Abstract
A study of pull tab gambling in Minnesota was undertaken to describe the state's most popular form of gambling. The study also focused on the detection of any abuses or addictive problems that might be associated with it. Pull tab gambling is similar to slot machine gambling. The game, fundamentals of play, and some of the behaviors of pull tab gamblers are described. Various playing patterns and strategies, pull tab etiquette, the numbers and types of players, amounts of money bet, player's wins and losses, house profits, gambling abuses, behaviors which may indicate problem gambling, and dealer/player relationships are discussed. The study concludes with suggestions to help minimize some of the actual and potential problems and abuses that accompany pull tab gambling.
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This study was supported by funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Mental Health Division. The information presented here is based on a report (Schaefer & Aasved, 1990) submitted to that agency.
The authors would like to thank Drs. Sue Fisher and Mark Griffiths for their helpful suggestions and comments on an earlier draft of this paper.
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Aasved, M.J., Schaefer, J.M. “Minnesota slots”: An observational study of pull tab gambling. J Gambling Stud 11, 311–341 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02104796
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02104796