Pull tabs, the small break-open paper tickets you buy for a chance at an instant prize, are a legal and long-standing form of charitable gaming in Indiana. They are regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission under the state's Charity Gaming law and are offered only by qualified nonprofit organizations that hold a charity gaming license. This is separate from the Hoosier Lottery and from casino gaming. The proceeds are meant to support the sponsoring organization's charitable, civic, or veterans-related purposes.
Who can run pull tabs in Indiana
Pull tabs may be sold only by qualified organizations, meaning bona fide religious, educational, senior citizen, veterans, or civic, fraternal, and charitable groups that are tax-exempt under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code. These organizations generally must have been in continuous operation in Indiana for a period of years before they can qualify. Ordinary businesses and individuals cannot legally sell pull tabs for profit.
Before offering pull tabs, an organization must obtain the appropriate charity gaming license from the Indiana Gaming Commission and follow its rules on record keeping, reporting, and use of proceeds. The people selling the tickets are typically required to be members of the organization, and workers and players alike must meet the age requirement set by the state.
How pull tabs work and where you find them
A pull tab is a folded or banded ticket, or a two-ply perforated card, with a face that is hidden until the player pulls it open to reveal symbols or numbers. A fixed number of tickets in each deal are predetermined as winners, so the odds and prizes for a game are set in advance. Players buy tickets from the sponsoring organization and redeem winners on the spot.
In Indiana you will most often see pull tabs at veterans posts and fraternal club halls during licensed charity gaming activity, alongside bingo, raffles, and similar events. They are sold at the organization's own premises or licensed events rather than at commercial bars operating for profit.
Electronic pull tabs and recent changes
Indiana modernized its charity gaming framework through Senate Enrolled Act 209, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The law authorizes electronic pull tab games, played on tablet-style devices approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission, for qualified fraternal and veterans organizations that hold a valid charity gaming license and meet the state's continuous-operation requirement.
Every electronic pull tab device and system must be approved by the Commission before it can be used, and organizations are responsible for making sure only players who meet the minimum age take part. The first approved devices began appearing at Indiana posts and lodges in late 2025.
Where can I play pull tabs in Indiana?
Pull tabs are found at licensed nonprofit venues such as VFW and American Legion posts and fraternal lodges like the Elks, Moose, and Eagles, typically during charity gaming activity.
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