What Are Pulltabs? A Complete Guide for Beginners

Ever walked into a bar and seen those colorful paper tickets behind the counter? Those are pulltabs, and they're one of the most popular forms of charitable gaming in the United States.

If you've never played pulltabs before, you're in the right place. This guide will explain everything you need to know about pulltabs in simple terms.

What Exactly Are Pulltabs?

Pulltabs are paper tickets with perforated tabs that you pull open to reveal symbols underneath. Think of them like scratch-off lottery tickets, but instead of scratching, you pull tabs.

Each pulltab costs anywhere from $0.25 to $5, depending on the game. The ticket shows you what symbols you need to match to win, and you pull the tabs to see if you're a winner.

How Do Pulltabs Work?

Playing pulltabs is simple:

• Buy a ticket from a bar, VFW post, or American Legion hall
• Look at the front to see what symbols win
• Pull open the tabs on the back
• If your symbols match a winning combination, you win that prize
• Take your winning ticket back to where you bought it to claim your prize

You must cash in winning tickets on the same day and at the same location where you bought them. This is required by law in most states.

Are Pulltabs Legal?

Yes! Pulltabs are legal in many states, but the rules vary. States like Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington allow pulltabs as a form of charitable gaming.

The key word here is "charitable." Pulltabs can only be sold by nonprofit organizations like:

• Veterans organizations (VFW, American Legion)
• Fraternal clubs (Eagles, Elks, Lions)
• Fire department relief associations
• Churches and community groups

Regular businesses can't sell pulltabs unless they're selling them on behalf of a nonprofit.

How Much Can You Win?

Prize amounts vary by game. Most pulltabs have prizes ranging from $1 to $500, with some special games offering jackpots of $1,000 or more.

The odds of winning are printed on every pulltab game. Unlike lottery tickets, pulltab odds are guaranteed because each game has a fixed number of winning tickets. Once all the winners are claimed, that game is done.

Pulltabs vs Scratch-Off Tickets: What's the Difference?

People often confuse pulltabs with scratch-off lottery tickets, but they're different:

• Pulltabs: Sold by nonprofits at bars and clubs, money goes to charity, you pull tabs instead of scratching
• Scratch-offs: Sold by state lotteries at gas stations and stores, money goes to state programs, you scratch off the coating

Both are instant-win games, but pulltabs are more social. You play them at bars and community events, not at a gas station counter.

Where Can You Play Pulltabs?

You'll find pulltabs at:

• Local bars and restaurants
• VFW and American Legion posts
• Eagles, Elks, and Lions clubs
• Bingo halls
• Community fundraising events

Not every bar has pulltabs. The venue needs to partner with a nonprofit organization that has a gaming license.

Why Are Pulltabs So Popular?

Pulltabs have been around since the 1970s and they're still going strong. Here's why people love them:

• Instant results: No waiting for a drawing
• Low cost: You can play for as little as $0.25
• Social activity: Fun to play with friends at the bar
• Supports charity: Your money helps local nonprofits
• Better odds than lottery: Smaller prize pools mean better chances

Tips for Playing Pulltabs

If you're new to pulltabs, here are some tips:

• Start with lower-priced tickets ($0.50 - $1) while you learn
• Ask the bartender which games are "hot" (still have big prizes left)
• Set a budget before you start playing
• Remember that it's supposed to be fun, not a way to make money
• Cash in winners immediately - don't leave with unclaimed tickets

The Bottom Line

Pulltabs are a simple, fun form of gambling that supports local charities. Whether you're at your neighborhood bar or a VFW post, pulltabs offer instant excitement with the chance to win cash prizes.

Now that you know what pulltabs are, the next step is finding where to play them near you.

Want to learn more? Check out our other guides on how pulltabs work and what states allow pulltabs.