Pull Tabs for Churches and Nonprofits — Complete Fundraising Guide
Pull tabs are one of the most effective and low-maintenance fundraising tools available to churches, faith-based organizations and nonprofits. They require no special equipment, generate consistent revenue, and players enjoy the instant excitement of finding out whether they have won.
Whether your organization is looking for a new way to fund community programs, youth activities or building maintenance, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about using pull tabs for church and nonprofit fundraising.
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What Are Pull Tabs?
A pull tab is a small paper gaming ticket with hidden symbols behind perforated tabs. Players purchase a ticket, pull back the tabs, and instantly find out whether they have won a prize. Each game has a fixed number of tickets and a fixed number of winners built in before the game is sold. The prize structure is printed on the outside of the game box before any tickets are sold.
Pull tabs are one of the most popular forms of charitable gaming in the United States, commonly used by churches, civic organizations, VFW halls, American Legion posts and community nonprofits to generate fundraising revenue.
Are Pull Tabs Legal for Churches and Nonprofits?
Pull tab legality for churches and nonprofit organizations varies by state, county and municipality. Most states specifically permit pull tabs as a form of charitable gaming for nonprofit and faith-based organizations, but licensing requirements vary significantly.
Common legal requirements include a valid charitable gaming license issued by your state gaming commission, documentation of your organization's nonprofit or tax-exempt status, compliance with prize limits set by your state, age restrictions for players (typically 18 or 21 years old), requirements that proceeds benefit a charitable purpose, and regular reporting of gaming revenue and proceeds.
Some states have streamlined licensing processes specifically for churches and faith-based organizations. Contact your state gaming commission or attorney general's office for the most current requirements in your jurisdiction.
It is always the responsibility of your organization to verify that pull tabs are legal in your specific jurisdiction and to obtain all required licenses before conducting any gaming activities.
Why Pull Tabs Work Well for Churches and Nonprofits
Churches and nonprofit organizations are particularly well suited for pull tab fundraising for several reasons.
Members and supporters of faith-based and charitable organizations are already motivated to contribute to the cause. When pull tabs are presented as a fun way to support the organization's mission, participation tends to be high.
Pull tabs also work well at the types of events these organizations regularly host — fish fries, spaghetti dinners, community socials, holiday bazaars and annual fundraising events. These gatherings provide built-in audiences and social atmospheres where pull tabs sell naturally.
From an operational perspective, pull tabs require minimal setup and can be managed entirely by volunteers. There is no special equipment to purchase and no complicated procedures to learn.
Types of Pull Tab Games for Churches and Nonprofits
Instant pull tabs are the most straightforward format. Players purchase a ticket and know immediately whether they have won. These work well at any event with steady foot traffic and are easy for volunteers to manage.
Seal card games are particularly popular at church events and nonprofit fundraisers because they create a shared communal experience. Players hold their tickets throughout the event and the seal card is opened at the end of the evening to reveal the winners. This format builds anticipation and gives attendees a reason to stay until the end of the event.
Pull chips offer a fun variation that works well as a change of pace at regular events. Players pull a chip from a board to instantly find out if they have won. The format is tactile and engaging and tends to draw in players who might not be familiar with traditional pull tabs.
Cash boards are complete game sets with a display board that tracks which prizes have been claimed. The visual element creates interest across the room and is particularly effective at larger events like annual galas or holiday fundraisers.
How to Set Up a Pull Tab Fundraiser for Your Church or Nonprofit
Step 1 — Verify your legal requirements. Research the charitable gaming laws in your state and contact your state gaming commission to understand what licenses or permits your organization needs before selling pull tabs.
Step 2 — Designate a fundraising coordinator. Assign a staff member or volunteer to oversee the pull tab program. This person should handle ordering, inventory management, cash handling, prize payouts and record keeping.
Step 3 — Choose the right games. Select games that fit your audience and event format. For family-friendly events consider themes that appeal broadly. For adult events where a higher energy atmosphere is appropriate, games with larger top prizes tend to generate more excitement.
Step 4 — Set up a visible ticket station. Place your ticket station in a high-traffic area where attendees will naturally encounter it. Visibility is critical — supporters who see the tickets are far more likely to purchase than those who have to seek them out.
Step 5 — Train your volunteers. Make sure everyone selling tickets and paying out prizes understands the prize structure for each active game before the event starts. Keep a payout chart at the ticket station for easy reference.
Step 6 — Promote the fundraiser to your community. Let your members and supporters know about the pull tab fundraiser in advance through your newsletter, social media, email list and Sunday announcements. Supporters who know about the fundraiser ahead of time are more likely to participate.
Step 7 — Keep accurate records. Track every ticket sold and every prize paid out. Most states require detailed reporting for charitable gaming activities and good record keeping protects your organization.
Tips for Maximizing Pull Tab Revenue at Church and Nonprofit Events
Sell tickets actively rather than passively. Volunteers who approach attendees directly and offer tickets will generate significantly more sales than a ticket station that people have to seek out on their own.
Communicate the cause clearly. When supporters understand that their ticket purchase directly benefits a specific program or initiative — a youth mission trip, a food pantry, a building fund — they are more motivated to participate and more likely to purchase multiple tickets.
Run seal card games at larger events. The anticipation of a seal card opening at the end of the evening creates a memorable moment and keeps attendees engaged throughout the event.
Combine pull tabs with other fundraising activities. Pull tabs pair well with bingo, raffles, silent auctions and other charitable gaming activities. Supporters who are already in a giving mindset are more likely to try pull tabs when they see other games happening around them.
Rotate your games from event to event. Regular attendees will stay interested if you offer different game themes and formats at each event rather than running the same game repeatedly.
How Much Can Your Organization Raise?
The amount your church or nonprofit can raise from pull tabs depends on your audience size, the types of games you run, how actively your volunteers sell tickets and how often you hold events.
Each pull tab game has a fixed payout structure so your organization knows its expected return before the first ticket is sold. Organizations that run pull tabs consistently at regular events and train their volunteers to sell actively tend to generate the most reliable revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pull Tabs for Churches and Nonprofits
Can churches sell pull tabs? Most states permit churches and faith-based organizations to sell pull tabs as a form of charitable gaming with appropriate licensing. Requirements vary by state so always verify with your state gaming commission before conducting any pull tab sales.
Do nonprofits need a license to sell pull tabs? In most states, yes. Nonprofit organizations typically need a charitable gaming license before selling pull tabs. Contact your state gaming authority for current requirements in your jurisdiction.
What pull tab games work best for church events? Both instant pull tabs and seal card games work well at church events. Seal card games are particularly popular because they create a shared communal experience. Instant pull tabs work well at events with steady foot traffic like fish fries or community dinners.
Are pull tabs appropriate for faith-based fundraisers? Many churches and faith-based organizations across the United States use pull tabs as a charitable gaming fundraising tool. Whether pull tabs are appropriate for your specific organization is a decision for your leadership based on your community's values and applicable state laws.
How do you start a pull tab fundraiser at a nonprofit? Verify your state's licensing requirements, designate a fundraising coordinator, choose appropriate games, set up a visible ticket station, train your volunteers and keep accurate records of all gaming activity.
Where can churches and nonprofits buy pull tabs? Pull tab games for charitable organizations are available through specialty suppliers. EZPullTabs.com has been supplying churches, nonprofits and community organizations with quality pull tab games since 2011 with fast shipping and no minimum orders.
Whether you are running a church social, a nonprofit gala, a community fish fry or an annual fundraising event, EZPullTabs.com carries a complete selection of instant pull tabs, seal card games, pull chips and cash boards — all shipped fast with no minimum orders.
Shop Pull Tab Games for Churches and Nonprofits
Pull tab games may be regulated in your state. It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to verify that these products are legal in their jurisdiction and to obtain any required licenses before purchasing or selling pull tabs. Not available in Pennsylvania (PA).