New tariffs pulling a wild card on Ottawa's gamers

Retaliatory tariffsimposedon the United States are now in full effect, and one item on the list is causing concern in Ottawa's gaming community playing cards.

The tariff on playing cards which came into force July 1 appliesa 10 per cent charge on a standard deck of cards, but trading cards like Magic the Gathering, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards are also hit.

"Our prices may be 10 per cent higher, but we're not making 10 per cent more, and then if our sales drop, obviously that's a concern," said Dave Tellier, owner of Wizard's Tower.

He primarily sells Magic cards, and puts on regular events. Tellier said they haven'tincreased prices yet, but customers are aware it's coming.

"We kind of stockpiled the new set a bitmore so than usual because we know ... the tariffs are going to hit us," he said. "Once that runs out, the 10 per cent we will see the increase immediately."

Wizard's Tower isn't alone.

Hans-Lee Tan, owner of GameBreakers Sports Cards said trading card enthusiasts are avid fans, but this could up prices for more than just cards.

"It means that the cost of every event they go into is going to also increase by the sameproportion," he said."I do anticipate that it will deter some people."

No other supply chain

Regular playing cards, whichdo fall under the new tariff, couldcause casinos to rethink where they are buying the large number of decks they use.

In Quebec,decks used in games where players handle the cards only have a lifespan of a few hours, according to Renaud DugasofLoto-Qubec.

The crown corporation oversees provincial casinos, including Gatineau's Casino Lac-Leamy.

Dugas said that they are currently calling for bids on aplaying card contract.

"The contract has not yet been awarded. The impact of tariffs could depend on the firm selected, as the origin of the cards vary from supplier to suppliers," Dugas said in an email.

Unfortunately for Ottawa stores, they don't have theluxury of choice because the trading cards are intellectual property.

"There's no other manufacturer for their games, each manufacturer has exclusive rights to produce their own game," Tan said.

Wizards of the Coast, the company that make Magic cards, doesn't seem too concerned about the new tariffs, seeing it more as problem for stores importing their product, Tellier said.

"They only impact they're ever going to see is if their sales decrease."

Experts believethe tariffs are aimed at Republican leadership.The United States Playing Card Company which manufactures card decks for popular brands Big Bicycle and Bee is headquartered in Kentucky, the state thatRepublican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell represents.

Wizards of the Coast on the other hand is headquartered in Washington State, which is largely considered Democrat territory.

Despite the extra cost his store is facing, Telliersupports the government's retaliation.

"This is probably the only action the government can take," he said.

"If we give into [the U.S. government's] demands they're just going to ask for more."