Scratch cards are a relatively new type of instant game, inspired by lottery tickets with a protective layer that used to be scratched off with a coin. People have known about lotteries for ages, but this type of lottery was only created in the second half of the last century.
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In childhood, we all loved those magic tickets that had to be erased with a coin to see the combination of the lucky numbers. With the popularity of online casinos, game developers have turned their attention to such an exciting way of playing like a lottery, and now you can find online scratch cards on many gambling platforms.
The technology of the game has not changed, so the player still needs to erase the protective layer, but now they can do it with the cursor and mouse clicks. The convenience of such games is that you no longer need to go somewhere for a ticket. The Internet is now full of online casino sites with a rich assortment of such games from the world’s best providers.
History of Scratch Cards
Despite the lottery has existed since the dawn of time, scratch cards didn’t emerge in the United States until 1974. The idea of creating lottery tickets using scratch cards was innovative as it offered a quick payout. At that time, two Americans (John Koza and Daniel Bauer) decided to make special lottery tickets with a coating that could be erased with a coin.
A corporation called Scientific Games was founded and headed by John Koza. Koza’s Corporation produced the first scratch cards with a layer of foil, which covered the numbers and symbols. This technology became a template for the classic scratch cards and is still used today. With the help of manual methods of generating random numbers, the combinations were created, printed on paper tickets, and covered with a particular protective layer. Removing this layer provided an instant result. A well-known promoter of that time, Daniel Bauer, helped popularize this new product, and as a result, scratch cards were sold in millions of copies.
In the same year of 1974, the Massachusetts Instant Lottery was held, using scratch cards to raise money for the municipality. Subsequently, the idea was picked up by other states in America and subsequently by other countries around the world.
Since then, the scratch card manufacturing technology has been significantly improved, and nowadays, the most common way of covering the numbers is multilayer resin and overlapping patterns. Thus, even if you bring such a card in front of the light, the numbers or symbols cannot be seen – that’s how the first known “The Instant Game” appeared.
Later in 1987, the company AstroMed Inc. from Rhode Island patented the scratch cards technology, which was a milestone in their future development and spread all over the world. It all started with surprisingly simple tickets with three dots behind them hiding letters and numbers. In order to win, it was necessary to get one of the winning combinations provided by the rules of the game.
The magic of the protective layer, which was so pleasant to scratch, attracted the attention of more and more players. No wonder scratch cards became increasingly appealing and intricate. Manufacturers played with shape, color, and design, putting Marvel characters, NASCAR, MLB, NBA, motorcycles, and Harley Davidson cars in the lottery.
Even nowadays, the technology to create such cards is used not only in the gambling industry but also in the banking sphere, telecommunications, advertising, charity, and others.
Around the world, scratch cards were wildly popular, and even today, they are still popular among gambling enthusiasts. But unfortunately, as the 21st century came to pass, scratch card lottery tickets became less popular than they used to be.
After 40 years of success, the first scratch cards appeared on the Internet, as the Scratch2Cash company released its first online scratch card project in late 2005. The first digital editions were elementary and imitated classic, simply coated lottery tickets. Over the years, the popularity of scratch cards remained at a relatively low level. Consequently, other creators began to use this concept, so today, the scratch card lottery is widely used at any online casino.
The second wave of scratch cards popularity came with the emergence of online casinos in 2010. Online casinos made it easier to play lotteries since players could buy tickets conveniently from their homes. Additionally, most scratch cards resembled slot machines with a playing field and a control panel with a similar set of buttons. Before each game, the players were given a choice of bets in a wide range. Then, after making a deposit, the game can begin by scratching purchased cards.
The next step in developing lottery tickets using scratch cards was their appearance in online casinos on smartphones. Playing the lottery from mobile devices becomes as convenient as spending time on other games. Since then, it became possible to try your luck at any time of the day, with no need to find the nearest lottery shop, wait for your turn, and then look for a coin to rub the coating, trying not to spoil the pattern on the preceding layer. Now all you have to do is pick up your phone, access the casino website, make a minimum deposit, for example, a 20 dollar minimum deposit casino, and move the cursor on the picture.
In 2014, scratch cards overtook horse racing betting and occupied 20% of the market. According to statistics, scratch cards were prevalent among women, as many as 19% preferred to play scratch cards, and only 1% were ready to bet on sporting events like horse racing. Due to such tremendous popularity, the leading British supplier of scratch cards (Camelot company) made record profits from the sales of this simple lottery.
The breakthrough came closer to 2020 when scratch cards became more diverse and intriguing. Now players have a whole new direction, simple but fascinating and lucrative. Beginners have a lot to explore, and experienced players have an excellent opportunity to relax during the play and distract themselves from the more complex online slots or table games.
How to Play Scratch Cards?
Since the scratch card game is interactive, the draws are accompanied by colorful graphics and background music. This fact and the guaranteed objectivity of the results are undeniable arguments in favor of scratch cards compared to other types of lotteries. The number of winnings obtained when playing scratch cards online will depend on the amount of the initial combination that appears behind the erased cover. The game’s general rules are pretty simple so that each provider can add their own rules and solutions to the game.
Nowadays, there are a considerable number of online lotteries. Like all things, they have their disadvantages and advantages, but standard guidelines are typical for any online lottery. For example, the goal of scratch cards is to get a ticket with a paying set, which, in turn, consists of several similar signs – prize icons. The prize icons can be in a row in some scratch cards and random order in others, so you should always read the rules of each lottery.
The gameplay is so simple that you can learn all the details just in a minute. Whatever the design the game has, the process runs according to the following scenario:
– The bet is made.
– The playing field opens (manually or automatically).
– The results of the rounds are given.
– Winnings are calculated according to the payment.
Basically, you just need to determine how much you plan to bet on the game and make a couple of clicks to start the process. After that, winnings will be calculated quickly, with winning combinations highlighted for clarity.
Individual software developers for casinos provide scratch cards with additional benefits.
The prize features are as follows:
· progressive jackpot;
· individual prizes;
· bonus payments;
· considerable odds and many others.
RTP and Volatility of Scratch Cards
Each online scratch card game can be very different in terms of RTP and volatility, so it is necessary to study the peculiarities of each parameter separately.
RTP (Return to Player) – this parameter indicates how often a player can expect to win. Therefore, the higher the percentage, the more likely and more often it is possible to win. RTP rate determines how many bets players can get back from all the bets they made in a particular game in the long term.
Volatility – the risk level of the game. This parameter is responsible for qualitative and quantitative indicators of winnings in casino games, meaning it shows the frequency and size of money prizes given to the players.
Random Number Generator – winning cards are determined by software based on RNG data, which is thoroughly tested before the game becomes available at the online casino.
You can find scratch card games with an RTP index of less than 90%; however, you can also find 98%. Volatility is usually average, but it is likely to have high volatility if you have chosen a jackpot card. Payouts are typically quite frequent, but the payout for many prizes is no more than the price of the scratch card ticket itself. Also, if there is a jackpot game, the volatility will always be higher than average.
Why Are Scratch Cards So Popular?
The popularity of scratch cards, which have literally exploded the world of online casinos, is one of today’s gambling phenomena. However, while developers have been working to make the graphics and storylines for new online slots more complex, players have lacked simplicity and speed. Consequently, as soon as instant games appeared on the horizon, where the result could be obtained in one click, they won people’s attention.
Often scratch cards have very simple graphics, and the plot is entirely unsophisticated. Simply these games do not need to break your head over the game rules and strategies; you can just relax and get your winnings in one click – perfect! And what is fascinating, the price of the online scratch card ticket can be increased by 10,000 times or even more.
One of the many advantages of playing online scratch cards is that players often choose their own bet size when playing for real money. There is no fixed price, as with paper scratch cards purchased at a local lottery store. You can play the online version of scratch cards whenever you want, and from any device, so you don’t have to visit a store to buy a ticket. On top of that, when you win, you’ll get your money instantly on your card.
Reasons to Play Scratch Cards Online
Quick wins – in one click, a single online scratch card can be turned into an instant prize or even a jackpot.
Low cost – virtual scratch cards can be pretty inexpensive. You can buy a ticket and scratch the protective layer with one click for just a few cents.
Chance to win big – literally, all scratch cards give you an opportunity to increase your profit by thousands of times. And among them, some give away millions of jackpots. If you are interested in such prizes, you can choose a jackpot scratch card and count on your luck.
But what’s the point of playing scratch cards if your winnings are primarily dependent on luck and you don’t need any gaming skills? The answer to this question is – it’s always worth a try! Besides, as you have already understood from the history of scratch cards, the providers have created so many different exciting themes of the games and ways for players to win.
The Ways of Scratch Cards Development
It is difficult to predict what the future holds for a new type of lottery in the gambling world, but now it is hard not to notice the success of online scratch cards among casino enthusiasts. People from all over the world play online scratch cards, while a large number of developers and providers are constantly releasing new and exciting titles. Scratch card tickets attract users by many features:
· the rules of use are very simple;
· large payouts of winnings;
· a wide choice of games;
· the short process of the game;
· plenty additional bonuses and much more.
Strategy Tips
Scratch cards are a game of luck that cannot be predicted, and all that is required from the players is their good fortune.
Regardless, several tips and hints can help you win or lose less while playing scratch cards. In this article, we’ve prepared a collection of valuable tips for you in scratch card games. Here you’ll discover how to maximize your potential payouts and choose only safe sites to play at.
1. Choose licensed casinos.
Scratch cards can easily be found on the Internet at online casino sites. But before you start playing for real money, always check the casino reviews and ensure that they have a license.
Why is it so crucial? Only verified and reputable online casinos actually pay out winnings to their guests, while dishonest, fraudulent online casinos keep your winnings for themselves. Therefore, look for regulated and licensed gambling venues.
2. Online casinos with mobile device support.
Once you are satisfied with the safety and integrity of an online casino, check whether it has a mobile version, which will make it easier for you to access the casino and ensure convenient play anywhere in the world if you have a stable internet connection. Reliable, modern casinos always offer services for Android and Apple users.
3. Bonuses and promotions.
You can benefit from bonuses and promotions while playing scratch cards. That way, you always benefit from saving money because, with bonuses and promotions, you use the money from the casino instead of your own. As a result, you will not only have a better chance of winning but also get to practice your scratch card playing skills.
4. Manage your budget.
Make it a habit to plan your budget before you play, so you can always control the situation, keep track of how much you have spent and not waste more than the limit set.
5. Stay alert.
Try not to play online casinos when you are drunk. You may spend more money than you intended.
6. Do not chase losses.
Enjoy playing your favorite scratch cards, but stop playing and take a break if you find yourself losing for a long time.
7. Stick to one game.
Choose the game you like most and play it. You may experience a losing streak, but on the other hand, you may also end up with a huge jackpot. The chances of you ending up with a win are higher if you stick to only one game.
Where to Play Scratch Cards?
Currently, there are thousands of online casinos available on the Internet where you can find many high-quality online casino games, including scratch cards. Why is it so important to choose a high-quality and fair online casino? Because it determines whether you’ll get your winnings or not since many casinos offering to play scratch cards can be fraudulent.
Below you will find a checklist with the criteria you should pay attention to while choosing the online casino.
Reputation – the most important and decisive aspect when choosing the online casino, be sure to check it.
License – choose only reliable and licensed online casinos and get access to games from trusted providers with a guaranteed fair deal and prize pool.
Diverse game menu – it’s a great sign when the casino offers a large, high-quality selection of games, including scratch cards.
Variety of banking options – choose online casinos with an extensive list of deposit and withdrawal methods so that you’ll be more comfortable finding the appropriate method for you and, in the future, playing at this casino without any difficulties.
Promotions and bonuses – online casinos with scratch cards should be generous. A great benefit will be a cashback option or the VIP program.
Large withdrawal limits and fast cashout options – online casinos have to pay out your winnings quickly and offer significant withdrawal limits.
Website – the casino site should have a good and comprehensible structure, an attractive design, and run quickly.
Customer service – last but not least, the online casino you choose must have fast and responsive customer support with convenient ways of communication (online chat, toll-free phone line, email).