Standards for Construction of Manual Pull-Tabs

Standards for Construction of Manual Pull-Tabs. (a) Pull-tabs shall be constructed so that it is impossible to determine the covered or concealed number, symbol, or set of symbols on the pull-tab until it has been dispensed to and opened by the participant by any method or device, including but not limited to: the use of a marking, variance in size, variance in paper fiber, or light. (b) All pull-tabs, except banded and latex covered pull-tabs, will be constructed using a two or three ply paper stock construction. (c) The manufacturer shall conspicuously print on the face or cover sheet the name of the manufacturer or trademark identifying the manufacturer. The serial number shall be printed on the game information side of the ticket. On banded pull-tabs, the serial number and the name of the manufacturer or trademark identifying the manufacturer shall be printed so both are readily visible prior to opening the pull-tab. Each deal or set shall have a separate serial number, and no serial number used on a deal of pull-tabs may be repeated on that same manufacturer’s form number within a three-year period. (d) The cover sheet or "open here" side may show the participant how to open the pull-tab to determine the symbols or numbers. The cover sheet will contain perforated and/or clean-cut openings centered over the symbols or numbers on the back of the face sheet in such a manner as to allow easy opening by the participant after purchase of the pull-tabs, while at the same time, not permitting pull-tabs to be opened prematurely in normal handling. Perforation should exist on both horizontal lines of the opening with either a perforated or clean-cut edge on the vertical or elliptical line where the tab must be grasped for opening after bending the edge of the ticket down. On latex covered pull-tabs, either the face or back of the pull-tab may show the participant how to remove the latex to determine the symbols or numbers. On banded pull-tabs, the bands shall be color coded when individual serial numbers are repeated. (e) Pull-tabs will be glued or sealed so that it is impossible to determine the covered or concealed numbers, symbol or set of symbols on the pull-tab until it has been dispensed to and opened by the participant. (f) All pull-tabs shall be of a uniform thickness within a series. Vendable pull-tabs are defined as pull-tabs that are sold out of mechanical pull-tab dispensing devices approved for use in this state. The single opening and double-sided tabs shall have an overall bulk thickness of .045 inch per pull-tab plus or minus .003 inch. The multiple opening tabs shall have an overall bulk thickness of .026 inches per pull-tabs plus or minus .002 inches. (g) Non-vendable pull-tabs are defined as those that cannot be sold out of mechanical pull-tab dispensing devices approved for use in this state. Non-vendable pull-tabs may be dispensed from fishbowls, receptacles, or spindles; however, in no case shall non-vendable pull-tabs be dispensed from the packing box. Manufacturers of non-vendable pull-tabs may use any thickness that complies with all other rules. In no instance will any type of pull-tabs be approved where the winning tabs are distinguishable by visible variation in dimension. (h) All pull-tabs within a single pull-tab series shall also be uniform in length and width and may not vary by more than 3/64 inch between series. Vendable pull-tabs which are single opening or double sided tabs shall be 1 7/8 inches x 1 inch, plus or minus 1/8 inch. Multiple opening vendable pull-tabs shall be 3 1/2 inches x 1 7/8 inches, plus or minus 1 inch. Non-vendable pull-tabs may be manufactured in any size as long as the pull-tabs are in compliance with all other rules. (i) For winner protection, a unique symbol or printed device shall be placed in the high tier instant winner window so as to ensure that the high tier instant winner is made unique. (j) It should not be possible to detect or pick out winning from losing tickets through variations in printing, graphics or colors, especially those involving different printing plates.