Florida might be better known for places like Walt Disney World in Orlando, Miami, and other famous landmarks. It might also be associated with its iconic sports franchise, with the Dolphins and Heat calling the Sunshine State home.
However, it’s also a place that has a strong affinity with playing cards. Admittedly, this is something that isn’t as well-known as other things, but a deep dive into the state’s history with them shows that there is a place for them here.
Trading and Playing Card Game Events Are Popular
Over the years, Florida has become a popular place for games and events that are related to cards. It’s something that can even be witnessed today.
A poker tournament is currently being held in the state, with the latest event on the roadshow taking place at Harrah’s Pompano Beach. Anyone who knows all of the Texas Holdem rules and how to play the game can participate, with the tournament offering a potentially lucrative prize pot for those who are successful when sitting at the table.
Away from the poker table, it’s possible to find a strong affinity between the Sunshine State and the trading card niche. For instance, the first-ever Pokémon TCG World Championships was held in Orlando in 2004. It’s a tournament that involves the best players from all over the world who compete against each other. Orlando has hosted the competition twice, with it also being held in the city in 2008.
Trading cards have become a popular collectible for many globally, too. Keeping them fresh, in their original packaging, or holding them for some time can potentially provide significant financial returns; one holder received $12.6 million for their 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card in 2022. One way their value can be determined is through authentication and grading. SGC is one of the biggest in South Florida, as are Layton Sports Cards and Backyard Breaks, two companies that sell and trade high-end sports trading cards.
Playing Cards Being Used In Florida Prisons
Playing cards have proven extremely popular across Florida for reasons other than recreational fun. There have been instances whereby they have been used as a means to finding answers in some unusual ways.
Florida’s prisons have been using them to help solve cold cases. A report revealed that inmates wouldn’t be turning over cards and finding the usual symbols and numbers. Instead, they would be finding a little more.
When an inmate flips the card over, they will find an image, the name of a case, a victim, or a missing person, and some information about it. This has been part of a state-wide initiative, with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody hoping that it could help them solve around 20,000 cold cases. More than 5,000 decks have been released.
It’s hoped anonymous tips can lead to a successful lead and arrests being made. If they are, the tipster can earn up to $9,500. It’s a strategy that has been employed in various other states, with Minnesota, Mississippi, and Massachusetts among those that have already done so.
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