Less than one year following their introduction in North Dakota, electronic pull tabs generated more than $8.9 million in charitable gaming taxes for the state’s general fund—25 percent higher than legislative forecasts and 35 percent ahead of the same point in the previous time period, said state Gaming Director Deb McDaniel.
The electronic pull tabs took only “a tiny bit” of revenue from other forms of gaming, McDaniel said. “We expected it to just all come from other game types and that there would be no additional money getting in there. We were wrong. By a lot.”
The current budget cycle ended June 30, but final tax revenue figures won’t be released for several more weeks
North Dakota lawmakers approved electronic pull tabs in the 2017 legislative session and they were introduced last August. Currently 174 organizations conduct more than 1,700 devices in 470 sites across the state, McDaniel said.
The law allow up to 10 devices at each site. Players must be at least 21 years of age. Only cabinet-style devices—not handheld portables—are allowed.
State Rep. Andy Maragos, sponsor of the 2017 bill, said he’s in favor of some charitable gaming tax revenue going to problem gambling services. “It’s always welcome news for me when I think the charities are doing better and are able to support the missions that they have for themselves. My only hope is compulsive gaming hasn’t increased,” he said.
