APE, Cartamundi launch Macau’s first playing card factory

By AI, Created 10:59 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Asia Pioneer Entertainment and Belgium’s Cartamundi have launched Bee Macau, a casino-grade playing card factory that has begun full operations in Macau. The project is aimed at serving local gaming operators and export markets while supporting the city’s push to diversify beyond gaming.

Why it matters: - Bee Macau is Macau’s first casino-grade playing card production facility. - The launch gives Macau a new local manufacturing capability in a sector long supplied from outside the city. - The factory is positioned as part of Macau’s economic diversification and green innovation agenda. - The venture is also designed to serve gaming operators across Macau and broader casino markets in Asia and beyond.

What happened: - Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited and Belgium’s Cartamundi Group announced the joint establishment of BEE MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY MACAU COMPANY LIMITED. - Bee Macau has officially started full operations in Macau. - The factory completed test production earlier and has already exported products to Asian markets. - The launch follows a strategic cooperation agreement signed on March 27, 2026, at the Macau International Environmental Cooperation Forum & Exhibition. - The agreement signing was witnessed by senior officials from the Macau SAR Government and the Central People’s Government Liaison Office.

The details: - The project budget is HKD 500 million. - Bee Macau produces Bee® casino-grade playing cards 100% locally in Macau. - The facility is equipped with automation systems, artificial intelligence technologies and robotics. - The factory is supported by a team of local professionals. - The plant is intended to supply Macau’s six major gaming operators and casino operators worldwide. - Bee® was first printed in 1892 and has long been positioned as a casino industry standard. - Cartamundi acquired Bee® in 2019. - Cartamundi brings more than 200 years of card-making experience to the partnership. - Asia Pioneer Entertainment said Bee Macau gives the market a local choice in playing card manufacturing and adds diversity to supply. - Asia Pioneer Entertainment said Cartamundi provided world-class technology and training to Macau.

Between the lines: - The launch is another example of Macau trying to build a broader industrial base around its gaming economy. - Local production of a high-spec casino supply product could reduce reliance on imported manufacturing and strengthen Macau’s role as a regional hub. - The project also fits Macau’s push to attract foreign investment and international technology into the city. - Bee Macau may help Macau serve as a bridge to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, according to the Macau Portuguese and Spanish-Speaking Countries Entrepreneurs Association.

What’s next: - Bee Macau will showcase the project at G2E Macau. - The joint venture is expected to continue targeting Macau’s casino operators and broader Asia-Pacific markets. - The company’s website for the venture is Bee Macau. - More information and images are available here.

The bottom line: - Macau now has a local casino-grade playing card factory, and the APE-Cartamundi venture is betting that premium gaming supply can become a made-in-Macau export business.