Abstract: A protective housing for playing cards is provided for use with table games requiring restricted access to the discarded playing cards during the continued play of the game. An outer cover is provided, with a lower opening configured to enable the outer cover to be slidably received by a playing card discard holder, which is typically anchored to the gaming table. A card receiving slot is formed in an upper portion of the cover, enabling continued access to the playing card holder by the dealer to deposit discards during the play of the game. Access to the discarded playing cards received by the discard holder is restricted pending removal of the outer cover by the dealer.