Las Vegas-style plastic playing cards are slightly larger than a standard card playing deck making it easier to flip the cards and recognize card suits within the hand. Amateur card players can experience casino-style card playing by purchasing used cards from popular Las Vegas casinos such as the MGM Grand and Caesars Palace.

Vegas plastic playing cards are slightly larger than standard-sized playing cards. Thy are about 0.31 mm thick, making them easy to hold and shuffle. Made from PVC, cellulose plastic, or paper with a PVC finish, Las Vegas-style plastic playing cards are sought after by players due to the snap of the card and the ability of the card to hold its shape.

The Kem plastic playing card is the most widely used card in professional and casino card games. To meet casino ratings, a card must resist smudging, scuffs and remain durable through rough use. Bee brand cards are used by the World Poker Tournament and at world renowned Vegas casinos such as the Bellagio, Mirage and Treasure Island. Casinos such as the Palms in Las Vegas use Aristocrat Vegas plastic playing cards---the second most popular plastic playing card. Bicycle brand cards are also widely used in Las Vegas and are designed to casino specifications or to a theme such as "Playboy" or "Welcome to Las Vegas."

Professional card players use plastic playing cards as they compete in poker tournaments and other card competitions. In professional venues such as casinos and tournaments, cards are changed and discarded after only a few rounds of play. In card games such as Texas Hold Em and Blackjack, cards are slid across the table as they are being dealt, and must be easily turned. Plastic cards also aid in fluid movement of cards by dealers at casino tables.

Most standard Las Vegas-style plastic playing cards are either red or blue on one side and multi-color on the other. Cards used at casinos or cards that are re-sold from tournament usage can be recognized by a distinct radius cut located on the opposite corners of the card; the radius cut shows that the card deck has been retired and the cards are no longer in use at the casino. Cards played in professional tournaments and those at casinos often display their logo on the back of each card.

When Las Vegas-style plastic playing cards are used effectively, they benefit both the player and the dealer with fast play and fewer dealer errors. The plastic coating makes for easy handling as well as durability. The cards can be cleaned with a damp cloth and look fresh and new when properly cared for. Las Vegas-style plastic cards resist bending and tearing from repeated use and shuffling unlike standard playing cards.