What States Can You Play Pulltabs In?
Planning a road trip and wondering if you can play pulltabs in the next state over? Or maybe you just moved and want to know if your new home state allows them?
Pulltab laws vary widely across the United States. Some states embrace charitable gaming, while others ban it completely. This guide breaks down where pulltabs are legal and what you need to know about each state.
The Short Answer
Pulltabs are legal in approximately 20 states across the United States, primarily in the Midwest, West, and Alaska. The biggest pulltab states are Minnesota, Alaska, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Montana, and Ohio.
However, just because a state allows charitable gaming doesn't mean it's easy to find pulltabs everywhere. Some states have thousands of locations, while others only have a handful.
States Where Pulltabs Are Popular
These states have well-established pulltab scenes with thousands of locations:
Minnesota
Minnesota is the pulltab capital of America. With over 2,600 licensed locations across the state, you can find pulltabs at most bars, VFW posts, and American Legion halls. The Minnesota Gambling Control Board regulates all charitable gaming.
Alaska
Alaska has over 1,000 pulltab locations statewide, making it one of the most pulltab-friendly states per capita. Since Alaska doesn't participate in Powerball or Mega Millions, pulltabs are the most popular form of gaming. The games send about $25 million per year to Alaska charities. Read our full Alaska pull tab guide →
Wisconsin
Wisconsin allows pulltabs through its state lottery system. Nonprofit organizations can sell lottery pulltabs at fundraising events and partner locations. The Wisconsin Lottery manages the program.
North Dakota
North Dakota has a strong pulltab presence, especially in bars and restaurants. The state's Attorney General's Office oversees charitable gaming, and you'll find pulltabs in most cities across the state.
South Dakota
South Dakota allows pulltabs as part of its charitable gaming laws. You'll find them primarily in bars and clubs, particularly in larger cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
Washington
Washington State has one of the most active charitable gaming scenes in the country. The Washington Gambling Commission regulates pulltabs, which you can find at bars, restaurants, and nonprofit clubs throughout the state.
Montana
Montana allows pulltabs at licensed locations across the state. They're common in bars and veterans organizations, particularly in cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls.
Ohio
Ohio allows both paper and electronic pulltabs for charitable organizations. The Ohio Attorney General's Office regulates charitable gaming, and you'll find pulltabs at veteran and fraternal clubs throughout the state.
Find pulltab locations in Minnesota, Alaska, and Iowa
Search FindPullTabs.com →Other States With Limited Pulltabs
These states allow pulltabs but with more restrictions or fewer locations:
- Kentucky: Allowed as charitable gaming, primarily at bingo halls
- Virginia: Limited charitable gaming including pulltabs
- Indiana: Some forms of charitable gaming allowed
- Colorado: Limited charitable gaming at specific licensed venues
- Oregon: Charitable gaming allowed for nonprofits
- Maine: Limited charitable gaming programs
- Michigan: Charity game tickets allowed
- Arkansas: Limited pulltab sales authorized
- New Mexico: Charitable gaming regulated by state
- Missouri: Pull tabs allowed only in private fraternal organizations
States Where Pulltabs Are NOT Legal
Many states either ban pulltabs outright or don't have charitable gaming laws that would allow them. These states generally prohibit pulltabs:
- Most Southern states (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, etc.)
- Most East Coast states (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, etc.)
- California (has lottery scratch-offs but not charitable pulltabs)
- Texas (allows bingo but not pulltabs)
- Utah (no gambling of any kind)
- Hawaii (no gambling of any kind)
If you live in one of these states, your closest option is likely scratch-off lottery tickets sold at gas stations and convenience stores.
Why Do Laws Vary So Much?
Gambling laws are set by each state, not the federal government. This means every state decides for itself what types of gaming to allow.
States that allow pulltabs usually have a few things in common:
- Strong tradition of charitable organizations (VFW, American Legion)
- Rural areas where small bars and clubs need fundraising help
- History of allowing "social gambling" among community members
- Laws specifically designed to support nonprofits
States that ban pulltabs often cite concerns about gambling addiction, difficulty regulating small venues, or moral objections to gambling.
What About Tribal Casinos?
Native American tribal casinos operate under different rules than state charitable gaming. While some tribal casinos offer pulltab-style games, these fall under federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act rules, not state charitable gaming laws.
If you're in a state without charitable pulltabs, nearby tribal casinos might have similar games.
How to Find Pulltabs in Your State
If your state allows pulltabs, here's how to find them:
- Visit local VFW posts and American Legion halls
- Check Eagles, Elks, and Lions clubs
- Ask at neighborhood bars if they have "charitable gaming"
- Look for gaming license notices posted near the bar
- Use FindPullTabs.com to search our directory
Not every bar will have pulltabs, even in states where they're legal. The venue needs a partnership with a licensed nonprofit organization.
Are More States Adding Pulltabs?
Charitable gaming laws change slowly. Most states that allow pulltabs have had these laws for decades.
However, some states are expanding charitable gaming to help nonprofits raise money. Always check your state's gaming commission or lottery website for the most current information.
The Bottom Line
Pulltabs are most common in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Washington, and Montana. If you live in one of these states, you probably have dozens of pulltab locations within driving distance.
If you're in a state that doesn't allow pulltabs, your best bet is scratch-off lottery tickets or a road trip to a neighboring state.
Ready to find pulltabs near you?
Search 3,100+ Locations Across Minnesota, Alaska & Iowa →Related: Learn what pulltabs are and how to play them.