Purchasing or Leasing a Dispensing Device

Paper pull-tab dispensing devices may only be purchased or leased from a licensed distributor. Keep a copy of the lease or sales agreement at the premises and in the organization’s records.

Location of Paper Pull-Tab Dispensing Devices

An organization may install and use dispensing devices if the permitted premises: 

• has a valid license for on-sale intoxicating liquor or 3.2% malt beverages; or 
• has a valid license for off-sale intoxicating liquor, excluding drugstores and general food stores licensed under Minnesota Statutes, Section 340A.405, subdivision 1 (may not be a convenience store); or 
• is where bingo is conducted and admission is restricted to persons 18 years or older. 

No more than three devices may be installed at any permitted premises by all organizations conducting paper pull-tabs at the site. 

Paper pull-tab dispensing device(s): 

• must be in full view of an organization employee; and 
• may not be located in a hallway or restroom. 

Suggestion: Make sure the dispensing device is well lighted and easily seen by customers. 

Keys to the Dispensing Device

Organizations are responsible for all keys to the dispensing device. 

• The exterior door and interior compartments (for example, paper pull-tabs, cash, electronics) may have up to four keys. 
• Use the LG281 Key Log so that persons who currently have possession of the dispensing device keys can be identified. 
• If a key is lost or stolen, do not make duplicate keys. The distributor or manufacturer must replace the lock to that compartment. 
• Keys to the cash compartment must not be assigned to the lessor or lessor’s employees unless: 
  • the device has a separate locked cash box within the cash compartment, AND 
  • the lessor or lessor’s employees need the key to remove and secure the cash box at the close of business for the day. 
• Keys to the cash box may not be assigned to a lessor or lessor’s employees. 

Device Malfunctions

One game

If the dispensing device contains only one game and more than one column is used, the paper pull-tab dispensing device must become inoperable when a malfunction occurs in one of the columns. The game may resume when the malfunction has been cleared.

More than one game

If the dispensing device contains more than one game and a malfunction occurs in a column, then all columns containing paper pull-tabs for that one game must become inoperable until the malfunction has been cleared.

Policies

Establish policies that state how malfunctions are handled. All employees should understand the policy so they can explain to a player how they will receive their tickets or reimbursement if the device doesn’t dispense the correct amount of tickets.

Device Maintenance

To prevent potential dispensing problems, be sure that any maintenance is performed by the distributor, manufacturer, or your organization. 

If the paper pull-tab dispensing device dispenses too many tickets or jams, contact the distributor to make an adjustment to the paper pull-tab dispensing device. 

In the event of a catastrophic failure, prior Gambling Control Board approval is needed to clear the microchip or meters. Contact the Gambling Control Board at 651-539-1900 and ask to speak to an investigator.