Scratchcards are a form of gambling loosely based on a bingo theme in which a covering is “scratched” away using a coin or other implement to reveal symbols or numbers below.

Matching certain symbols and numbers leads to a prize. The simplest of scratchcard gambling involves scratching off the covering to reveal cash prize amounts; matching a certain number of cash prize amounts (often three) means that the gambler instantly wins that amount of money.

More intricate scratchcard designs involve the matching of symbols or the revealing of a single instant prize symbol to secure a win. Scratchcards are available in the UK from national lottery retailers and vary in price from £1 to £5, with higher price cards offering either higher stakes prizes or more chances to win.

Shop-bought scratchcard winners can claim low denomination prizes on the spot from the lottery retailer, while larger prizes must be claimed from the lottery operator themselves. Scratchcards are also available in virtual form from online betting sites for those who prefer online gambling.

Online betting scratchcards are purchased through online betting sites and are also loosely based on a bingo theme. Once a virtual scratchcard has been purchased it is generated by the system at the internet gambling site and the user clicks on the covering to remove it and reveal the prize symbols.

Any prizes won through online gambling scratchcards are usually paid into the user’s online betting account to be cashed out or used for future internet gambling.

Sep 06 2010