Scratch cards

What is a scratch card?

A scratch card is an instant-win game in which the player reveals concealed symbols or numbers to discover whether they have won a prize. Physical scratchcards originated in the United States in the 1970s and were introduced to the UK National Lottery in 1995. The digital variant, which emerged around 2010 via browser-based Flash and Java implementations, uses the same core concept but replaces the latex coating with a virtual overlay.

In both formats, the fundamental rule is identical: the outcome is predetermined. With a physical card, prize allocation is fixed at the time of printing across an entire batch. With a digital card, the RNG generates the result the instant the player initiates a round — before any scratching animation begins. The reveal interaction gives the player a sense of agency, but it does not influence the result.

How do scratch cards work?

The lifecycle of a digital scratch card round follows a clear sequence:

1. Purchase / bet placement. The player selects a card and stakes a defined amount.
2. Outcome generation. The game server calls the RNG, which produces a random number mapped to the game’s pay table. The result — win or loss, and the specific prize tier — is locked at this point.
3. Reveal animation. The client renders the scratch-off interaction. The player drags across panels to “uncover” symbols, but the displayed symbols were already assigned in step 2.
4. Settlement. If the revealed combination matches a winning pattern, the prize is credited to the player’s balance.

This architecture means the scratching gesture is a UX layer over a resolved outcome. Operators and regulators treat this as a critical distinction: the game must never allow the reveal mechanic to create an illusion of skill or control over the result. The UK Gambling Commission’s Remote Technical Standards (RTS), updated in January 2025, specifically restrict features that give an “illusion of control” in RNG-based games.

RNG and Certification

All digital scratch cards in regulated markets must use an RNG that has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory such as Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs, or iTech Labs. These evaluations typically cover statistical randomness (diehard tests, Chi-square analysis), unpredictability, non-repeatability, and correct scaling from raw numbers to game symbols. Certification must be renewed periodically, and any change to the game’s mathematics or RTP triggers a retest.

Provably fair as an alternative trust layer

In crypto-native casinos, some scratch card variants use Provably Fair algorithms instead of (or in addition to) traditional third-party certification. In a provably fair system, the server commits to a hashed seed before the round, the player contributes a client seed, and after the round both seeds are revealed so the player can independently verify that the outcome was not altered.

Examples of scratch cards

Classic match-three scratchcard. The most common format presents a 3×3 grid. The player scratches all nine panels; three matching symbols in any row, column, or diagonal trigger the corresponding prize. Examples include titles such as Luck O’ the Irish and King Kong Cash offered by major UK-licensed operators.

Themed branded scratchcard. Operators frequently license IP to drive engagement. The MONOPOLY Scratch Card, for instance, maps property icons and Chance symbols onto scratch panels, with some versions incorporating a bonus board mechanic that multiplies wins.

Progressive jackpot scratchcard. A small fraction of each wager feeds a shared jackpot pool. Unlike fixed-prize cards, the top payout grows until it is won. These titles borrow the pooling mechanic from progressive slots but retain the instant-reveal UX of scratchcards.

Scratch cards vs. slots: a comparison

Physical lottery scratchcards often have a lower payout percentage (RTP) — sometimes around 55–65% — because a significant share of revenue funds public causes. Online casino scratchcards typically offer higher RTPs, often in the 92–98% range, comparable to slots. The house edge is simply the inverse: a 95% RTP means a 5% house edge.

Why are scratch cards important?

Scratch cards serve several strategic functions for operators and affiliates:

• Low barrier to entry. The mechanic requires no learning curve, making scratchcards ideal for onboarding casual players and cross-selling from lottery audiences into casino environments.
• Session filler and retention tool. Their speed (seconds per round) makes them effective as interstitial content between longer-form games such as slots or live dealer sessions.
• Promotional vehicle. Free scratchcards are widely used as CRM and acquisition tools — sign-up bonuses, daily login rewards, or re-engagement triggers — with minimal margin impact when RTPs and prize caps are properly calibrated.
• Broadening addressable market. In jurisdictions where lottery products are permitted at a lower regulatory threshold than full casino (e.g., certain US states), instant-win scratchcard formats can operate under lighter licensing requirements. 

Wrap-up

Digital scratch cards occupy a unique niche: they combine the simplicity of lottery products with the UX expectations of online casino players. For operators, the keys to unlocking their value are transparency (clear RTP disclosure, certified RNG, accessible game rules), smart product placement (as onboarding tools, session fillers, and CRM instruments), and rigorous measurement that ties scratchcard activity to broader player-lifecycle KPIs.

FAQ

Is the scratch card result decided before I scratch? Yes. In digital scratchcards, the RNG determines the outcome at the moment of purchase or bet. The scratching animation reveals a result that already exists.

What is a typical RTP for an online scratch card? Casino-style digital scratchcards generally offer RTPs between 92% and 98%. Physical lottery scratchcards are typically lower, around 50–65%, because a portion of revenue is allocated to public causes.

Can scratch cards have jackpots? Yes. Some digital scratchcards feature progressive jackpots that pool a fraction of each wager into a growing prize, similar to progressive slot mechanics.

How do I know a scratch card is fair? In regulated markets, look for RNG certification from accredited labs such as GLI, eCOGRA, or iTech Labs. In crypto casinos, look for Provably Fair verification tools that let you confirm the outcome independently.