Scratch cards, or “scratchies” in Canada, are a simple yet fun way to try and win instant prizes. There are no convoluted strategies or exhaustive techniques to follow with scratchies; you only have to scratch off a layer on a card to reveal hidden info and match symbols and numbers. It couldn’t be easier!
However, have you ever wondered what are the odds of you winning a scratchie?
This article aims to solve the mystery and provide some handy odds and tips about scratchies. By understanding the systems at play, you can make informed decisions and enjoy this popular game type.
What are scratchies?
Scratchies is a game you can play with physical or digital cards. When playing online scratchies, you must select a scratch card game and manually or automatically scrub it to expose symbols underneath. If you get the right combination, you can win prizes instantly.
There are typically three types of scratch card games available in Canada. These are:
- Instant win: This is the simplest and most common game type where you simply scratch and try to match a series of symbols, such as fruits and numbers
- Themed: These scratch cards have specific themes related to movie franchises or historical periods with unique symbols. Themed scratchies can also have bonus rounds and mini-games.
- Lines: Lines are the most complex form of scratchies (but still relatively simple!). They feature multiple fields or lines, with the winning combination being vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Here, you will be looking for a “winning line.”
How do scratchie odds work?
Scratchie odds refer to the chance of you winning a prize when playing one of the game types listed above. Several factors affect the odds of winning when playing scratch cards. These include the total number of tickets in play and how the prize is distributed.
You will usually find the exact odds for a game in the fine print online. They are typically presented as a ratio. For instant win scratch cards, the odds for winning range from one in three to one in five. So, if the odds for winning are one in five, there will typically be a single winning outcome for every five scratchies sold.
However, it’s important to note that these odds include wins for small prizes, not just big jackpots. There are prize-specific odds for each scratchie; obviously, these aren’t all created equally. For example, you might have a one in five chance of winning $5 but much longer odds of one in one million of securing a massive $100,000 prize.
The odds also change depending on the game type. For example, line scratch cards will have longer odds of winning as they feature multiple lines. This makes you less likely to match the right symbols to win small prizes.
With line scratchies, odds will vary, but typically, you will have a one in eight chance of winning a prize.
What factors influence scratchie odds?
The odds of you winning scratchies are influenced by elements that are out of your control. Still, knowing how these factor into the world of online scratchies can help you make smarter lifestyle choices (and hone in on a game type you enjoy).
Number of tickets sold
The first element affecting odds is how many tickets are in circulation. The more tickets a game has, the less likely you will win a big prize. If you are playing with physical cards, this will be based on the number of tickets printed and the number of winning tickets.
When playing online, the odds are usually baked into the software used by online casino sites, as there are only virtual “tickets.” Online scratchies may offer a fixed number of these tickets or implement a dynamic system that adjusts odds as the game evolves.
The odds of winning online scratchies will also be lower if fewer winning combinations are programmed in. One of the benefits of digital scratchies is not having to venture into shops and other stores to purchase them over the counter! You can buy scratchies from the comfort of your own home.
Prize distribution
Another benefit of online scratchies is more flexibility in prize distribution. They are much more interesting to play! Higher-value games with higher prize pools are more likely to offer higher payouts. However, larger jackpots (with fewer smaller prizes) usually equate to lower odds of winning.
Online sites can adjust prize levels and jackpots, tailoring scratchies based on demand from players.
Game design
This is where online scratchies really come into their own. Online casino sites offer games with more complex design mechanics that feature multiple paylines and bonus features. With multiple paylines, you will have a better chance of triggering combinations and winning smaller prizes.
Online scratchies also have bonus rounds, activated when you match specific symbols. These can be rewarding with free plays, multipliers and instant rewards. This, again, increases the odds of a flurry of smaller wins and more frequent payouts. If you are not always set on winning the biggest prize, these games might be for you.
RTP and RNG
You can also check your odds of winning at scratchies by looking at the Return to Player (RTP) percentage online. Online scratchies with higher RTP offer better odds. However, you aren’t guaranteed to win a prize after a certain number of plays. These games use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure scratchies are always fair and random.
Summing Up
To conclude, the odds of you winning a scratchie will vary by game. To improve your chances of winning, check the odds for each game before you buy, and consider line scratchies with multiple combinations and bonus rounds if you want smaller, more regular payouts. Conversely, if you want to win big, you might opt for a simple scratchie with a larger jackpot, even if the odds of winning are smaller.