What Is a Pull Tab Vending Machine Used For | How they Work & Buy
A pull tab vending machine is used to sell instant-win pull-tab tickets automatically. These machines are popular for charity fundraising, bar and club gaming, and retail promotions, offering quick-play entertainment with physical tickets and instant cash or prize results.
If you stumble across this page, I’m sure you’re looking to tap into the gaming or sweepstakes market.
Without the hassle of full-blown arcade cabinets or casino-level licensing, pull tab vending machines are a smart place to start.
The good thing about this is that even for small businesses, charities, or bars, these machines offer a low-maintenance way to generate consistent revenues.
What Is a Pull Tab Vending Machine?
A pull tab vending machine dispenses pre-printed paper tickets, often used in sweepstakes, charitable gaming, and fundraising events. Each ticket includes a series of perforated “windows” that players peel back to reveal symbols, prizes, or instant wins.
Think of them like a mini scratch-off lottery, but with paper tabs instead of foil.
What Is It Used For?
Pull tab vending machines are used in places like:
- Veterans clubs and fraternal lodges (VFW, Elks, American Legion)
- Charities and fundraising events
- Bars, taverns, and bingo halls
- Truck stops and adult gaming lounges
- Sweepstakes retail locations
You will find them especially popular in states where charitable or small-scale gambling is legal, and they are giving operators a way to offer real-money games without needing a full gaming license in many cases.
By the way, before you go full in, check your state laws before buying, similar to vape vending machine, as some states require a distributor’s license, while others only allow use under a nonprofit gaming license.
How does it work?
- Load a box of pull tabs into the machine (typically 4,000–5,000 tickets per set).
- Players insert cash into the bill acceptor.
- The machine dispenses one pull tab ticket per credit.
- Players peel open the tabs to reveal win/loss outcomes.
- Winning tickets can be redeemed on-site for cash or prizes.
Machines are mechanical or electronic, and most models use bill acceptors only, which means no coins or card readers (although some newer options have touchscreen integrations). So, i want you to contact and enquire before you order.
Features of Pull Tab Machines:
Most of the pull tab machines in the U.S. include:
- Steel or aluminum casing for durability
- Anti-jam dispensing chute
- Standard Mars or Pyramid bill acceptors
- Lockable cash box and access panels
- LED display or mechanical counter
- Capacity for 4,000–10,000 tickets per fill
If you buy the newer machines, they also support digital accounting, touchscreen operation, and automated payouts, but expect to pay more for those.
Pricing Breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| New pull tab vending machine | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Used machine | $800 – $1,500 |
| Case of pull tabs (5,000 pcs) | $300 – $700 |
| Shipping & setup | $150 – $400 |
| Optional stand/base | $100 – $250 |
For a total startup range, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on whether you’re buying new or used.
Operating Costs & Profit Margins
Let’s keep it simple. You buy a case of pull tabs for around $400, and each ticket sells for $1. That’s 5,000 tickets, which could gross $5,000 in sales.
So, after payouts (usually 70–80%), we can safely assume that your net profit per case can range from $1,000 to $1,500.
There are also a few Ongoing expenses, including:
- Restocking tickets
- Occasional bill acceptor cleaning or repair
- Basic electricity costs (minimal—about $5–10/month)
These machines are just a simple plug-and-play with a standard wall outlet.
Where To Buy One
Here are common sources for buying pull tab vending machines:
- Direct from manufacturers, like Northern Vending, Arrow International, or Trade Products
- Specialty distributors: focused on gaming or sweepstakes machines
- Used vending suppliers: often found through local auction sites or resellers
- eBay or Craigslist: but be careful and check the bill acceptor and tab compatibility
If you’re operating in a licensed charitable gaming state, ALWAYS buy from a registered distributor.
What To Watch Out For
- Ticket compatibility: Not all machines accept all brands of pull tabs.
- Legal compliance: Some states limit pull tab use to nonprofits only.
- Counterfeit tickets or tampering: Make sure your tickets are sourced from a licensed supplier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to get into low-overhead gaming or fundraising, pull tab vending machines are a quiet moneymaker that don’t require daily babysitting.
For any questions or inquiries, you can let me know below or contact me, and I will get back to you ASAP.
