Charitable Gaming in North Dakota
Charitable gaming is by far the most widely available legal gambling in North Dakota. Electronic pull tabs alone generate billions in annual sales at licensed bars, restaurants and clubs across the state. Bingo, raffles, blackjack and poker are also authorized for licensed charitable organizations. The ND Office of the Attorney General Gaming Division regulates the program.
ND Charitable Gaming Products
Electronic Pull Tabs
Touch-screen pull-tab terminals at bars and restaurants. The largest charitable gaming category in ND; generating well over $2 billion in annual sales statewide.
Paper Pull Tabs
Traditional paper pull-tab tickets sold over the counter at licensed locations.
Bingo
Cash bingo at licensed halls. Limited to charitable organizations with a valid permit.
Raffles
Charitable raffles with permits. Common at fundraisers, sports clubs and churches.
Twenty-One / Blackjack
Live blackjack tables operated by charitable organizations at licensed locations. Limited stake structures.
Poker
Limited charitable poker is permitted under specific licensing rules.
Sports Pools / Calcuttas
Authorized for charitable purposes with permit. Common around major sports events.
How ND Charitable Gaming Works
North Dakota authorizes gambling activities under a "charitable gaming" framework; the games can only be operated by qualified charitable, fraternal, civic, religious, educational or veterans organizations. The licensed organization keeps the net proceeds for its charitable purposes, with a portion going to state tax.
Electronic Pull Tabs Boom
Electronic pull tab terminals exploded across ND after legalization. They look and play similarly to slot machines but are technically pull-tab tickets dispensed from a finite electronic deal. The growth has made e-tabs by far the dominant charitable gaming category in the state; generating multi-billion-dollar annual sales and reshaping the local bar economy.
Tax Treatment for Operators
Licensed organizations remit a portion of gross revenue to the state. Some receipts are also paid to host municipalities. Charitable organizations must use net proceeds for qualifying charitable purposes; local food banks, youth sports, scholarships, veterans services and similar programs.
Player Protections
Players must be 21+. The Compulsive Gambling Prevention and Treatment Fund (financed by lottery and gaming receipts) supports problem gambling resources statewide. See our Responsible Gambling page for help resources.
Charitable Gaming ND; FAQ
What is charitable gaming in North Dakota?
Charitable gaming in ND covers gambling activities; pull tabs, bingo, raffles, blackjack, poker, sports pools; operated by licensed charitable, fraternal, civic, religious, educational or veterans organizations. Net proceeds must go to the licensed organization's charitable purposes. The Office of the Attorney General Gaming Division regulates the program.
How big is electronic pull tab gaming in ND?
Electronic pull tabs are by far the largest charitable gaming category in North Dakota. Statewide sales generate billions of dollars per year, distributed across thousands of e-tab terminals at bars, restaurants and clubs. Proceeds fund local charities while generating significant state tax revenue.
How old do I have to be to play charitable gaming in ND?
You must be 21 or older to play electronic pull tabs and most other charitable gaming products at licensed sites in North Dakota.
Are pull tab winnings taxable?
Yes. Pull tab winnings are taxable income. Larger jackpots may trigger W-2G reporting requirements. Net annual gambling winnings are reportable on federal and ND state returns.
Can I play charitable gaming online in ND?
No. Charitable gaming products including electronic pull tabs are only available at licensed in-person sites; bars, restaurants, fraternal halls, bingo halls. ND has not authorized any online charitable gaming.
How do I find a licensed charitable gaming site?
The ND Office of the Attorney General Gaming Division publishes a list of licensed locations. Most ND bars and restaurants in cities of any size offer at least electronic pull tabs.