Maintaining a Typical Bingo Pulltab Machine

Pulltabs can swell due to humidity and machine parts can wear down over time. Whether you're operating a bingo hall or managing your fraternal organization's clubroom, if you've ever sold pulltabs through a pulltab machine you've inevitably run into a jam or two.

That said, pulltab dispensers can be an invaluable revenue source. Keeping them in good working order should be a priority. Following is a video containing a couple of easy steps we've found that can help ensure the smooth operation of your pulltab machine and extend its life.

Pulltabs Jamming in Your Ticket Machine? Here's 3 Quick Tips.

Probably the #1 bingo related service call we receive is about pulltabs (charity tickets) jamming in a bingo or club's pulltab machine. Often, a ticket jam is a pretty easy thing to fix, but can be a real pain if it keeps happening, especially if the person in charge has to make repeated trips back and forth to fix a machine.

To help prevent pulltab jams:

1. Don't write on your pulltabs with a permanent marker. Some bingos like to do this to help with their counts, but this can cause pulltabs to stick together.

2. Don't over-fan your tickets to remove ticket dust. This can bend them more than it's worth. If you do fan them, do so gently.

3. If your pulltabs are bowed, they can hurt dispensing performance. Different machines work better with the bowside up or down depending on the type and manufacturer. Ask your bingo supplier for help.

For the complete story, please see 3 Quick Tips for Dispensing Pull Tabs from Your Ticket Machine, Wholesale Bingo Supplies Article.

Beware! Thefts from Pulltab Machines Increasing.

A number of clubs have recently reported pulltab thefts from their pulltab machines occuring in their clubrooms.

Apparently, two men have been spotted entering private clubs (mostly VFWs). Once there, they eventually head over to the pulltab machines, turn their backs to block the view, and using some sort of an electronic device, trick the bill acceptors into dispensing pulltabs. They are described as two big men driving a jeep with Ohio VFW cards.

Perhaps it's the state of the economy, but we've also heard of some robbery attempts at bingos recently. This would be a good time for every private club and every bingo to review your security policy (if you have one), and keep your eyes open for anyone acting strangely.