Pull tabs are a form of charitable gambling in most states, but Hawaii is not one of them. Hawaii bans essentially all gambling, and its statutes do not provide any framework for nonprofits, veterans posts, or fraternal clubs to run pull tabs, bingo, or paid raffles. The only narrow carve-out is private social gambling in a home, which does not allow selling pull tabs to the public. There is no state lottery, no casino, and no charitable-gaming regulator in Hawaii.
Is any charitable gaming allowed in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii treats gambling as a criminal offense under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 712, Part III. A person commits the offense of gambling by knowingly advancing or participating in gambling activity, and the state does not license nonprofits, charities, veterans organizations, or fraternal groups to run any gaming.
Because Hawaii statutes do not provide for charitable gaming of any kind, there is no pull-tab license, no bingo license, and no paid-raffle license to apply for. Hawaii is one of only two states, together with Utah, that maintain a near-total ban on gambling, which is why there is no state gaming commission or charitable-gaming regulator here.
The one narrow exception: private social gambling
Hawaii allows a very limited form of private social gambling under HRS section 712-1231. To qualify, all players must take part on equal terms, no one other than a player as a winner may profit, no minor may be involved, and the game cannot take place at a business, hotel, school, park, or other public establishment.
This exception is meant for a friendly game in a private home, not for organized gaming. It does not authorize a nonprofit, bar, or club to sell pull tabs to the public, so it does not create any path to legal charitable pull tabs.
What this means for pull tabs
Charitable pull tabs, including paper break-open tickets and electronic tablet e-tabs, are not sold anywhere in Hawaii. No venue is licensed to offer them, and there is no minimum playing age because there is no legal product to play.
If you have seen pull tabs at a VFW post, American Legion hall, or bar, that was in another state. Bringing tickets or a machine into Hawaii does not make them legal here. Players who want to find licensed pull-tab locations will need to look to states that authorize charitable gaming.
Where can I play pull tabs in Hawaii?
Pull tabs are not offered anywhere in Hawaii; no bars, veterans posts, fraternal clubs, or other venues are licensed to sell them because the state authorizes no charitable gaming.
Find a spot29 places to play pull tabs in Hawaii