Gemaco Playing Cards, LLC is a leading supplier of high-quality playing cards, serving professional casinos, poker rooms, and iGaming studios worldwide.
Established: 1965
Headquarters: Sheridan, Wyoming, United States
About Gemaco
Founded in 1965 by George C. Matteson in Blue Springs, Missouri, Gemaco pioneered durable, precision-cut playing cards for the gaming industry. Acquired by Gaming Partners International in 2014 and Angel Playing Cards (Japan) in 2019, the company now operates independently as a privately held entity, continuing to produce casino essentials like Jumbo Index decks and preshuffled packs.
Products & Services
- Casino playing cards: Single decks, preshuffled packs. Standard, Jumbo, and Jumbo TechArt index, Barcode playing cards.
- High-volume manufacturing capabilities: Quick turnover for container size orders thanks to streamlined operations for large-scale fulfillment.
- Custom & Promotional: Tailored designs for events and brands.
Key Milestones
Rose to prominence in casino supply amid the poker boom
Founder inducted into the industry hall of fame
First preshuffled packs to attend the Baccarat market
First barcoded playing cards for online gaming studios
Senior Executives & Leadership
As of 2026, Gemaco Playing Cards LLC operates as a subsidiary of the Angel Group (Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd.), a global leader in casino gaming equipment based in Kyoto, Japan. Following the 2019 acquisition of Gaming Partners International (GPI), which owned the Gemaco brand, the leadership is integrated into the Angel Group’s global executive structure.
While Gemaco Playing Cards LLC is legally registered in Sheridan, Wyoming (often utilizing registered agent services at 30 N Gould St), its primary American manufacturing and operational hub remains in Blue Springs, Missouri.
Global Leadership (Angel Group)
The overarching strategy for the Gemaco brand is set by the parent company’s senior executives in Japan and its international subsidiaries.
- Yasushi Shigeta, Chairman and CEO of Angel Group Co., Ltd. As the head of the global group, Shigeta oversees all gaming and consumer divisions, including the US-based Gemaco manufacturing operations.
- Keijiro Kan, President of Angel Global Business Co., Ltd. & CEO of Angel Manufacturing Macau. Kan is responsible for the group’s international manufacturing footprint and global business expansion.
- Asuka Kurahashi, President and COO of Angel Macau Ltd. As well as being focused on the Asian market, Kurahashi plays a significant role in the group’s “Smart Table” and AI-integrated card technology, which are being deployed across Gemaco’s product lines.
US Operational Leadership (Gemaco & GPI Division)
The day-to-day operations of the Gemaco brand in the United States are managed through the Gaming Partners International (GPI) division of the Angel Group.
- Gregory S. Gronau, President and CEO of GPI USA. Gronau has historically led the GPI and Gemaco brands in North America. Following the Angel acquisition, he has continued to oversee the integration of Gemaco’s traditional card manufacturing with Angel’s high-tech gaming solutions.
- Rob Jackson, Vice President of Sales – Americas. Jackson manages the commercial relationships with major casino operators across North America, the primary market for Gemaco’s casino-grade playing cards.
- Andrew Cochrane, Chief Commercial Officer (Group Level). Appointed to a global role following the group’s restructuring in 2024/2025, Cochrane oversees the commercial strategy for both Angel and its subsidiary brands, like Gemaco and Paulson.
Awards & Recognition
Outside of the casino industry, Gemaco is a dominant force in the promotional products sector. They consistently hold A+ and 5-Star ratings from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). In the promotional industry, these ratings serve as annual Service and Production Excellence awards, recognizing Gemaco as the leading U.S. manufacturer of custom-printed, high-durability playing cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: As of 2026, Gemaco Playing Cards LLC is a brand under Angel Group (Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd.), a Japanese global leader in gaming equipment. Angel acquired Gaming Partners International (GPI) in 2019, which had previously purchased Gemaco from GemGroup in 2014.
A: The company’s main American manufacturing facility and headquarters are located in Blue Springs, Missouri. While the legal entity is often registered in Sheridan, Wyoming, the Blue Springs plant has served as the heart of its high-security card and layout production for decades.
A: Gemaco produces high-durability casino-grade cards, including the GemPro all-plastic line and the Gemback Casino Pro plastic-coated paper series. They are also a major supplier for the promotional products industry, creating custom-branded decks for corporate clients and retail.
A: In 2012, professional poker player Phil Ivey won millions at the Borgata using a technique called “edge sorting.” The Borgata later sued Gemaco, alleging that manufacturing inconsistencies in the card backs enabled the technique. However, the courts largely ruled in favor of Gemaco, noting the cards met industry standards.
A: Yes. In addition to playing cards, the brand is a well-known manufacturer of casino chips and high-quality table layouts (the felt surfaces for poker, blackjack, and baccarat). These products are often sold as part of a complete “smart table” solution alongside their parent company, Angel.