Scratch cards have been around for decades – in fact, it’s believed the first scratch card materialized in the USA in the mid-1970s. Two decades later and in 1995, The UK’s National Lottery released its first version of a scratch card. Fast forward further to the present day and online casinos offer their very own version of online scratch cards – with instant wins providing thrills for many gaming and gambling fans. Perhaps you’re new to this digital concept, so read on as we give you all you need to know about this modern phenomenon.
What are online scratch cards?
First things first. Online scratch cards are not too dissimilar from paper ones – they are just digitalized versions. By playing an online scratch card, you are not limited to time or place, as online casinos are always accessible, provided you have an internet connection – meaning you aren’t waiting around for shops or kiosks to open.
How do you play online scratch cards?
As long as you have an internet connection and more importantly, funds in your account, you’re ready to go. Simply purchase your scratch card online and virtually ‘scratch’ off the symbols to see if you are a winner. You’ll have the option of ‘scratching’ symbols individually or even use the ‘auto-scratch’ function to reveal all the symbols at once, making instant wins even more instant! Online scratch cards could have multiple rows of different themed symbols, or even offer multiple games all on one card – giving you more ways to win.
Why play online scratch cards?
Why not! As we have mentioned, they aren’t too dissimilar from their paper counterparts – just think, more convenient and less mess. Everyone loves the thrill of an instant win, and there’s something about scratch cards that offers that unique surprise. Luck, of course, plays a huge part and if you’re feeling lucky, there’s that sense of anticipation. Wonderfully unpredictable, online scratch cards keep you on your toes, with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Of course, if you are a big winner, there’s no feeling like it – much like playing the Lotto, or any other casino game, for that matter.
What are the main differences between scratch cards and online scratch cards?
With paper scratch cards, there is always the issue of mess – the grey shavings of film that get attached to your clothing or stuck in the carpet. If you are a winner, there’s the worry of your ticket getting lost, stolen or misplaced, making you unable to claim that win – big or small. There’s also the travel involved in going back to the shop or kiosk you purchased your ticket from, to collect your winnings – having to go at a time that suits you and of course, when they’re open.
Online scratch cards throw up no such problems. The instant wins are exactly that – as soon as you have seen your winning symbols, the money will be added to your online account and you are able to withdraw it at any point. There will be some time restrictions, but you’re able to transfer those winnings to your preferred payment service.
Online scratch cards can be enjoyed at home, or on-the-go, at any time of day. So long as you have an internet connection, they are just a few taps away on your smartphone or tablet.
How do I know my chances of winning an online scratch card?
Your chosen online scratch card will display an RTP (or Return to Player). Much like other online casino games, this is based upon an average and the percentage of wagered money which will be returned to the player over time. Say, for example, your instant win game has an RTP of 95%, it means that for every 1.00 credit spent, the player will get back, on average, 0.95. But different scratch cards will have varying RTPs.
Online scratch cards provide the entertainment and excitement of instant win games, and with different themes available, there’s plenty of choices. Of course, like any game, be sure to check out the rules and terms and conditions before you start, but ultimately, the aim of online scratch cards is having fun – and hopefully landing a windfall!