What are scratch cards?
Scratch card games are among the newer games available in online casinos. American computer scientists invented the scratch card game in 1970. It was a revolutionary concept, as scratch cards guaranteed immediate results. The best scratch cards became particularly popular throughout the United States in the late eighties. The American company AstroMed Inc. patented them in 1987.
Real money online scratch cards are simple casino games that require a minimum of effort from the player. Like a traditional scratch card, the online scratch card game consists of “scratching” a covered field on the screen with the mouse or finger.
After scratching, whether the covered fields contain winning symbols will be revealed. If so, the winnings are paid according to the payout table. This is the entire process of playing online scratch cards. No additional skills are required from players, and the gameplay, in most cases, looks very similar.
Online casino scratch cards can differ in theme, graphics, sounds, and prize pool. Due to their extremely simple rules and lightning-fast gameplay, they are classified as instant games and are often chosen during breaks from games that require more attention.
Why is it worth playing online scratch cards?
Real-money scratch card games have many benefits. The main advantages of playing scratch cards include the simplicity and accessibility of the gameplay. Scratch card games are easy to understand and accessible to players of all levels. Additionally, scratch cards give immediate results—after scratching, the player knows whether they have won. This gives great satisfaction and excitement.
Even inexpensive scratch cards for $1 can offer interesting winnings – large sums of money and valuable prizes. Additionally, scratch cards can have different variants with additional features and prizes. Many online scratch cards can be combined with promotions and bonuses to increase playability further.
As for the disadvantages of scratch cards, the possibility of getting bored quickly with the game is worth noting due to the lack of real influence on the result. Players cannot apply any strategy. Although the costs of scratch cards are relatively low, the desire to increase your chances and spend additional funds on the game can lead to financial losses.
How do we rate the best scratch cards online casinos?
When rating the best online casinos for scratch cards, we consider several key criteria to ensure players have top-notch gameplay. Here’s how we evaluate these casinos:
- Security and licensing
A top-rated casino must be licensed by a reputable authority (such as the Malta Gaming Authority) and use advanced security measures, like SSL encryption, to protect players’ data and financial transactions. - Game variety
We look for online casinos that offer a wide range of scratch cards, including classic options, themed games, and innovative variations. A diverse selection ensures that players can find something that suits their preferences and keeps the gaming experience fresh. - Bonuses and promotions
We evaluate the availability and value of bonuses specifically for scratch cards, such as welcome bonuses, free scratch cards, or deposit matches. We also consider the fairness of the bonus terms and wagering requirements. - Payment options and speed
We consider the variety and reliability of deposit and withdrawal methods. Fast withdrawal processing times, low fees, and flexible payment options are key factors in our ratings. - Customer support
Reliable customer support is essential, so we look for casinos that offer 24/7 support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone. The support team’s responsiveness and helpfulness are also crucial. - RTP and fairness
We review the RTP of the scratch cards offered, ensuring they are fair and competitive. Additionally, we check that the games are regularly audited for fairness by independent testing agencies. - Mobile compatibility
With more players opting to play on the go, we assess how well the casino’s scratch cards function on mobile devices. This includes evaluating the availability of a dedicated mobile app or how well the games perform on mobile browsers.
How to play scratch cards online?
Although individual scratch cards online may differ, depending on the manufacturer or whether you choose scratch cards for $10 or higher, the method of playing scratch cards online is quite universal. Start playing scratch cards online in a few simple steps:
Choose an online casino
Select a reputable online casino with a wide variety of scratch cards. Ensure it’s licensed and well-reviewed for fair gameplay.
Register an account
Provide basic details like your name and email to create an account. Ensure your information is accurate for smooth transactions.
Make a deposit and claim a bonus
Deposit funds using your preferred payment method. Don’t forget to claim any available welcome bonus to boost your initial play.
Find the scratch card section
Navigate to the games directory and locate the scratch card section. Browse through the options to find a game that interests you.
Try the game in demo mode
Start by playing in demo mode to learn the rules and gameplay without risking any money.
Switch to real money mode
Once comfortable, switch to real money mode, and choose a stake that suits your budget.
Scratch off the fields
Click or tap to scratch off the fields and reveal potential wins. Match symbols or numbers to win.
Withdraw your winnings
If you win, withdraw your winnings using your chosen payment method. Be aware of any withdrawal limits or processing times.
Remember to keep an eye on your game budget throughout the game.
Rules of the scratch cards online game
In the 21st century, traditional scratch cards disappeared and were replaced by new scratch cards online. In 2005, the first website offering only online scratch cards was launched. Many guides were also created, such as how to win at online scratch cards or which scratch cards win most often. Players loved scratch cards online via the Internet for their simplicity, uncomplicated rules, low betting prices, and immediate information about the game result.
The rules of playing scratch cards online for money are really simple. Like a paper scratch card, you must scratch off the marked area and then check the winning criteria in a given online casino. When playing scratch cards online for prizes, the player can win by matching identical symbols on the scratch card. The best way to win is to find a bonus symbol, which usually offers an attractive prize.
Playing scratch cards online for money is a quick game and usually ends with trying out many different scratch cards. Always read the description of the scratch card at the beginning of the game. Then, specify the amount you want to bet on the scratch card. Use your mouse to scratch a specific area on the online scratch card. Compare the result with the game criteria and check if you managed to get a bonus symbol.
Before you start playing scratch cards online for real money, use an online casino that offers the best scratch cards online. Read reviews from other players and casino reviews, and play scratch cards online for free to find the best place to play.
Types of online scratch cards
The game doesn’t have to be boring regarding online scratch cards. Software developers work hard to provide players an engaging experience and diversify these seemingly simple casino games. There are scratch games for the lowest stakes, including dollars and VIP scratch cards. Additionally, you can find scratch cards with themes of other popular casino games, including slots. Moreover, new titles are added to online casino catalogs every day to test and in demo versions.
Real money online scratch cards can come in many different types. There are instant win scratch cards, increasing winnings with a progressive jackpot, and the ever-popular themed scratch cards, such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, vacation, and others. This means that every game can bring a new experience.
Instant win scratch cards
Playing scratch cards online with instant wins is the most common type of entertainment. The player scratches the covered fields and immediately knows the result of the round. This is the biggest advantage of scratch cards. It allows you to spend a moment on the game and not wait for the result after long rounds.
Winnings from instant win online scratch cards are immediately added to your balance. You can withdraw them or use them for further play. This type of game is good, for example, when traveling or during a short break, when you want a quick and exciting round.
Progressive jackpot scratch cards
Scratch cards in online jackpot games are the most exciting type of scratch card because they offer the biggest winnings, much higher than traditional scratch cards.
The principle of progressive jackpot scratch cards is simple – the main prize pool is created from a portion of the bets placed by subsequent players. The more players join the game, the higher the chance of achieving satisfactory returns.
The luckiest player who meets the game conditions (e.g., draws a specific symbol) wins the pot. From that moment on, the prize grows from the new, lower limit until another player wins.
Thematic scratch cards
One of the greatest special features of online scratch card games is that they are incredibly colorful and diverse. The themes of scratch cards are as vast as the imagination of their creators.
Scratch card motifs are often accompanied by lucky symbols – clovers, horseshoes, rainbows, leprechauns or ladybugs. Other times, they refer to specific areas – sports, travel, films and fairy tales, animations, games, characters, or wealth.
Seasonal scratch cards are very popular – Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Holiday. Such scratch cards can also have interesting symbols and features that further help you immerse yourself in the game.
Best online scratch cards games
You can expect hundreds of different types of scratch cards, which are well-known and lesser-known software providers develop. As a beginner in scratch cards, it is not necessarily easy to assess which ones are particularly worth your attention. For this reason, we present the most popular and, at the same time, the best scratch cards worldwide. As the name suggests, the game consists of discovering symbols by scratching them off and checking whether you have drawn a winning combination. Here are the game titles that are particularly worth taking a look at:
- Vikings Wild Scratch
This game is available in both free and real money versions. Players can expect a Viking atmosphere and a pleasant audiovisual setting. Iron Dog Studio produced the game and provided 95% RTP. - Minesweeper
Casino players are much more familiar with the name Saper. The gameplay involves marking empty fields without a bomb with a red flag. So it’s Saper in a random edition. BGaming is responsible for the production, and the RTP is as much as 98.50% - Rainbow Wilds Scratch
In this title, we can expect a unique theme focused on the rainbow land. The player’s task is to discover fields. Iron Dog Studio produced the game and provided an RTP of 95% - Treasure Hunt
This title’s main theme is treasure hunting, accompanied by a pleasant audiovisual setting. The scratch card was produced by IGT and its RTP is 94% - Cupids Scratch
Here, we can expect an atmosphere focused on finding love. The highest win is x4000. Spinomenal is responsible for producing the scratch card, and the game’s RTP is 91.83% - Lucky Numbers Scratch
This game combines the thrill of a lottery draw with the instant gratification of a scratch card. Players reveal their lucky numbers and match them with the winning numbers to score prizes. Developed by Microgaming, this game features a clean design and an RTP of 96.57%. - Piggy Bank Scratch
In Piggy Bank Scratch, players scratch off symbols to reveal hidden coins and cash prizes. The game has a fun, light-hearted theme with a high potential for big wins. It’s produced by Pragmatic Play and offers an RTP of 95%. - Merlin’s Millions Scratch
This magical-themed scratch card takes players into the world of wizards and spells. Players scratch off areas to reveal mystical symbols, with the possibility of winning big if they match the right combinations. Developed by NextGen Gaming, it features an RTP of 95.17%. - The Big One
This game offers a straightforward, no-frills scratch card experience with the chance to win substantial prizes. Players scratch off panels to reveal cash amounts; if they match three of the same amount, they win. IGT produces this classic game and offers an RTP of 94.05%. - Wizard of Oz Scratch
Inspired by the classic story, this scratch card game invites players to explore the land of Oz by revealing iconic symbols from the tale. Matching the right symbols can lead to impressive payouts. WMS developed the game and has an RTP of 93%. - Pandamania Scratch
In this fun and quirky scratch card game, players scratch to reveal wild symbols featuring playful pandas. The game is packed with entertaining visuals and a lively atmosphere. NextGen Gaming produces it, and its RTP is 95.17%.
Scratch Card Game | Provider | RTP | Volatility | Min Bet | Max Bet | Max Win | Special Features | Where to Play |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vikings Wild Scratch | Iron Dog Studio | 95% | Medium | $0.10 | $10 | $100,000 | Free scratch rounds | Ice Casino |
Minesweeper | BGaming | 98.50% | Low | $0.20 | $50 | $250,000 | High RTP, Risk levels | Lucky Days Casino |
Rainbow Wilds Scratch | Iron Dog Studio | 95% | Medium | $0.10 | $10 | $50,000 | Multiplier feature | HellSpin Casino |
Treasure Hunt | IGT | 94% | Medium | $0.50 | $20 | $200,000 | Bonus treasure hunt | National Casino |
Cupids Scratch | Spinomenal | 91.83% | High | $0.25 | $15 | $60,000 | Bonus hearts feature | Guts Casino |
Lucky Numbers Scratch | Microgaming | 96.57% | Medium | $0.10 | $25 | $500,000 | Lucky number bonus | GetSlots Casino |
Piggy Bank Scratch | Pragmatic Play | 95% | Medium | $0.50 | $100 | $250,000 | Jackpot feature | TonyBet Casino |
Merlin’s Millions Scratch | NextGen Gaming | 95.17% | Medium | $0.20 | $50 | $200,000 | Magic multiplier | Jackpoty Casino |
The Big One | IGT | 94.05% | Medium | $1.00 | $25 | $100,000 | Big win feature | Goodman Casino |
Wizard of Oz Scratch | WMS | 93% | Medium | $0.50 | $10 | $50,000 | Theme-based bonus | Joo Casino |
Pandamania Scratch | NextGen Gaming | 95.17% | Medium | $0.20 | $20 | $100,000 | Sticky wilds feature | Casoo Casino |
Online scratch card bonuses
Online scratch cards can offer players two types of bonuses and promotions: those built into the gameplay or those provided by the online casino or gaming site.
Let’s start with the latter. In many cases, players who register at an online casino can get a welcome bonus for their first deposit or other promotions for subsequent deposits. Cash bonuses are added to the player’s balance, and depending on the online casino’s regulations, they can use them for selected gambling games. Regardless of whether they choose scratch cards for $10 or cheaper scratch cards online for real money for $5, they gain the chance to play a few rounds for free and then withdraw their winnings.
The second option is the bonuses and promotions built into the online scratch cards. Sometimes, hidden fields hide multipliers that allow you to increase the amount of your winnings. In other cases, when you draw certain symbols, you can trigger mini-games and gain even more chances to win.
Scratch cards how to win tips
A few popular strategies can be used to increase your chances of winning when playing scratch cards online. First, buy scratch cards with the highest chance of winning. If you are an inexperienced player, start with low stakes. Controlling how the game plays is much easier if you keep your stakes low.
- You can play scratch cards online wherever you are and on any device. And that’s a huge plus! You must understand that this is an interesting way to spend time and a great opportunity to win real money!
- Make the most of free scratch cards online. Find out which casinos offer welcome bonuses for new players, obtained just for registering at the casino. Also, find out where you can get no deposit and other bonuses. Try as many different scratch cards online as possible and find your favorites. Remember that all bonuses have terms and conditions; read them before claiming your promotional funds.
- Progressive jackpots on online scratch cards can reach up to $1 million. These jackpots make online scratch cards attractive, offering very high winnings. Check out which scratch cards offer the highest jackpots and try your luck. Online casinos update their jackpots frequently so you can stay current.
Scratch cards online for real money and for free
Many scratch card games are available at online casinos in both real money and demo versions. The demo version of an online scratch card allows you to play with virtual funds. Although you cannot win real money in a demo game, it is an attractive way to have a satisfying game and practice your skills. Testing the playability of as many scratch cards as possible without incurring any costs is a good way to choose your favorite online scratch cards to bet money on. Some online casinos do not require you to register an account before you can start playing free scratch cards.
Real money scratch cards work on the principle of well-known slot machines. After placing a bet, you choose a card, scratch off the appropriate fields, and reveal the symbols. The winnings depend on the symbols that appear on the card. The combinations in the game and the symbols depend on the type of scratch card.
Online scratch cards are a game of chance. All players have similar chances of winning and winning is not guaranteed. To increase your chances of winning, only play at reputable and licensed casinos that offer fair and random play for their customers.
Mobile scratch cards
Because players increasingly use mobile devices, online casinos try adapting their offer to this type of user. In addition to providing games in the desktop version, software providers are also trying to provide mobile games. This includes free online scratch cards and other casino games found on the Internet. Adapting a specific game to the mobile environment is very important for players on mobile devices, as it significantly improves the gaming experience. The graphics, the game screen and all the buttons are adapted to the small size of smartphones and tablets, so the player has no problem getting to know the interface layout.
Differences between online scratch cards and paper scratch cards
Playing scratch cards online differs in many ways from playing paper scratch cards. Learn the biggest similarities and differences that connect and separate real online scratch cards from their traditional versions.
- Available only at online casinos and several gambling sites.
- Registering an account at online casinos is necessary.
- Hundreds and thousands of scratch cards are available online.
- Winnings are paid out online and may take up to several days.
- Prize pools are diverse; progressive jackpots are available.
- Games available 24/7.
- Scratch cards with additional features are available to make the gameplay more attractive.
- Free demo versions of online scratch cards are available.
- Available immediately at kiosks and stationary outlets.
- You do not need to provide your details when purchasing.
- Limited selection of scratch cards.
- Wins are paid out immediately in cash.
- A large selection of prize pools.
- Scratch cards can be purchased during retail opening hours.
- No additional features
- No free play.
How to get winnings from scratch cards in online casinos?
Real money online scratch cards have different prize pools and RTPs. While winnings are always random, it’s worth understanding that a higher RTP can mean more chances to win rewarding prizes.
If you are wondering how to win at scratch cards every time, we have bad news – you can only influence bankroll management and betting according to the strategy to minimize losses. If you manage to win, information about the prize will appear on the screen and be added to your balance.
Once you withdraw your winnings, go to your player profile and find the withdrawals section. Using your default or chosen payment method, withdraw the indicated winnings to your account.
Final thoughts on scratch cards in online casinos
Scratch cards are available not only in physical versions but also online. We believe they are much better in the online version, which is influenced by several factors. You can play them for much lower stakes, and you don’t have to leave your home to be able to play your favorite scratch card online. These games also provide a modern audiovisual setting, making playing individual rounds enjoyable.
You can expect at least a few hundred titles with numerous symbols and bonus features in online scratch cards. The best online scratch cards also allow you to play for free, so the players can familiarize themselves with the game’s rules before they start playing for money. All this means that the best online scratch card bonuses are not only an interesting departure from more popular casino games but can also be considered a full-fledged alternative. So, if you haven’t had the opportunity to familiarize yourself with scratch cards, it is worth doing so.