It is actually seen as an actual word within the American English language even though it is seen as a non-standard word. It has been in widespread use since the beginning of the 20th century. Yes it has two negatives which do make it redundant and yet it is still used for emphasis by even very educated speakers to enunciate a point or meaning.

Irregardless of why he played the race card he did so. Clinton playing the gender card is just as bad but we were not speaking of her. You should never play the race card.