How to Run a Pull Tab Fundraiser Complete Guide

by Jason Smith May 25, 2026

Pull tab fundraisers are one of the most popular and effective ways for nonprofits, churches, civic organizations, and community groups to raise money quickly. They're easy to run, require no special equipment, and players love the instant excitement of a potential win.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to run a successful pull tab fundraiser from start to finish.

What Are Pull Tabs?

Pull tabs, also known as instant tickets, break-opens, or pop-opens, are small paper tickets with perforated tabs that players pull back to reveal symbols or numbers underneath. If the symbols match a winning combination printed on the ticket, the player wins a prize.

Unlike raffle tickets, pull tabs offer instant results. Players know immediately whether they've won, which makes them highly engaging and perfect for fundraising events.

Why Pull Tabs Work Great for Fundraisers

Pull tab fundraisers are popular for good reason:

Easy to run — no special training or equipment needed
Instant excitement — players get immediate results
Predictable revenue — each game has a fixed payout structure, so you know exactly how much you'll raise
Low cost to start — a single game box can generate hundreds of dollars in revenue
Flexible — works at any size event, from small club nights to large community fairs

Step 1 — Check Your Local Laws

Before anything else, verify that pull tabs are legal in your state, county, and municipality. Pull tab regulations vary widely across the United States. Most states allow pull tabs for licensed charitable and fundraising purposes, but some have restrictions on who can sell them and where.

Common requirements include:

A valid charitable gaming license
Registration with your state gaming authority
Restrictions on who can purchase tickets (age requirements)
Reporting requirements for proceeds

Check with your state's gaming or lottery commission before your event. It is the sole responsibility of the organizer to verify legality in their jurisdiction.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Pull Tab Game

Selecting the right game is key to a successful fundraiser. Here's what to consider:

Ticket price — Most pull tab games are priced at $1 per ticket. This is the sweet spot for fundraisers — low enough that players feel comfortable buying multiple tickets, high enough to generate meaningful revenue.

Ticket count — Games typically come in boxes of 285 to 4,000 tickets. For a large event a 4,000-count game can generate up to $4,000 in gross revenue from a single box.

Top prize — Higher top prizes attract more players. Games with $250, $300, or $500 top prizes generate more excitement and sell faster.

Game type — Choose from:

Instant pull tabs — classic pull-and-reveal format
Seal card games — players hold tickets until all tabs are sold, then the seal card is opened to reveal winners
Cash boards — complete game sets with a bonus board for added excitement

For most fundraisers, instant pull tabs with a $500 top prize are the most popular choice.

Step 3 — Set Up Your Game

Setting up a pull tab game is simple:

Open the box and familiarize yourself with the payout structure printed on the outside
Set up a ticket station — a table with a volunteer to sell tickets works perfectly
Display the prize board — let players see what prizes are available
Keep cash on hand for paying out smaller instant prizes
Set aside top prizes — for larger prizes, have a designated person handle payouts

Step 4 — Sell Your Tickets

The key to a successful pull tab fundraiser is selling all or most of the tickets. Here are proven tips:

Set a goal — tell your audience how many tickets need to be sold and why
Create urgency — announce how many tickets are left as the event progresses
Use volunteers — have enthusiastic volunteers walk the floor selling tickets rather than waiting at a table
Bundle deals — offer 5 tickets for $4 or 10 for $8 to encourage multiple purchases
Announce winners — call out winners publicly to build excitement and encourage more sales

Step 5 — Manage Your Proceeds

Keep accurate records of all ticket sales and prize payouts. This is especially important if your organization holds a charitable gaming license, as most states require detailed reporting of fundraising proceeds.

A simple spreadsheet tracking tickets sold, prizes paid out, and net proceeds is sufficient for most small organizations.

How Much Can You Raise?

Here's a realistic example using a popular fundraiser setup:

Game: $1 Instant Pull Tabs, 4,000 count
Gross revenue (all tickets sold): $4,000
Total payout (prizes): approximately $2,800–$3,000
Net proceeds for your organization: $1,000–$1,200 per game

Running multiple games at a single event can significantly increase your total fundraising amount.

Tips for a Successful Pull Tab Fundraiser

Order early — give yourself at least a week before your event
Start with one game — if it's your first time, start with one box and see how it goes
Train your volunteers — make sure everyone knows the payout structure and how to handle winners
Have change ready — most players pay with cash; have plenty of small bills on hand
Keep energy high — announce big winners, create excitement, keep the crowd engaged

Ready to Get Started?

EZPullTabs.com carries a full selection of instant pull tabs, seal card games, and cash boards, all shipped fast with no minimum orders. Whether you're running your first fundraiser or your fiftieth, we have the games to make it a success.

Shop Pull Tab Games →

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 before purchasing. Not available in Pennsylvania (PA).