Online Scratch Cards

Scratch cards have been around for many decades and are a huge hit with gamblers. History tells us that the first scratch card was introduced in the US during the mid-1970s and we haven’t looked back since. Like other casino games, many online casino platforms are offering a digital version of these instant games, providing thrills for  gambling enthusiasts. If you’re new to this game, you’re in the right place, as our experts will guide you through everything you need to know about online scratch cards. 

Unlike the traditional scratch card games, developers ensured the online versions were jam-packed with added features to make sure  the online version was both unique and thrilling. 

But what are scratch card games, and how are they played? Is the game rule simple? Or Are they rigged? In this article, we’ll reveal all and leave you feeling like a scratch card pro.

What Is An Online Scratch Card Game?

Online scratch cards are one of the simplest games you’ll find at a real money casino site. They are the digitized version of the lottery scratch cards purchased at either stands or kiosks. Unlike slots and table games, these games are instant win games and the rules are very simple. You don’t need to stake when playing these games online – use your cursor to scratch off and unveil your rewards. 

How Do You Play Scratch Cards Online?

Playing scratch cards online is both fun and easy. You don’t need to learn complex rules or strategies, which is always a bonus. Once you have an internet connection, you’re good to go. However, you will need to find out if the site you are using is either US-licensed or a reliable offshore casino that offers these games. 

Create an account with the casino and fund it with your money. Some online casinos can offer bonuses that you can use to enjoy instant win games for free. However, check out the terms and conditions before accepting them.

A good casino will offer a variety of options to choose from. Once you choose the site that interests you the most, scratch off the symbols to see if you’re a winner. You can scratch the symbols individually or alternatively use the auto scratch function to reveal the symbols at once. 

For example, if you purchase a $10 card to scratch and you need to match three similar symbols, the money will be deducted from your casino balance. If you match the symbols correctly, you win. Otherwise, you lose. 

The reward depends on the symbols. Rare or unique symbols offer higher payouts. Online scratch cards come in different variants with intriguing graphics, themes, style, sounds, animations and features. They can offer multiple wins and even progressive jackpots. 

While you need to match symbols in regular scratch card games, some cards require you to reveal symbols that beat the house or banker. 

What Are The Odds Of Online Scratch Cards?

Most US players usually think online scratch cards are rigged by greedy online casinos. However, this is not the case for those playing at a reliable casino. Before you trust a casino, ensure it owns a license from the appropriate authority. 

Further, the casino also needs to have third-party certification to test the Random Number Generator software for fairness. With that, players can rest assured that the games are not fixed.

If you’re curious about the winning chances of a casino game, knowing the odds is the starting point. Online scratch cards offer different payouts based on the symbols. Some payouts are high, while others can be small. 

The cards with smaller wins have higher odds. Scratch cards that offer jackpots have lower odds. If you match the symbols right, you’ll win a prize. On average, players’ chances of winning should be around 1 in 4 tickets.

Why Play Online Scratch Cards?

The main question here is why not! Who doesn’t love the thrill of an instant win? Online scratch cards are similar to the traditional lottery game – they just offer a more convenient way of scratching cards. 

With online scratch cards, you don’t need to queue at a stand or kiosk with online scratch cards to purchase your card. You can buy cards  from the comfort of your home. Simply scratch the surface to reveal your potential winnings – that’s all!

In addition, luck plays an integral part of this game, which offers a sense of anticipation. Online scratch cards are  unpredictable and can keep you on your toes, coupled with a mix of intense excitement and tension. The feeling becomes intensified  when you hit a big win.  

Different Types Of Online Scratch Card Games

Online scratch cards come in different variations, and you’ll encounter them at most US-licensed and offshore casinos. These games have various themes, rules, graphics and payout. While these games can vary, they fall into one of the below categories. 

Instant Win Scratch Cards

This is the most common type of scratch card game that you can play at an online casino. All you need to do is buy a ticket, then hover over the panel to reveal the symbol to see if you win. The type of scratch card game does not have any additional features. 

Multiple Chances Scratch Cards

To offer US players better gameplay, casino software developers integrate the techniques of slot games into online scratch card games. The concept is similar to the instant win variant, but offers multiple chances of winning. 

Lines Scratch Cards

This variant is very similar to slot machines. Players need to match at least three similar symbols in a column or row to win. 

Casino Scratch Cards

This instant game utilizes methods similar to casino games like roulette, poker and blackjack. The games are straightforward and offer a simulation of actual online gambling. 

How To Choose The Best Offshore Scratch Card Sites

If you want to enjoy the thrills that come with online scratch card games, it’s vital that you choose a reliable gambling site. Several casino sites offer instant win games, so you need to be sure it’s the best before registering with them. While choosing the best sites can be overwhelming, there are some factors that you need to check out. 

Licensing and Regulation

When choosing an online casino, the first thing you need to check is the licensing information. Most reputable gambling sites will include this info on their page’s footer. You’ll also be able to click on the seal to confirm the information. 

Several licensing jurisdictions exist in the iGaming scene, but unfortunately not all are reliable. We recommend playing at casino sites with licenses from top jurisdictions including UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gambling Commission, Curacao eGaming and Alderney Gaming Commission. 

Game Selection 

Another essential aspect to consider is the game selection. You need to choose new casinos with a wide collection of online scratch card games that you can try your hands on. Even without opening an account, the casino game lobby will be visible to you. Ensure you check the game lobby out thoroughly, to see the number of scratch card games available. In most cases, online casinos have a designated “Scratch Card” or “Other Game” section on their game page. Does the casino have your favorite scratch card game? Are the games from top game developers like Microgaming and Playtech? Ensure you get satisfying answers to these questions before clicking the “Sign Up” button. 

Bonus Offers

Online casinos offer bonuses to attract players to their site. It’s an incentive that can boost your bankroll, giving you more chances to play and win. Additionally, reliable casinos offer new players a welcome bonus, which can come in the form of a deposit or no deposit. While the former requires a deposit, you don’t need to fund your account to claim a no deposit offer. 

However, not all these welcome bonuses are valid for these games. You need to check for casinos with bonuses that you can use to play online scratch card games. The games you can play with a bonus are included in the terms and conditions. 

Aside from that, casino bonuses are subject to conditions you need to fulfill before you can withdraw your winnings. These conditions include wagering requirement, validity period, win limit and withdrawal limit. 

We recommend a casino with a low value for wagering requirements – between 10x and 35x. Ensure you confirm all these before choosing a casino based on their offers. 

Mobile Compatibility

The aim of the digital version of the traditional lottery is for players’ comfort. The advancement in mobile technology has made it possible for players to enjoy their favorite games on the go, or simply from your sofa when you’re feeling lazy. 

We recommend that you test the site’s mobile compatibility before you decide to register. Is the casino site fully optimized for both iOS and Android? Can you access all the features available on the desktop platform? You should also check if the mobile casino site features your desired games.

Payment Options

Though some US players gamble online for fun, the majority wager casino games to win real money. When choosing a real money gambling site, ensure it features safe and reliable payment options. Watch out for popular payment options such as Visa, Skrill, Mastercard, Neteller and more. 

Also, get answers to questions like: How fast is the withdrawal process? Do you need to verify your account before you can withdraw? Most casinos have an FAQ section where you can find this information. US players should ensure the gambling site uses sophisticated data encryption technologies to protect players’ transaction information from third parties and hackers. 

Customer Support

This is another critical factor that we strongly advise you to not overlook. Even if the casino site runs smoothly, there’s still a possibility that you might experience some issues while playing. Legitimate casinos provide communication channels such as email, phone numbers and live chat options through which players can reach out for help.

Some casinos even include an FAQ section that provides answers to common questions about the casino.  If an online casino does not provide these options, we recommend avoiding such sites. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Online Scratch Card Strategies

Online scratch cards are a game of chance, meaning you need to be lucky to win. However, you can apply certain strategies to improve your winning chances. US players should keep in mind that these strategies do not guarantee a 100% win. Here are some strategies you can apply while scratching cards online. 

Learn the Rules

Understanding the rules is the first strategy to improve your winning chances in any casino game. Though the rules of scratch card games are straightforward, it’s highly recommended that you understand them before you start playing. 

Play Free Games

Playing free games is the best way to familiarize yourself with the gameplay, rules, payouts and settings. With that, you can understand how the game works before playing with your bankroll. 

Don’t Go For Cheap Cards

The best way to get started with online scratch cards is by choosing a suitable game. Avoiding cheap cards might improve your chances of winning. The reason is that cheap scratch cards usually have a smaller pool prize. Even if you’re lucky to win, it won’t be massive. 

Sometimes, these games are normally in favor of the casino. Thus, it’s essential that you opt for famous scratch card games. Go for fewer scratch cards with a higher pool prize.

Buying More Tickets

Buying more scratch tickets is another strategy that can improve your chances of winning. The more you play, the higher your odds of winning. If you have a large bankroll, we recommend purchasing bulk tickets. 

For instance, a player who wagers 5 to 10 scratch cards online has a better chance of winning than the one who wagers one ticket. 

Bankroll Management

This strategy is essential for all US players. Before you start playing, set the amount of money you can risk wagering on these instant games. Once you have your wagering limit, ensure you never spend over the amount set. Further, you should not chase losses. If you’re losing too much, we suggest that you take a break. 

Conclusion

This article has discussed everything you need to know about online scratch card games. Unlike the traditional version, online scratch cards add a new level of thrill to the game that the old version simply can’t compete with. Playing these instant games is simple, but we recommend understanding the rules before you start playing. 

US players should also choose a reliable casino to play with. Ensure you check for the casino license, security, bonuses and game selections. Also, stick to the basic strategies – avoid cheap cards and implement a good money management strategy. Then you’re good to go and we wish you the best of luck!