The Top Poker Sites for Online Poker in 2025 
Best Online Sports Betting Sites 
Claim the Best Online Gambling Bonuses 
The Best Slots Games to Play Online 
Reviews of Online Gambling Sites Can You Play Pull Tab Games Online?
Author: 
Online pull tab games let you chase instant prizes, but can you actually play them online in the US? The short answer is yes, but options are limited.
In this guide, we’ll break down how pull tabs work, how they’ve been adapted for online play, where you can find them, and the closest alternatives if you’re looking for a similar style of game. Whether you’re new to pull tabs or curious about digital options, here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Pull Tabs and How Do You Play Them?
If you’ve never played pull tabs, think of it as a paper version of a slot machine, but way simpler. You buy a small paper ticket with hidden panels. Behind each panel is a symbol, and if you reveal the right combination, you win a cash prize on the spot.
Pull tabs are commonly found in bingo halls, bars, or veterans’ clubs, and they are often used for charity fundraising. Here’s how they work, step by step:
- Buy a ticket: Each pull tab comes from a sealed box (called a “deal”) with a fixed number of total tickets and a set number of winners inside. Tickets usually cost between 25 cents and $1, though some pricier ones go higher.
- Pull the tabs: The ticket has 3 to 5 small perforated windows. You tear open each one to reveal the hidden symbols underneath (like peeling back a sticker).
- Check for a match: Winning combinations (like three cherries or three gold bars) are listed on the ticket or on a nearby sign. If your ticket matches one of those combos, you’re a winner.
- Claim your prize: Smaller wins (like $1 or $5) are usually paid out right away by the cashier or bartender. Bigger prizes might need a manager to verify the win.
How Can You Play Pull Tabs Online?
Online pull tabs take the same idea as the paper version. However, digital pull-tab games often add animations, bonus features, and themed graphics. If you win, your prize is automatically added to your balance.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose a game: Sites that offer online pull tabs list them under categories like “Specialty Games” or “Instant Win.”
- Pick your bet amount: Most games let you choose how much to spend per ticket, often ranging from $1 to $25. Some games have a fixed price.
- Click to reveal: Instead of pulling a paper tab, you press a button labeled “Pull” or “Reveal.” The screen shows animated tabs being opened, and the symbols underneath are displayed instantly.
- See if you won: Just like in the paper version, you’re looking for a matching pattern, like three of the same symbols in a row. If you hit a winner, the game highlights the win and adds the prize to your online balance automatically.
Pull Tab Games to Play Online
Online pull tab games are very rare.
Most US casinos don’t offer them. In some states, you may find electronic pull-tab machines (or “e-tabs”) in age-controlled venues like bars or bingo halls, but these are in-person devices rather than internet games.
That said, online pull tab games are popular internationally. In countries like Canada and the UK, online casinos do offer digital pull tabs. For example, we found that UK players can try games like Pull a Cracker, a holiday-themed pull tab title found on sites like Slingo. But if you’re in the US, you won’t have access to it unless you’re playing from overseas.
Pull Tab Alternative to Play Online in the USA: Scratch Cards
If you’re looking for something that feels like a pull tab, we recommend trying a real money scratch card game instead.
One solid option is Aztec Warrior by Dragon Gaming, available at Wild Casino.
We like this game because it offers the same quick thrill as pull tabs. You just have to click to scratch, reveal the symbols, and see if you’ve won. When playing, we found the pacing fast and satisfying, with nice animations and simple rules that make it easy to jump right in.
Bets start at just $1, and you can win up to $5,000 depending on your stake.
It’s similar to pull tabs because there’s no strategy involved, just instant outcomes and straightforward wins.
Online vs. Physical Pull Tabs – Key Differences
While the core concept is comparable, online pull tabs differ from physical pull tabs in several ways. The following table summarizes the key differences in mechanics, odds, and accessibility.
| Aspect | Physical Pull Tabs (Paper) | Online Pull Tabs (Digital) |
|---|---|---|
| Game Mechanics | Paper tickets with perforated tabs that you tear open by hand. Each ticket has a few hidden symbols. One ticket = one play. Some offer multiple windows (more chances per card). | Digital interface with a “reveal” button. The software virtually pulls back tabs to show symbols. Often multi-line interfaces (mimicking multiple tabs. Gameplay is instant click-and-reveal, no physical handling. |
| Outcome Determination | Based on a finite pool—a fixed number of tickets with predetermined winners. Odds change as tickets are sold (some players track remaining prizes). | Outcomes are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). Each play is independent, with consistent odds every time. No tracking or prize pool involved. |
| Payout Odds | Lower payout percentage, usually around 75%–85% RTP, since they often raise money for charities or bars. Example: A box of 1,000 tickets might return $750 in prizes. | Higher payout rates, often 90%–96% RTP, similar to slot machines. For instance, Pull a Cracker offers a 96.2% RTP. Designed for entertainment, not fundraising, so players get more frequent wins. |
| Regulation | Managed by state laws under charitable gaming rules. Only specific organizations (e.g., nonprofits, veterans’ groups) can offer them. Strict oversight on pricing, payouts, and records. | Treated as casino games in jurisdictions where legal. Online versions are tested for fairness and certified. |
Final Thoughts: Are Online Pull Tabs Worth It?
Online pull tabs are fun, but they’re hard to find in US online casinos. If you want a quick-reveal game, scratch games are the closest alternative to pull tabs.
You’ll get the same rush of a quick reveal, potentially higher payout percentages than paper tabs, and all the convenience of playing from home.
Contact Taylor
