Pull tabs are legal in Delaware as a form of charitable gaming. State rules refer to them as instant or sealed games and define a pull-tab as a folded or banded ticket, or a multi-ply card with perforated break-open tabs. They are run by qualifying nonprofit groups that hold a license from the Delaware Board of Charitable Gaming, not by commercial businesses for private profit. This is separate from the Delaware Lottery and the video lottery run at the state's casinos.
Who can run pull tabs in Delaware
Pull tabs in Delaware are reserved for charitable and nonprofit groups. The Board of Charitable Gaming licenses volunteer fire companies, veterans organizations, religious organizations, charitable organizations, and fraternal societies. To qualify, an organization generally must have existed for at least two years and hold an acceptable IRS nonprofit designation.
An organization must obtain the required license or permit before it advertises or holds a charitable gaming event. Applications are handled through the state online system known as DELPROS, the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services portal. Suppliers that provide the games also register with the Board.
How they work and where you find them
A pull tab is a folded or banded paper ticket, or a multi-ply card with perforated break-open tabs. The face is covered to hide numbers or symbols, and certain tickets in each deal are set in advance as winners. You pull the tabs open to see instantly whether you have won a prize. Delaware regulates these games through the same charitable gaming board that oversees bingo, though the two are licensed and run separately.
In Delaware, these games are tied to the licensed organization. Instant or sealed games are permitted in connection with the sponsoring group's charitable gaming, so you typically encounter them at charitable events, club nights, and hall functions rather than at a retail counter.
Notable rules and limits
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in any instant or sealed game. State rules also set younger age thresholds for helping to conduct or work an event without playing, but 18 is the floor for playing.
Delaware regulations describe pull tabs as paper tickets and cards. Electronic or tablet based pull tabs are not mentioned or authorized in the current charitable gaming rules, so the licensed games are the traditional paper kind. Because the framework is charitable, proceeds are meant to support the sponsoring organization rather than private gain.
Where can I play pull tabs in Delaware?
You will most often find charitable pull tabs at licensed veterans posts such as VFW and American Legion halls, volunteer fire company halls, fraternal lodges, and religious or charitable organization events.
Find a spot28 places to play pull tabs in Delaware