Play Online Scratch Cards – Rules, Free Games & Best Scratch Card Sites
By John Isaac,Editor at online-gambling.com
John Isaac
Editor at online-gambling.com
| Rules Diffuculty | Easy |
|---|---|
| RTP | 85.00% – 96.01% |
| Why Play Online | Top Advantages |
| How to Win | Best Tips |
| Where to Play | 888casino |
Free Scratch Cards Online – Play for Free
Playing scratchcards online is simple and fun. Unlike some other casino games, you do not need to learn complex rules and strategies to play. It takes no skill at all, with your chances of winning real money relying on pure luck. If you are yet to play online scratch cards, then try our free demo game below and get a taste of what is on offer.
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How to Play Online Scratch Cards – Basic Rules
If you are familiar with scratchcards, you will know just how easy they are to play. You do not need any special skills to enjoy them. You buy a card and simply scratch off the silver film to reveal the symbols. If you have 3 matching symbols, then you win a payout. Some games will payout for finding a single special symbol. Playing online follows the same principles. Here are the basic rules you need to know to play scratchcards online:
- Pick a scratch card from the selection on offer
- Select the card price
- Click play to scratch and reveal the hidden symbols
- Collect the prize if you win
- Play again
Scratchcards have been around since the 1970s, yet they began to appear online around 2010. They are mainly Flash and Java based. Online scratchcards may be incredibly simple to play, yet regardless of their simplicity, or maybe even because of it, they have gained significant popularity with players over the years. As such, you can find scratchcards at many online casinos and other gambling sites.
Odds and Payouts
Online scratchcards usually offer various different prizes, depending on the symbols displayed on the card. If you match the symbols, you will win a prize. Each symbol has a different value and the winnings are calculated by multiplying the bet by the prize multiplier. As such, the amount you win depends on the bet you have placed to play the scratch card. Statistically, the higher the payout multiplier, the lower the odds. For your convenience, we estimated the odds to win per 100 plays:
| Scratch Card Payouts | Odds to Win |
|---|---|
| x10,000 | 0.1% |
| x2,500 | 0.4% |
| x100 | 1% |
| x10 | 10% |
| x5 | 20% |
| x2 | 50% |
As the table shows, lower payouts are more likely to occur than the higher wins. Although, you should keep in mind that our calculations are not conclusive. Every scratch card you play is randomly generated, and you may see bigger or smaller wins. After all, this is not a skill-based game, so you have to consider the luck factor. You can also find some scratch cards online that offer betting on jackpots.
House Edge and RTP
If you have played casino games online before, you may well be familiar with the concepts of house edge and RTP. House edge expresses the advantage the casino has over the player in a game. Whilst RTP expresses the amount of all bets placed on a game that are paid back to players as winnings over the long run. Most online scratch cards have a theoretical RTP of between 85% – 96%. However, according to our research, in practice, the RTP could vary between 60% and 70%. The house will always have an advantage. And whilst there is no listed house edge for most scratch card games, according to our estimations, it should be around 4% or 5%.
Scratch Card Games – Online and Traditional
Traditional scratch card games have been around for many years. They offer simplicity and they are all quite similar. They are often reasonably low priced and give you the chance to instantly win cash. Since the boom of online gambling sites, scratch cards have also become available to play online. Many people prefer to play scratch cards online for the following reasons:
- Convenience of playing anytime, anywhere
- You can adjust the price of your scratch card
- Higher RTP compared to traditional scratch cards
- You can play free scratch cards just for fun
- You can claim bonuses to extend your playing time
- Great graphics, sound and animations
- Wide variety of themes available
Clearly, there are many advantages of choosing to play scratch cards online compared to buying them from a newsagent, supermarket, or gas station. There are many different types of scratch cards to choose from online. Whilst the basic rules of how to play do not change, there is plenty of variety in terms of themes. We will explore the variety of scratch cards you can play online in the following paragraph.
Best Online Scratch Cards Variations
There are various online scratch card games that you can play online. They all have a similar layout and offer similar rewards. Differences can be found in the themes and graphics. Furthermore, you can find them at a range of online gambling sites. For your convenience, we have listed all types below:
- Casino Scratch Cards – These games can be played at casino sites. They offer a range of themes and you will find many that are based on popular online slots, such as Foxin’ Wins and Irish Eyes 2.
- Licensed Scratch Cards – Also referred to as branded scratch cards, these games have well-known themes, such as films and TV shows. Popular licensed scratch cards include Rocky and King Kong.
- Bingo Scratch Cards – In a similar way to playing a game of bingo, you scratch to reveal bingo numbers. You scratch them off on the bingo tickets on your card and you win if you get a line or other winning bingo combination.
- Scratch Card Games – Scratch card games offer the chance to win a prize by revealing matching symbols. They can include additional bonus features and jackpot games.
- Animated Scratch Cards – Animated scratch cards feature enhanced graphics and video quality, that bring the game to life. The animations create an entertaining and immersive playing experience.
- Lottery Scratchcards – Lottery scratchcards generally feature a jackpot prize. A portion of the profits made from lottery scratch cards is usually allocated to charities and good causes.
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to scratch cards online. Regardless of the types, you choose to play, they all come with different odds, payouts, and prizes. We recommend trying their free demo versions, where they are available. That is a good way to find the best scratch cards to suit your taste before you play with real money.
Best Online Scratch Cards Sites for 2024
If you want to play scratchcards online, it is important that you choose where to play carefully. There are many sites that offer scratch card games, so you need to be certain that you play at the best ones. To save you the time and effort of researching the best sites, we have done the hard work for you. We have tested sites using a set of criteria to find the top options to recommend to you. We base our choice on bonus offers, game selection, and mobile compatibility. We also check for licensing and other security certification to ensure that only reputable and trusted operators make the list.
| Online Scratch Cards Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 888Casino | £100 | 25+ Scratch Cards, Trusted and Secure, Fewer Mobile Games | 100% | www.888.com | Full T&Cs apply. New players with valid mobile number only • Claim in 48 hrs. • 14 day expiry • Valid for selected games • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days |
| Grosvenor | £50 | Jackpot Scratchcards, Top Mobile Games, Small Bonus Amount | 98% | www.grosvenorcasino.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ MIN DEPOSIT £20. MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. WAGERING REQUIREMENTS VARY: 5X WAGERING FOR £20 BONUS, 10X WAGERING FOR ADDITIONAL £10 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. T&CS APPLY. BeGambleAware.org |
| William Hill | £40 | Playtech Scratch Cards, PayPal Accepted, Short Bonus Validity | 96% | www.williamhill.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BASS40 only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £10 deposit and stake on Big Bass Bonanza only. Max. bonus £40 with 35x wagering to use on Big Bass Bonanza only. Bonus expires 24 hours from issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, currency, payment-method restrictions and terms and conditions apply. www.begambleaware.org |
| Grand Ivy | £300 | Licensed Scratchcards, Reliable Platform, No Free Phone Support | 94% | www.grandivy.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20. Max bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £300 on your 1st deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds contribute towards any wagering requirements. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.org. |
Each of the sites listed above has passed our thorough security checks. They are licensed by reputable regulatory authorities and all offer independently verified fair games. All of our recommended casino sites feature a great selection of scratch cards and other games. They also offer some generous bonuses to welcome you. In short, these are simply the best casinos sites for playing scratch cards online.
Play Online Scratch Cards with a Bonus – Top Offer
A major highlight of playing scratch cards at a casino site is the possibility to benefit from a bonus. This can give your bankroll a boost and give you more chances to play and win. Most casino sites offer a welcome bonus, but not all bonuses are suitable for scratch cards. As such, we have delved into the terms and conditions of casino welcome bonuses and here you can see the best bonus offers for playing online scratchcards:
| Casino | Bonus* | Wagering Requirement | Scratch Cards Contribution | Min Deposit | Top Payment Method | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 888Casino | £100 | 30x Bonus within 90 days | 100% | £10 | PayPal | Full T&Cs apply. New players with valid mobile number only • Claim in 48 hrs. • 14 day expiry • Valid for selected games • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days |
| Grosvenor Casino | £50 | 5x Bonus within 30 days | 100% | £20 | Paysafecard | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ MIN DEPOSIT £20. MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. WAGERING REQUIREMENTS VARY: 5X WAGERING FOR £20 BONUS, 10X WAGERING FOR ADDITIONAL £10 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. T&CS APPLY. BeGambleAware.org |
| William Hill | 400% up to £40 on Big Bass Bonanza | n/a | 100% | £10 | VISA | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BASS40 only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £10 deposit and stake on Big Bass Bonanza only. Max. bonus £40 with 35x wagering to use on Big Bass Bonanza only. Bonus expires 24 hours from issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, currency, payment-method restrictions and terms and conditions apply. www.begambleaware.org |
| Grand Ivy | £300 | 40x Bonus within 30 days | 100% | £20 | Boku | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20. Max bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £300 on your 1st deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds contribute towards any wagering requirements. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.org. |
Casino bonuses always come with conditions attached. These include the wagering requirement, game weightings, minimum deposit, and validity. The best offers are not always those with the biggest amounts. You should look out for fair conditions that will conveniently enable you to play through the bonus and convert your winnings into real cash. As such, we recommend that you always read the promotional T&C before you accept any bonus offer.
Top Mobile Scratch Cards App
Online casino sites make it incredibly convenient to play scratch cards. And the option to play on your mobile makes it even more convenient. All reputable casino sites offer mobile versions of their sites. So, you can grab your phone or tablet and play scratchcard games anytime and anywhere you fancy. To find the best online scratch cards app, you need to check the game selection. Top sites feature a solid selection of games which have, for mobile play. The app should also be secure, reliable, and intuitively designed. You can also benefit from bonuses and promotions when you play on the go. We have compared mobile casinos and here is the best app for playing scratch cards:
Best Mobile App
When you play online scratchcards on a mobile device, the experience will closely mirror that of playing on a desktop PC. The games have a simple layout and as such, are perfectly suited for mobile play. If anything, playing on a phone or tablet gives you an even more immersive experience, thanks to touch screen play. You may find that some casinos feature a smaller selection of scratch cards on their mobile apps. Yet the best scratch cards casinos keep the differences to a minimum.
Top Tips – Learn to Play Like a Pro
Some casino games, such as online blackjack require an element of skill. There are strategies and systems you can use to improve your chances of winning. Yet due to the simplicity of scratchcards, there are no strategies to help you win. You can, however, improve your odds of winning by following the tips that we have prepared for you:
- Learn the rules – Whilst the rules of scratch cards are simple and straightforward, you should make sure you understand them before you play, so that you know exactly what is involved.
- Improve your skills by playing free scratch cards – By playing scratchcards for free online, you can familiarize yourself with the gameplay, settings, and payouts. It is a good way to prepare yourself for playing confidently with real money.
- Choose the right online scratch card for you – There are many different variations of scratch cards to choose from online. Consider what types of games most appeal to you and that you will enjoy playing.
- Plan your budget and consider playing with a bonus – When you gamble with money, you should set yourself a budget and stick to it. You can boost your bankroll by taking advantage of bonus offers.
- Choose the best scratch cards site – Playing at the best sites gives you access to a great selection of scratch card games. You can also play with peace of mind that the site is safe and secure.
The most important piece of advice we can give you is to play responsibly. Online scratchcards are great fun to play. Yet you should remember that no matter how fun the game gets, you need to know when to stop. You will be gambling with your own cash, so you always need to consider your budget and never be tempted to spend more than you can afford.
Final Overview – Our Best Scratch Cards Site
Playing scratch cards online is entertaining and great fun. They are incredibly simple games of chance, and you do not need to learn any complicated strategies to be able to win. When you play online, you get access to a wide variety of scratch cards that give you the chance to win instantly. And when you play at the best casino sites, you can be confident that you are safe. If you are ready to start enjoying the thrill of playing scratch cards with real money online, here is our top recommended scratch cards site:
Top Offer
If online scratch cards are not the right game for you, you could also try slots. Online slots are also simple and easy to play. They offer exciting gameplay and the chance to win big money. The best slots sites offer hundreds of variants to choose from, with every theme and special feature you can imagine. So, why not give them a try?
Popular Questions
To make this guide as helpful to you as possible, we have trawled the internet to find out what players want to know about playing scratch cards online. In the following section, you will find the questions that are most commonly asked about the topic, along with the answers you need.
1. How to win on scratch cards?
Whilst there may not be any foolproof strategies that can be used to win on scratch cards, there are some tips we can give to help improve your odds. These include learning the rules, playing responsibly, and choosing the best sites to play at.
2. How do online scratch cards work?
To play online scratch cards, you purchase a ticket and click scratch to reveal the hidden symbols. If you win, you will receive a payout according to the paytable. You can find full details in our guide to how to play scratch cards.
3. What are the best scratch cards to win on?
The best scratchcards to win on are online games. Online scratchcards usually have a higher RTP and a lower house edge than traditional versions. As such, they offer players a better chance of winning in the long run.
4. Can I play free scratch cards?
Yes, you can play free scratch cards for fun. Many casino sites offer demo scratchcards that you can try out for free. You can also find a scratchcard demo game that you can play for free at the top of this page.
5. What are the best real money scratch cards sites?
The best sites for playing scratchcards online with real money are licensed, secure, and safe. They feature a good selection of games and bonus offers for playing them with. We have compared, rated, and ranked operators to create a list of the best online scratch cards sites.
6. Are there any no deposit scratch cards available?
Whilst there are some no deposit scratch card bonuses available, the best offers tend to be reserved for when you make your first deposit. Your cash will be matched with bonus funds, giving you more money to play scratch cards online.
7. Where can I find online mobile scratch cards?
You can play mobile scratch cards on many casino apps. Top casino sites offer scratch cards which have been fully optimized for playing on a tablet or smartphone. We have listed the best scratch cards app for your convenience.