What Are Pull Tabs? A Complete Guide to Charitable Gaming
Everything you need to know about pull tabs — from how they work to where you can find them across the Midwest.
Pull tabs are a form of charitable gaming popular across the Midwest. They're small cardboard tickets with perforated tabs that you pull open to reveal symbols or numbers underneath. Match the right combination and you win a prize — it's that simple.
How Pull Tabs Work
Each pull tab ticket has a set of perforated windows or tabs on the front. Behind these tabs are hidden symbols. When you buy a ticket (usually for $1 to $5), you pull the tabs open to see if your symbols match a winning combination shown on the game's flare (the posted prize chart).
Winning tickets are redeemed immediately at the venue for cash. Prizes can range from $1 to several thousand dollars depending on the game.
Who Benefits from Pull Tabs?
Unlike casino gambling, pull tab proceeds go to charitable organizations. In Minnesota alone, charitable gambling generates over $2 billion annually, with proceeds funding everything from youth sports leagues to veterans' organizations and local fire departments.
The organizations that benefit include VFW posts, American Legion halls, Eagles clubs, Lions clubs, churches, and other nonprofits. When you play pull tabs, you're directly supporting your local community.
Where to Find Pull Tabs
Pull tabs are available at thousands of locations across Minnesota, Alaska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Common venues include bars, restaurants, VFW posts, American Legion halls, Eagles clubs, and bingo halls. Use FindPullTabs.com to find locations near you.
Paper vs. Electronic Pull Tabs
Traditional paper pull tabs are the classic cardboard tickets you physically open. Electronic pull tabs (e-tabs) are the digital version, played on tablets or dedicated machines at venues. Both are regulated by state gambling control boards and benefit charitable organizations.