Veterans in Indiana have allied to lobby for the legalization of electronic pull tab games.
PlayIN for Charity says e-tabs would boost revenue for veterans’ groups and attract a new generation of supporters.
The alliance represents the “Big Four” veterans’ organizations in the state: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the National Guard Association of Indiana.
The group plans to educate the public and lobby the Indiana General Assembly during the 2025 legislative session to legalize e-tab games, which it says are a “fun and responsible form of entertainment.”
What are e-tabs?
Between Indiana online sports betting, the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos, a state lottery, and the possibility of online casinos in Indiana coming next year, the Hoosier state has a robust gambling market. However, pull tabs aren’t permitted in the current legal landscape.
Pull tab games combine elements of bingo and scratch-off tickets. Players pull tabs to reveal winning symbol combinations. Paper pull tabs are sold at several veterans’ posts.
E-tabs are simply an electronic version of the paper pull tabs, which are legal.
PlayIN for Charity’s website includes a section that explains the concept of e-tabs:
“Like paper pull tabs, e-tab games contain a finite number of tickets, a defined payout and a predetermined number of winners.”
E-tabs offer the same gameplay as their paper counterparts but in a more modern and visually appealing format. They feature video displays on tablets and cabinet machines similar to slot machines in casinos.
Group wants to boost attendance at veterans’ organizations
The alliance aims to convince lawmakers to modify the legal definition of pull tabs to include the electronic games. The groups said it is open to working with legislators to establish specific regulations on the number of machines allowed in posts and wagering limits.
The alliance believes e-tabs will boost attendance and attract younger veterans to their organizations.
PlayIn for Charity’s focus is on allowing e-tabs at veterans’ posts. It has not expressed a stance on e-tabs at for-profit taverns and bars, some of which currently offer paper pull tabs.
Some states have legal e-tabs
States that have legalized e-tabs include Kentucky, Minnesota, and Ohio. The alliance website includes testimonials from veterans’ organizations in those states. One is from the past state commander at the American Legion in Kentucky.
“Electronic pull tabs have been incredibly beneficial for the American Legion in Kentucky. The additional money raised from e-tabs has allowed us to invest in our posts and engage in our communities. Our posts are now more sustainable and ready to meet the needs of our veterans long into the future.”
An Ohio-based gaming distributor, Arrow International, voiced support for the veterans’ initiative and showcased e-tab machines at a recent press conference held by PlayIN for Charity.
A better atmosphere for expanded gaming in 2025?
Charity gambling at veterans’ posts typically falls under a specific license overseen by the Indiana Gaming Commission’s Charity Gaming Division.
PlayIN for Charity will need to gain legislative support by minimizing concerns related to gambling expansion in the state.
While the effort to legalize e-tabs has a charitable component, it follows a legislative session that was not conducive to expanding gambling in the state. Efforts to legalize Indiana online casinos were put on hold after gambling misconduct by Indiana lawmakers involving casino operators.
