Meskwaki Casino
A deck reflecting Native American culture where every hand could be a jackpot.
Aristocrat cards for Meskwaki Casino in Tama, Iowa are one of several US casino decks featuring Native American courts; these have flat, solid colours with stylized, caricatured faces and minimal shading. The US has hundreds of casinos operated by Native American tribes (tribal lands are exempt from state gambling bans). Some, like these, employ nonstandard cards showcasing Native American culture. After being used in casino play, the cards are voided, typically by having holes drilled through them or getting the corners clipped, in order to prevent their use in future games. The voided cards are then sold or given out as souvenirs.
This deck is voided with clipped corners. It’s unclear whether the folk-like, emblematic courts are based on actual Native American costumes. The jokers are dream catchers, famous symbols of Native American culture. The deck was produced for Meskwaki by Gemaco. Meskwaki also used cards with a different set of Native American courts►
Custom Meskwaki Casino Playing Cards produced by USPCC/Gemaco for Meskwaki Casino in Tama, Iowa.
By Lev Golinkin
United States • Member since May 26, 2026
I'm a US-based author and journalist. I've been collecting playing cards since I was about 8 years old, when I got mesmerized by the various decks that were used in Soviet Ukraine, where I'm from. I collect mainly European decks such as those by Dondorf, Grimaud, and Piatnik. I love courts above all else, and am drawn toward historical and artistic decks.
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