Pull-Tab Packaging, Assembly, and Distribution

PURPOSE: This rule establishes pull-tab packaging, distribution, and randomization requirements to be followed by manufacturers, suppliers, and operators to ensure fairness and integrity of the tabs when sold to the players pursuant to section 313.057(10), RSMo. (1) Manufacturers of pull-tabs shall assemble and package each pull-tab deal intended for sale in Missouri as follows: (A) Each pull-tab deal shall have the same unique serial number stamped on the flare and on each pull-tab card included in the deal; (B) Each pull-tab deal shall contain a packing slip placed inside or attached to the box(es) or container(s); and (C) The packing slip shall contain the name of the manufacturer, serial number, person(s) who packed it, and the date the deal was packaged. (2) Winning pull-tabs shall be randomly distributed and mixed among all other pull-tabs within a deal and/or series so as to eliminate any pattern between series, or portions of series, from which the location or approximate location of any of the winning tabs may be determined. The pull-tab deal or series must be assembled so that no placement or design of winners or losers exists that allows for the possibility of picking the winning pull-tabs. (3) Manufacturers shall mix pull-tabs prior to placing them in their final packaging container(s). The mix shall ensure that pull-tabs are separated from the original collated row position and dispersed amongst all rows in the final packaging container. (4) Pull-tab containers shall be sealed by the manufacturer with a sticker or seal of the manufacturer and shrink wrapped. This seal and shrink wrap can only be removed by an authorized member of the bingo organization whose name shall appear on the organization’s worker list on file with the Missouri Gaming Commission. At no time shall this seal or shrink wrap be removed by a supplier. Suppliers are prohibited from opening, repackaging, or bundling the pull-tabs. (5) Any pull-tab protection shall be shipped in one (1) single box for all pull-tab deals containing more than one (1) box or unit container. (6) The commission shall have the authority to select any pulltab deal or series, whether held by an operator, supplier, or manufacturer and to examine the quality and/or integrity of the pull-tab series in any manner including pulling all chances. Manufacturers shall be responsible for reimbursing suppliers or operators for unused games selected by the commission for quality control testing purposes. (7) Pull-tabs shall be manufactured so that it is impossible to determine by any method or device the covered or concealed numbers, symbol, set of symbols, or game protection on the pull-tab until it has been dispensed to and opened by the player. (8) All pull-tabs shall be manufactured to ensure that, when offered for sale to the public, the pull-tab is free of security defects so that the winning or losing pull-tabs cannot be determined by any method or device prior to being opened by the player. (9) Pull-tabs shall be designed in a manner which prevents the pull-tabs from being resealed to eliminate the possibility of them being reused or resold after the initial opening. (10) There shall be no consideration awarded for purchasing the last pull-tab in a pull-tab deal. The prohibition against such practice, commonly referred to as a “last sale feature” shall include, but not be limited to, pull-tab games that utilize coin boards and merchandise boards. AUTHORITY: section 313.057, RSMo Supp. 2013, and section 313.065, RSMo 2000.* Original rule filed Sept. 2, 1997, effective March 30, 1998. Amended: Filed Nov. 10, 1998, effective June 30, 1999. Amended: Filed Dec. 1, 2004, effective June 30, 2005. Amended: Filed June 25, 2015, effective Feb. 29, 2016. *Original authority: 313.057, RSMo 1984, amended 1986, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2010 and 313.065, RSMo 1981, amended 1993, 1995.