CHAPTER 19
PULL-TAB GENERAL RULES
[Prior to 9/17/03, see 705—Ch 11]
531—19.1(99G) Authorization of pull-tab games. The lottery authority board authorizes the lottery to sell pull-tab tickets which meet the criteria specified in this chapter.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement section 99G.9(3).
531—19.2(99G) Definitions. As used in this chapter the following definitions are applicable.
“Low-tier prizes” are prizes which are included in the guaranteed low-end prize structure of a pull-tab game.
“Pull-tab tickets” are instant lottery tickets that are played by opening tabs to reveal if a prize was won. “Pull-tab tickets” do not include “scratch tickets” that are played by removing a rub-off covering from the play area.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.3 and 99G.9(3).
531—19.3(99G) Pull-tab ticket price. The lottery shall specify the price of pull-tab tickets in the specific game rules for each game.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3) and 99G.21.
531—19.4(99G) Method of play. Each pull-tab ticket shall have tabs under which play symbols shall appear. A winning ticket shall be determined by matching, aligning, adding, or locating symbols or numbers under the tabs.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3) and 99G.21.
531—19.5(99G) Ticket validation requirements.
	19.5(1) Winning tickets shall be validated by use of a symbol, number, or color-coded marking. A ticket is not valid if it fails to meet any of the following requirements. The ticket must:
	a. 	Have been issued by the Iowa lottery authority in an authorized manner.
	b. 	Not be altered, unreadable, reconstructed, or tampered with in any manner.
	c. 	Not be counterfeit in whole or in part.
	d. 	Not be stolen or appear on any list of omitted tickets on file with the lottery.
	e. 	Be complete and not blank or partially blank, miscut, misregistered, defective, or printed in error.
	f. 	Have the exact play symbols and captions specified in the specific game rules.
	g. 	Pass all validation tests including confidential validation tests.
If a ticket is invalid when sold it is not eligible to receive any prize, and the purchaser’s sole remedy is to submit the ticket to lottery headquarters to obtain a refund of the retail sale price. The lottery shall have no liability or responsibility for tickets invalidated after the time of sale.
The chief executive officer may, in the chief executive officer’s sole discretion, choose to pay a sum equal to the prize on an invalid ticket if the lottery is able to determine the prize that would have been won on the invalid ticket by use of a symbol, number, color code or other mechanism. The chief executive officer’s determinations that a ticket is valid or invalid, that a ticket was valid when sold and was subsequently invalidated, and whether a sum equal to the prize on an invalid ticket will be paid shall be final.
	19.5(2) Reserved.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3), 99G.21, and 99G.31.
531—19.6(99G) Prizes. The number and the amount of prizes shall be determined by the lottery and set forth by the specific game rules.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3), 99G.21, and 99G.31.
531—19.7(99G) Disclosure of odds. The overall probability of purchasing a winning ticket shall be stated on the ticket.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3) and 99G.21.
531—19.8(99G) Claiming prizes.
	19.8(1) Claim period. Prizes must be claimed within 90 days of the announced end of the pull-tab game.
	19.8(2) Prizes claimed at retailer. The specific game rules shall specify prizes that shall be claimed from the retailer. To claim a prize from a retailer, the winner shall sign the back of the winning ticket and fill out a claim form if required by the specific game rules. If a retailer can verify the claim, the retailer shall pay the prize. If a retailer cannot verify the claim, the player shall submit the ticket and a completed claim form to the lottery. If the claim is validated by the lottery, a draft shall be forwarded to the player in payment of the amount due. If the claim is not validated by the lottery, the claim shall be denied and the player shall be promptly notified.
	19.8(3) Prizes claimed at lottery. The specific game rules shall specify prizes that may be claimed only from the lottery. To claim a prize from the lottery, the player may personally present the completed claim form obtained from a licensed retailer or any lottery office and the ticket to any lottery office or may mail the ticket and claim form to the Iowa Lottery Authority, 2323 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312-4999. If the claim is validated by the lottery, the prize or a check, warrant, or draft shall be forwarded to the player in payment of the amount due less any applicable state or federal income tax withholding. If the claim is not validated by the lottery, the claim shall be denied and the player shall be promptly notified.
	19.8(4) Prizes in special events. The specific game rules shall set forth the manner in which prizes won in special events or drawings may be claimed.
	19.8(5) Variation by specific game rules. The specific game rules may vary the terms of this rule in respect to the manner in which prizes are claimed or the claim period applicable to any pull-tab game or special event.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 99G.9(3), 99G.21, and 99G.31.
531—19.9(99G) Owner of ticket. Retailers shall pay prizes only to persons who present winning tickets. The person in physical possession of a pull-tab ticket shall be deemed to be the owner of the ticket who is entitled to prize payment regardless of any signature or other writing that may have been placed on the ticket after purchase.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3), 99G.21, and 99G.31.
531—19.10(99G) Disputed claim. If a purchaser and a retailer cannot agree as to whether a prize should be paid on any ticket, the purchaser may submit the ticket to any lottery office. The chief executive officer’s determination as to whether a prize shall be awarded is final.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3), 99G.21, and 99G.31.
531—19.11(99G) Lottery logo. All pull-tab tickets sold by the Iowa lottery authority shall be conspicuously marked with the logo of the lottery.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3), 99G.21, and 99G.31.
531—19.12(99G) End of game. The chief executive officer shall announce the end of any pull-tab game or games.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3) and 99G.21.
531—19.13(99G) Board approval of game. After selection of a particular pull-tab game, the lottery shall provide board members with written notification that a particular game has been selected. The chairperson of the board or a quorum of the board may call a meeting to review the game selection. If the lottery board does not disapprove of the game within five working days following receipt of notice that the game has been selected, the board may not later disapprove of the game.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement sections 99G.9(3) and 99G.21.
[Filed emergency 9/18/87—published 10/7/87, effective 9/18/87]
[Filed emergency 4/15/88—published 5/4/88, effective 4/15/88]
[Filed 11/3/88, Notice 8/10/88—published 11/30/88, effective 1/4/89]
[Filed emergency 8/12/94—published 8/31/94, effective 9/1/94]
[Filed 4/11/03, Notice 2/19/03—published 4/30/03, effective 6/4/03]
[Filed 6/6/03, Notice 4/30/03—published 6/25/03, effective 7/30/03]
[Filed emergency 8/28/03—published 9/17/03, effective 8/28/03]
[Filed 3/12/04, Notice 9/17/03—published 3/31/04, effective 5/7/04]
[Filed 6/14/07, Notice 5/9/07—published 7/4/07, effective 8/8/07]