How Do Pulltabs Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

Published February 18, 2026 | 7 min read

Walked into a bar and seen people playing pulltabs but not sure how they work? You're not alone. While pulltabs look simple, first-timers often have questions about the rules and how to play.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to play pulltabs like a pro.

The Basics: What You're Looking At

A pulltab is a small paper ticket, usually about the size of a business card. The front shows the game's name, price, and what symbols you need to match to win. The back has perforated tabs covering hidden symbols.

Each game has a specific number of tickets in a "deal." A deal might have 1,000 tickets with predetermined winners mixed throughout. Once a deal sells out, that game is done.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Pulltabs

Step 1: Choose Your Game

Go to the bar or counter where pulltabs are sold. You'll see multiple games available at different price points - usually $0.25, $0.50, $1, $2, or $5 per ticket.

Ask the bartender which games still have big prizes available. They can usually tell you which deals are "hot."

Step 2: Buy Your Ticket

Tell the seller which game you want and how many tickets. Pay for your tickets. Most places take cash only, though some accept cards.

You'll receive your tickets. Don't open them yet.

Step 3: Read the Front

Look at the front of your ticket carefully. It shows exactly what symbol combinations win and how much each combination pays.

Common winning patterns include: three matching symbols, four in a row, or specific symbol combinations like "7-7-7" or "BAR-BAR-BAR."

Step 4: Pull the Tabs

Flip the ticket over. You'll see perforated tabs that you can pull open. Carefully pull each tab to reveal the symbols underneath.

Pull all tabs before checking if you won. Some games have multiple ways to win on a single ticket.

Step 5: Check for Winners

Compare the symbols you uncovered to the winning combinations on the front. If your symbols match any winning pattern, you've won that prize!

Some tickets have multiple winning combinations, so check carefully.

Step 6: Claim Your Prize

If you won, take your winning ticket back to where you bought it. The seller will verify your win and pay you in cash on the spot.

Keep your ticket intact - torn or damaged tickets might not be honored.

Important: You must cash winning tickets the same day and at the same location where you bought them. Don't leave with unclaimed winners!

Understanding Pulltab Odds

Unlike lottery scratch-offs where odds are a mystery, pulltab odds are straightforward. Every game clearly states how many tickets are in the deal and how many winners there are.

For example, a typical $1 pulltab game might have:

1,000 total tickets in the deal
1 grand prize of $500
5 prizes of $100
20 prizes of $20
100 prizes of $5
200 prizes of $1

This means 326 out of 1,000 tickets are winners (32.6% win rate). As tickets sell, the odds change. If the $500 prize is already claimed, it's impossible to win it from that deal.

Smart Pulltab Strategies

While pulltabs are games of chance, experienced players follow these tips:

Ask About Open Deals: Bartenders usually know which games still have major prizes available. A fresh deal with all prizes intact has better odds than one that's mostly sold.

Start Small: If you're new, begin with cheaper tickets ($0.50 or $1) to learn how the games work before risking more money.

Set a Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend before you start. Stick to it. Pulltabs are for fun, not income.

Check Every Ticket Carefully: It's easy to miss a winning combination, especially on games with multiple ways to win. Take your time.

Cash Winners Immediately: Don't accumulate winning tickets. Cash them in right away so you don't accidentally lose them or forget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New players often make these errors:

Leaving with winning tickets: You can't cash them later or at a different location
Tearing tickets before checking: Damaged tickets might be rejected
Not reading the rules: Each game has different winning combinations
Chasing losses: Buying more tickets to "win back" money rarely works
Playing intoxicated: Easy to make mistakes or lose track of spending

Ready to find pulltab locations near you?

Search FindPullTabs.com →

Different Types of Pulltab Games

While the basic mechanics are the same, you'll find different game styles:

Standard Symbol Games

Match three identical symbols (cherries, bars, 7s) to win. Simple and straightforward.

Number Games

Match numbers instead of symbols. Some require exact matches, others want you to beat a target number.

Bingo-Style Games

Form patterns like regular bingo. These often have more complex rules but bigger prizes.

Progressive Games

Some locations offer progressive jackpots that grow until someone wins. These games typically cost more but offer bigger prizes.

Pulltab Etiquette

When playing pulltabs at bars and clubs, follow these unwritten rules:

Don't block the counter - move aside after buying so others can purchase
Cash small winners right away; don't make the seller keep track
Tip your seller, especially after big wins
Don't ask other players to see their tickets - it's considered rude
Dispose of losing tickets properly in provided containers

How Pulltabs Compare to Other Games

Pulltabs vs. Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets:

Better odds: Pulltabs typically have 20-40% win rates vs. 10-30% for scratch-offs
Smaller prizes: Max prizes usually $500-$1,000 vs. millions for scratchers
Instant cash: Pulltabs pay immediately; big lottery wins require claims at lottery offices
Social experience: Play at bars with friends vs. alone at a gas station

The Bottom Line

Playing pulltabs is simple once you understand the basics. Buy a ticket, pull the tabs, check for winners, and cash in immediately if you won. The key is treating it as entertainment, not investment.

Now that you know how pulltabs work, find a location near you and give them a try!

Want to learn more? Read about what pulltabs are and where your money goes when you play.