The state Gaming Commission has approved electronic pull tab machines, rejecting the idea that they actually are slot machines.

Thursday's vote was 4-1 to approve the electronic pull tabs for operation by charitable gambling groups. The Gaming Commission still must write administrative rules and hold public hearings before the machines can be installed.

Commissioner Sandi Frenzel, of Dickinson, cast the lone vote against the idea.

"I think we're overstepping our bounds," she said. "I think it's a legislative issue."

Commission Chairman James Wang, of Minnewaukan, and Commissioners Lois Altenburg, of Fargo, Charles Axtman, of Jamestown, and Blake Krabseth, of Minot, voted in favor.

"It's only using a technology available now," Axtman said after the meeting.

Opponents compared the electronic pull tabs to slot machines and video lottery devices that state voters twice rejected in the 1990s.

"If we want to legalize slot machines, why don't we legalize slot machines?" asked Ken Lien, of Fargo, who owns gambling supply company Lien Games and is on the commission's advisory board.

Another advisory board member, Ron Voller, of Grand Forks, said the electronic pull tabs will not need maintenance, and they can be controlled and monitored remotely.

The Legislature in 1991 approved mechanical pull tab machines, which dispense tickets for customers at sites that have no attendant to run a booth.

Officials said two companies are interested in bringing the electronic pull tabs to the state.