Scratch cards are instant win games you will find at any online casino in South Africa. Like their physical counterparts, these digital games offer you a chance to win real money. Online scratch cards (also known as Scratchies or Lotto) are becoming more popular by the day with the rise of online gambling platforms. In this post, we will go over the mechanics, common strategies, tips and more, so stay tuned.
Mechanics of online scratch cards
Online scratch cards work in a similar way physical ones do. You scratch to reveal winning symbols and win based on the rules of the game. Below, we are breaking down how scratch cards work at online casinos.
- Layout – most online scratch cards have a 3×3 grid with 9 symbols. Depending on the specific game, these symbols can be numbers, multipliers, game-specific symbols, or actual monetary amounts. You will also find 3D scratch cards on many casinos online.
- Themes and multipliers – these instant win games can be very simple and minimal while others have vivid themes like slots. Multi-games scratch cards may also have multiplier symbols that increase your winnings.
- RNG software – all scratch card games operate on Random Number Generator (RNG) software. This ensures random outcomes on every scratch to ensure fair play. This means the outcomes actually depend on your luck.
- How to win – to win at online scratch cards you usually need to get three matching symbols anywhere in the grid or card. You win the amount written on the matching symbols. If the symbols are not monetary amounts, you win the amount the symbols stand for.
From physical cards to digital play
Scratch cards have existed since 1974 in shops and retail betting stores. An American company called Scientific Games Corporation led by scientist John Koza and retail promotions specialist Daniel Bower introduced the very first computer-generated instant lottery game in that year.
With the flow of time and the rise of newer and smarter technology, many iGaming software developers like Blueprint, Games Global, and Pragmatic Play have created online versions of these instant win games. Nowadays you will find scratch cards on Hollywood Bets, Betway, Betsson, and almost all other online casinos in South Africa.
How to play scratch cards at online casinos?
Playing scratch cards online is as simple and easy as it is in real life. The only difference is that instead of scratching a physical card, you tap or click on the digital card to reveal prizes. Let’s look at how to play scratch cards on Hollywood Bets and other casinos online.
- Sign up at an online casino – find a good South African iGaming platform that offers the scratch cards you like and sign up. Though casinos let you play these games without an account, you’ll eventually need to create one to withdraw your real money winnings.
- Find and launch a game – browse the lobby and find a scratch card you like. They come with different themes, bets, and rewards. Launch the one that fits your criteria to test your luck.
- Set a bet – depending on the game you choose, you will find a fixed or customizable betting option. Choose the amount you want to wager on the lotto and simply hit “Play.”
- Scratch and win – click and drag your mouse cursor over the digital card to scratch it and reveal winning symbols. If you are playing on a mobile device, you just need to tap or drag your finger on the screen to reveal symbols. Depending on the game, if you get a certain number of matching symbols you get to claim a prize.
- Withdraw winnings – after you are done playing, go to the cashier section and request a withdrawal. Online casinos do not usually put wagering requirements on scratch card winnings unless you are using a bonus.
Why are scratch cards popular in South Africa?
Scratch cards are one of the most popular types of instant games in South Africa. There are several reasons behind this popularity.
- Instant winnings – these are instant win games that allow you to play and win within minutes. This is very convenient for players who do not have the time it takes to play slots, table games, or live casino titles. You can play it whenever you find a short break and win real money if you are lucky.
- Low stakes – the amount you need to bet on every round on these games is very very small. Though it varies depending on the game, you can find scratch cards with bets starting at just one ZAR. This is extremely useful for players who are starting off their iGaming journey with a small bankroll.
- High rewards – the rewards or winning potential of these games is very high compared to the wagering amount. Sometimes the winnings even cross a million ZAR. You can take a look at LottoStar scratch card winners in South Africa to take a look at potential winnings. Most other casinos also showcase their winners on the site.
- Exemplary design – with the rise of modern technology, scratch games are becoming more sophisticated by the day. You will find scratch cards with stunning cosmic, fruity, African, and other themes that make them stand out. The games also have immersive soundtracks and other audio and visual designs.
Tips & strategies for winning at scratch cards online
Though the outcomes are random and winning depends on your luck, there are some strategies you can follow to maximize your chances of winning. Let’s look at some tips for playing scratch cards.
- Choose reliable casinos – first and foremost, look for reputable online casinos with a valid licence and good reviews to avoid bad or scam sites. This will ensure that you have a fair chance of winning big.
- Find the best RTP – scratch cards have theoretical RTPs that determine your winnings in the long run. For instance, a game with a 95% RTP will return 95 ZAR for every 100 ZAR bet in the long run. So, choose games with high RTPs to maximise winnings.
- Look for progressive jackpots – though not too common, some scratch card games have a progressive jackpot mechanism. Use this to your advantage when the jackpot size is really big. If you are lucky, you may even win the jackpot.
