A card game device prepares shuffled and verified cards for a range of casino card games that utilize one or more decks, and also accommodates games that utilize pre-formed hands. The device has a first operating mode for automatically discharging play-ready hands used in poker games, and may be programmed to accommodate a number of game variations and number of players. Non-faulty decks are moved to a metering station where they are individually metered to a first discharge portal at high speed while forming the play-ready hands. In a second operating mode, the device discharges shuffled and verified decks to a second discharge portal. The device provides a universal shuffler that simplifies casino maintenance and eliminates downtime between card games. Decks having faulty cards are discharged to the first discharge portal after notification to the device operator. The embodiments also feature a rapid purging capability.