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    Using a Pull-tab Dispensing Device

    The conduct of a paper pull-tab game using a paper pull-tab dispensing device is essentially the same as when paper pull-tabs are sold from a paper pull-tab receptacle, except that gambling employees do not dispense (sell) the paper pull-tab tickets. However, additional restrictions do exist.

    Loading a game into the device

    Randomly place the entire deal of paper pull-tabs into one or more columns of the dispensing device at the same time. If tickets were placed into two or more columns and tickets remain in only one column, the tickets may continue to be sold without further splitting into multiple columns. 

    Games with a “last sale prize” or “free plays” may not be sold from a paper pull-tab dispensing device.

    Cash banks

    A cash bank is needed for prize payouts. The lessor may provide the cash bank. 

    Separate cash banks for each game in play are not required for dispensing devices.

    Use these forms

    Use the LG286 Pull-Tab Dispensing Device Game Receipts Tracking form to track receipts from a pull-tab dispensing device and audit closed games. Keep the LG286 with the closed game or with your organization’s records for at least 3-1/2 years following the end of the month in which the game was played and reported as a played game on the tax return. 

    If the bar owner (lessor) does not provide the cash bank, use the LG287 Pull-Tab Dispensing Device Cash Bank Reconciliation form. This information is required as part of the site inventory. (If the lessor provides the cash bank for the dispensing device, the LG287 is not required.) Keep the LG287 with the closed game or with your organization’s records for at least 3-1/2 years after the date the game was removed from play.

    Posting information

    • Be sure the flare is affixed to the dispensing device or posted near it in a manner that allows the flare to be clearly identified with the deal in play. 
    • House rules must be posted near the dispensing device. 
    • Post the problem gambling helpline number, 1-800-333-HOPE, in an area visible to players, such as on the front of each dispensing device. 
    • Posting of winning prizes is optional. 

    Players

    Only persons 18 and over may participate as a player.

    Storage of Unplayed or Played Games

    Unplayed or played paper pull-tab games may not be stored inside a dispensing device. However, games may be securely stored in the bottom of a paper pull-tab dispensing device stand, provided the cabinet is locked.

    Cash Shortages

    An organization and the lessor are both responsible for cash shortages relating to a paper pull-tab dispensing device, according to the following: 

    • If the shortages are in the cash bank used to redeem winning tickets, then the lessor is responsible. 
    • If the shortages are caused by malfunctions of the device (when the cash in the device does not match the number of tickets dispensed), then the organization is responsible.

    Fund Loss

    If a fund loss is discovered: 

    1. Notify local law enforcement within five days of discovering the loss (within 24 hours if the game was played in a dispensing device), and notify the Gambling Control Board. Fund losses not reported will not be considered by the Board for profit carryover adjustment. 
    2. Within 60 days, provide the Gambling Control Board with documentation of reimbursement or a request for a profit carryover adjustment due to a fund loss. This documentation must be provided to the Board within 60 days or the fund loss request will not be considered by the Board. Use form LG250 Fund Loss Request (Profit Carryover Adjustment). 

    Refer to the Internal Operations and Oversight section on fund losses.  

    Commingled Games

    Putting commingled games into play 

    Games with the same name, form number, price per ticket, prizes, and ticket count can be physically commingled in the same columns. All flares for games in the dispensing devices must be posted. NOTE: Cumulative paper pull-tab games may not be commingled. 

    A commingled deal is when two or more deals of paper pull-tabs are combined and sold from a paper pull-tab dispensing device. Using commingled deals of paper pull-tabs is not required. 

    Organizations must clearly identify any commingled games and post flares for each deal in a commingled game. The manufacturer’s serial and part (form) numbers and bar code must be affixed to each flare. The commingled paper pull-tab deals must be identical to the: 

    1. type of game, ticket, color, form number, and number of paper pull-tabs per game; 
    2. amount and denomination of prizes; and 
    3. price per paper pull-tab ticket. 

    Audit games at month-end 

    At the end of each month, all commingled games in play must be audited. This is done for the purpose of closing out games that are sold out, removing flares, and reporting the sold out games on the Schedule B2. 

    1. To conduct the audit, remove the commingled deals from play and separate each game (tickets) by serial number. 
    2. Games which do not have any remaining paper pull-tab tickets must be reported as a closed game on the Schedule B2 in the same month’s tax return. Keep the flare, prize receipts, and all winning and defective tickets from the closed game in a secured area for at least 3-1/2 years. 
    3. The remainder of the commingled deals may be returned to play once the month-end audit is completed. 

    The Board may prohibit an organization from commingling deals if the organization cannot account for the actual cash profit from each commingled deal.

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