Legislature OKs electronic pull tabs at Indiana veterans, fraternal lodges

Legislation allowing Indiana veterans and fraternal organizations to incorporate electronic pull tabs alongside traditional paper pull tab games for fundraising is now awaiting the governor’s approval. The Senate granted final approval with a 35-12 vote, permitting a limited number of these machines in the primary facilities of eligible organizations that have continuously operated in Indiana for at least five years. Senate Enrolled Act 209 ensures electronic pull tab machines function like their paper counterparts, requiring players to manually open each row and prohibiting slot machine or casino-like imagery. Additionally, winnings from bonus features are capped at the predetermined prize set when the ticket is purchased, reported NWI.com.

Under the legislation, organizations may install up to three electronic pull tab devices in venues with a maximum occupancy of 99 people, five in locations with fewer than 250 occupants, and no more than seven in larger facilities, while still maintaining paper pull tabs. All devices must be approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission and can only be used at the licensed organization’s primary site. However, a separate initiative in House Bill 1433, which sought to expand electronic pull tab access to bars and taverns, failed to move forward in the House earlier this year.