided a tax was paid. The cards for Tunisia were printed mostly in Turnhout, but also by F. Piatnik in Vienna. Previously, RMT issued annual tenders, but since 1986 it became autonomous.

Earlier examples

Above: ‘Double Kroon’ playing cards made in Belgium for Tunisia, probably by Mesmaekers c.1960. Image courtesy Matt Probert.

Above: 'Rami' playing cards made in Tunisia, c.1975. See also: STEM (Société Tunisienne des Emballages Modernes) website→

Above: ‘Double Kroon’ for Tunisia made in Belgium by Carta Mundi. 52 cards + 3 jokers + bridge scores card in box. Image courtesy Matt Probert.