How To Play Scratch Cards - Rules & Tips
Find out how to play scratch cards. We created this beginner's guide to help you learn how scratch cards work, how you play them, and their basic rules.
Scratch cards may seem straightforward, but there's a lot hidden beneath the surface. Our experts reveal all the details below.
Table of Contents
How To Play Scratch Cards Online
To play scratch cards, you need to first find a casino that offers these games. They are not in every casino in the UK, but there are plenty of scratch card sites with tens or even hundreds of different scratch games.
After choosing a scratch card site, simply select the game that catches your eye. Buy your scratch card, virtually 'scratch' it off, and discover instantly whether you're a winner!
For more detailed look, the steps for how to play scratch cards are listed below:
- Choose the scratch game: Online casinos offer a variety of scratch card games, each with different themes, prizes, and odds. Once you've found a game that appeals to you, simply select it to get started.
- Set your bet: Your bet size determines the maximum win. High stakes can lead to bigger wins, but there are plenty of affordable options for casual players.
- Scratch: Scratch the card virtually. You'll uncover hidden symbols or numbers, just like on a physical card. The goal is to match specific symbols or hit combinations for wins.
- See the results: Once the card is revealed, you'll know immediately if you've won. Some scratch cards offer exciting features like bonus rounds or multipliers to boost your chances.
- Claim the wins: If you win, the prize is automatically added to your account balance.
See how playing a scratch game looks like in the video given below:
How Do Scratch Cards Work?
Online scratch cards work by RNG (Random Number Generator) which generates a result instantly when you scratch. The outcomes are based on the game's payout structure and odds, which dictate the scratch results.
Each scratch card has predefined odds structured into it. The RNG simply works within these parameters to make sure that the correct number of winning and losing outcomes happen over the long term.
- If the game has an RTP of 90%, on average, £90 out of every £100 wagered will be returned to players in winnings, but this is distributed randomly.
- Some players might win big, while others may not win at all, but over time, the odds balance out.
- The scratch or swipe is just a way to reveal the result, which has already been locked in by the RNG.
ℹ️ Scratch cards generally do not have as high RTPs as the slots with highest RTP.
The physical versions of scratch games you've probably seen in stores work in the same way as online scratch cards do. The difference is that instead of physically scratching a card, you'll click or swipe to reveal hidden symbols or numbers.
However, the limitations of physical objects cause a bit more issues with paper scratchers. It is very much possible that one store may not have any high-paying tickets on their premises. This means that no matter what, you can't win that jackpot if you play at this store. Playing online does not have these issues, and you can theoretically win the jackpot in any casino.
While the basics remain the same, there are details that shape the gameplay. Game variations, payout rates, and odds all play a role in how scratch card games work.
Different Scratch Game Variations
Online scratch cards come in many different themes and formats. You'll find everything from classic styles that mimic the physical scratch cards to themed games based on popular movies, TV shows, or the best online slots. Some games feature multiple scratch panels, while others have just one.
- Instant Win Scratch: Match just one symbol to win.
- Multi-panel Scratch: Match multiple symbols to win.
- Jackpot Scratch: Match jackpot symbols to win fixed or progressive jackpot prizes.
Scratch Card Odds
Some online scratch cards have better odds than others, with a higher number of small wins, while others focus on larger prizes but with fewer overall winners. The Return to Player (RTP) percentage gives you a sense of the game's fairness:
- RTP percentages typically range from 75% to 95% in online scratch card games.
- Higher RTP means better long-term payout rates, though this doesn't guarantee individual wins.
Scratch card odds differ from other games because they're calculated based on a fixed number of cards, showing how many win and the payouts for each.
For example, in Hacksaw Gaming's Scratch Gold, with 10 million tickets, about 3.6 million of those tickets win something, roughly 1 in 3. However, only 1.6 million of these wins cover the card's £3 purchase price.
Here's a breakdown of the odds:
- The total ticket pool is 10 million.
- Payouts range from £1 to £300,000.
- The Return to Player (RTP) for Scratch Gold is 74.76%, meaning the casino pays back £22.4 million out of £30 million in total sales.
The odds reflect the chance of winning as well as the game's payout structure.
Number of Win Combinations Per Scratch Card
The number of potential winning combinations varies between scratch games. Some cards offer multiple ways to win on a single card, while others stick to one or two winning possibilities. You may need to:
- Match three or more symbols to win
- Scratch bonus symbols for extra payouts or special features, such as free scratch rounds with double payouts
- Scratch symbols in a pattern, like lines, similar to bingo or slots.
Payouts
The size of payouts in online scratch card games can range from small wins to mega jackpots. Each game shows the payouts in its menu or info panel, and these can vary based on:
- The card cost: Pricier scratch cards generally have bigger maximum wins.
- Your bet size: Some games allow you to adjust your stake, with higher bets increasing the possible rewards.
- Multipliers: Some cards feature multipliers that can boost your winnings if you land certain symbols.
For example, a card costing £1 might offer a top prize of £10,000, while a £5 card could have jackpots exceeding £100,000. Always check the game rules and prize tables to understand what's at stake.
ℹ️ You can find high-paying scratch card games in the best paying online casinos. These sites often show you the RTP of each scratch directly in the game lobby.
How To Win on Scratch Cards - Expert Tips
To win on scratch cards, you need to manage your bankroll smartly, choose scratch games with high RTP, and take advantage of casino bonuses.
Keep in mind that scratch cards are pure chance, meaning there is no strategy to guarantee a win. While you can't control the outcome, smart decisions like the ones mentioned above improve your chances.
Our casino experts recommend you to play by the tips given below:
Manage Your Bankroll
One of the best ways to improve your chances and play longer is good bankroll management. Set a budget for your scratch card play and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses, and only spend what you're comfortable losing.
Choose High RTP Scratch Cards
Each scratch card game has a Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which tells you how much of the money wagered is returned to players over the long run. Games with a higher RTP will statistically pay back more over time. Look for scratch cards with an RTP of 90% or higher.
Take Advantage of Bonuses
Most online casinos offer bonuses that you can use for scratch card games. Taking advantage of a deposit bonus or playing at cashback online casino can give you more value and chances to play and win.
Play Responsibly
It's easy to get caught up in the moment when playing scratch cards. Always approach gambling rationally, don't increase your stakes in frustration or make emotional decisions. Stick to your plan and budget to avoid losing more than you can afford.
Many online casinos offer responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options. Take advantage of these features to play responsibly and prevent overspending.
If you feel that gambling is becoming more than just a casual activity, don't hesitate to seek support.
About the Author
