Definition of scratch cards

Scratch cards are known by many different names including scratch off, scratchie, scratch ticket, scratch game, scratcher, and instant game. Scratch cards are usually made of cardboard or stiff paper and the card's game symbols are concealed by opaque latex which is only revealed when scratched off with a sharp object.

How scratch cards work

Scratch cards are just as common as instant lottery games and are very simple to play. The player scratches off a number of boxes, depending on how many prizes the individual scratch card offers, in order to reveal what is beneath and see whether they have been lucky enough to win prizes hidden under the scratch panel. Winning is solely determined by luck, and does not change or alter based on the player. In some instant win games, a particular area is usually scratched to reveal the answer, or the prize may depend on which window is scratched. These games usually require a single scratch at one spot, and if more scratches are seen than the card becomes invalid. After the game is finished, the player can scratch the entire card to see where the prizes were located.

Scratch card uses

Apart from the obvious purpose of playing scratch cards for fun and in order to win prizes, scratch cards can also be used for a variety of other purposes such as concealing PINs and spot quizzes as they are a very effective method of concealing information on a temporary basis. With scratch cards, game companies can keep the prizes top secret until the card is scratched off. By their nature, scratch cards maintain the security of the rewards, and the equality of the players as it is very hard to cheat on scratch cards. In recent years as scratch cards have become more and more popular, charities are also using scratch cards as a form of fundraising which also offer the opportunity to win prizes. Next: scratch cards versus lottery