Online scratch cards make up the majority of the best online casino instant win games played and they are increasingly popular with players.
Acting just like a scratch card you would purchase at a physical store, players can reveal symbols or cash values by clicking, tapping, or ‘scratching’ sections of the card in hopes of winning an instant win cash prize.
At Prime Casino, you’ll discover over 50 online scratch cards from top developers like Playtech and Eyecon. Continue reading to learn more about online scratch cards.
Online scratch cards are digital variants of the classic scratch cards you’ve most likely seen in real-world stores. Online scratchcards fall under the ‘instant win’ category of online casino games, meaning that finding out if your card is a winner or not can take less than a minute.
Online scratchcards are purchased from online casinos such as Prime Casino, and many of these ‘scratchies’ are themed after popular slot series such as Fishin’ Frenzy or Rainbow Riches.
Online scratch cards can be played on any device including smartphones for on-the-go gaming. Because of this, most online scratchcards have been optimised for play on touch screens, with players dragging their fingers back and forth across a chosen section in a scratching motion to reveal prizes.
Playing online scratch cards is incredibly simple. To do so, just follow these steps:
Select your chosen online scratch card. Every game has its own set of rules and rewards. Thus, before you place any wagers, spend your time investigating them. You can pick the game or card that best fits your budget and preferences.
The next step is to buy the cards and place your bets. You can choose how much you’d like to spend on a card, with this value affecting the payouts you can expect to achieve. It is also possible to purchase multiple cards at once.
Now it's time to scratch! Some older online scratch cards may reveal selected segments with a single click or tap, but for more immersion modern online scratch cards require players to drag their finger or cursor across sections to reveal them. Each game will use its own variant of symbols and prizes, and some games will require a matching pair, while others will require at least 3.
If you scratch off a winner, you’ll instantly have the funds displayed as your prize added to your account.
How do online scratch cards compare to the real-world scratch cards you might have purchased in the past? Our handy table compares important aspects of both types of scratch cards:
| Feature | Online Scratch Cards | Real Scratch Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Players can purchase online scratch cards 24/7 using their preferred device. | Because these cards are purchased at physical locations, players can only purchase cards during stores’ opening hours. |
| Platform | Available on online casino websites and accompanying mobile apps. | Physical cards are purchased from real-world vendors. |
| Convenience | Players can instantly access and play the cards they purchase 24/7. | Players will need to purchase physically, some stores may have a card limit, so players might need to ensure they have the correct change. |
| Interaction | Cards are virtually scratched either with a click or tap or via a scratching motion done with the finger or cursor. | Players scratch off the card manually, typically using a coin or a key. |
| Cost | Players can choose how much they’d like to purchase their cards for. | Set retail prices typically 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20. |
| Variety | An extensive range of scratchcards available to instantly purchase from top developers. | Limited options are available for purchase from limited brands (most commonly National Lottery) |
| Payouts | Payers can instantly receive any winnings they accrue. | Players will need to redeem their winnings at a retailer. In the case of larger prizes, players may need to submit a claim or send off information to the scratch card provider. |
| Security | Once gaining a verified account (ID required) players' data is kept safe with encryption and operations are overseen by governing bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority | Players will need to be able to provide a valid ID if they appear under 25 and can be refused service. As cards are handled by a variety of individuals there is an increased (albeit unlikely) chance of tampering. |
| Environmental Impact | As all products are digital they have no physical environmental impact beyond those associated with the device you choose to play on. | Real scratch cards are paper-based and can contain composite materials which makes them hard to recycle. Often non-winning scratchcards are thrown on the ground as litter. |
| Promotions and Bonuses | Online scratch cards may be subject to special promotions. | Promotions for real-world scratch cards are uncommon. |
| Social Interaction | Players can access online scratch cards whenever they want and can share news of their wins as part of the platform's social media presence. | A social aspect may be achieved between a regular customer and a cashier, but in general social interaction isn’t associated with real-world scratchcards. |
| Technology Dependence | Players will need a device which can access a stable internet connection as well as a verified online casino account and deposited funds. | Players will need physical cash, bank card, or other payment method (such as Apple Pay), to buy their card. |
