In Virginia, pull tabs are a legal form of charitable gaming. The state groups them together with instant bingo and seal cards, and they are permitted when a qualified nonprofit organization holds the proper permit. Charitable gaming is overseen by the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs, a division of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). The rules live in the Code of Virginia's Charitable Gaming Law and in the state's charitable gaming regulations.
Who can run pull tabs in Virginia
Pull tabs are reserved for qualified nonprofit organizations, not private businesses or individuals. That typically means groups like volunteer fire and rescue squads, veterans posts, fraternal lodges, churches, and other charitable and civic organizations that meet the state's eligibility rules.
An organization that expects meaningful gaming receipts must apply to the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs for a permit before it can conduct instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards. Smaller operations that stay under the state's receipt threshold may be exempt from the full permit requirement. Either way, groups must buy their paper supplies from a licensed supplier, and any electronic gaming devices must come from a permitted manufacturer.
How they work and where you find them
A paper pull tab is a small multi-layer ticket. You pull open the perforated tabs to reveal a row of symbols, and matching combinations win a set prize. In Virginia, paper pull tabs and instant bingo are generally offered in connection with a nonprofit's bingo operation, so you most often see them where a qualified group is running bingo. The cards may also be dispensed by mechanical equipment.
Because the games are tied to charitable operations, you find pull tabs at nonprofit-run venues rather than commercial casinos or bars. Think bingo halls, veterans and fraternal club rooms, and fire or rescue company events.
Electronic pull tabs and other rules to know
Virginia has authorized electronic gaming, but on a limited basis. Under the charitable gaming law, only qualified social organizations (such as certain fraternal and veterans groups) may conduct electronic versions of instant bingo, pull tabs, and seal cards, and only within their social quarters or elsewhere on the premises of their primary location, up to a capped number of devices per site. The devices must come from a permitted manufacturer, and VDACS administers approval of the equipment.
The age rules differ by format. For traditional paper instant bingo, pull tabs, and seal cards, players must be at least 18. For electronic gaming, the minimum age is higher: no one younger than 21 may participate in electronic gaming or use an electronic device to play or redeem these games. Organizations must also keep detailed records of their supplies and proceeds, use a dedicated gaming account, and direct a required share of the money to charitable purposes. The charitable gaming rules have been revised in recent years, so operators should confirm the current requirements with VDACS.
Where can I play pull tabs in Virginia?
You will typically find pull tabs at nonprofit-run bingo halls, VFW and American Legion posts, fraternal lodges, and volunteer fire and rescue company events across Virginia.
Find a spot309 places to play pull tabs in Virginia