Online Scratch Cards: Scratchies for Kiwis
In 1974, the first physical scratch card was produced by John Koza with the help of retail specialists. The product was an instant hit!
Scratchies are top-rated online casino games, and most new NZ online casinos should offer a few varieties of scratch cards. Scratch cards are so popular as they are so easy to play, and they can provide some relief for players who play intensive table games such as blackjack and craps. Other players play this as their primary game of choice.
Online scratchies have the same concept as the iconic scratch cards you can buy at supermarkets and corner stores. Instead of scratching the reflective ink off of the physical scratch card with a finger, online scratch card players use their mice to uncover their potential prizes. Prizes are revealed instantly, which can be very exciting for the player; in a way, scratch cards are like an instant lottery.
Scratch cards are also usually relatively cheap in comparison to other casino games. These days there are many different online scratch cards to choose from, and most come complete with creative animations, bonus features, innovative themes, and even mini-games. Most digital scratch cards aim to reveal three matching symbols to win a monetary prize or voucher.
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Best Online Scratch Cards Sites
| Rank | Casino | Review | Bonus | Info | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  |
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$1600+ 10 Free Spins | Scratch your way to big money in only few seconds | Play Now |
| 2. |  |
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$2000+ 200 Free Spins | Enjoy instant action with scratch cards, an excellent way to switch things around | Play Now |
| 3. |  |
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80 No Wager FS | Win 5-figure amounts with NetEnt scratch cards instantly in your browser | Play Now |
Scratchies Card Rules and How it Works
- Firstly, players must choose an online casino to play scratch cards. The number of online casinos available today can be pretty intimidating. For that reason, we have listed our top ten online casinos, which are fully regulated and trusted in a later section to help players choose where to play scratch card games.
- The next step is for players to choose a scratch card game, there are many different types and themes, and players should select a game that appeals to them.
- Once a scratch card game has been chosen, the player must select the bet size and how many blocks they would like to play. The different games will have additional minimum and maximum bets and other blocks available.
- Once the bets and number of blocks have been set, the player can ‘scratch’ off the blocks with their mouse or press the ‘reveal all’ button to uncover all their blocks.
- Each Scratch card game is different, but winnings are usually determined by getting a sequence of identical symbols, matching symbols to a predetermined character, or sometimes cash prizes themselves lying underneath the blocks. This way, online scratch cards are slightly more complicated than physical ones but more fun as they have strategies behind them!
Scratchies Cards & Kiwis
It hardly surprises that Kiwis are crazy about their “scratchies.” With so many options and themes available, they represent a source of relatively cheap instant fun and the possibility of winning some serious cash.
In some ways, scratch cards resemble online pokies, especially when discussing their electronic versions. One card is quite similar to a single spin on the machine: if you get lucky, you could win big. Additionally, colorful and entertaining themes make them easy on the eyes.
Scratch Card Strategies and Systems
Scratch card games may not seem like they can be played using strategies, but they can! Unlike real-life scratch cards, there is more to online scratch cards than just scratching a card to have prizes revealed, and there are a few different paths you can take when playing the game online.
An excellent strategy to adopt is choosing your scratch game carefully. There are thousands of scratch card games to choose from; some have lower house edges than others and different betting options and odds. It is good to select a game with a free demo version as the player can get a feel for how that specific game works before playing for real money. Playing free games will show players what it takes to win, analyze their mistakes as well as find their favorite styles of games!
A straightforward yet essential strategy is to bank your winnings regularly to ensure you don’t lose it all in an unlucky bet. Another obvious point would be never to play more scratch cards than you can realistically afford to lose as, like in any casino game, there are no guarantees.
Scratch Cards Odds
Physical scratch cards have fixed odds based on the number of cards produced compared to the number of winning cards out there. With virtual “scratchies,” things are a bit different as they operate on much the same principle as online slots, meaning an RNG dictates the outcome of every individual game.
Every card can be a winner when you play online, as the combination is only produced when you buy a new card. Respectable and reputable casinos like the ones we recommend here usually have a payout percentage in the vicinity of 96%, which gives players odds similar to those found in higher-paying pokies.
Just like with pokies, there will be a lot of smaller wins and a rare big win thrown into the mix.
Scratch Cards vs. Other Casino Games
Compared to other casino games, scratch cards indeed belong to their category. Players don’t need to learn any rules or worry about game dynamics or anything else. You buy a card – you scratch a card, and that’s it: you either win or lose.
For some people, this is ideal as there is nothing to think about, and you still have the same chance of winning as if you’ve played some other games. For others, the lack of interaction may be a turnoff. It depends on what you seek in a casino. Is it to get lucky, or are you looking to have as much fun as possible? If the latter is the case, online pokies or table games could present a better alternative.
That said, online scratch cards are developing each day. They offer new levels of interactivity to their players, making them appealing even to those primarily looking to have a blast.
Scratch Cards Variations
While many scratch cards from numerous manufacturers are available today, Playtech is one of the leaders in this department. The online gambling giant has been at the forefront of the industry for a long time, and when they decide to do something, they usually do it right.
Like their pokies, many of their scratch cards are based on popular themes from movies, history, etc.
Marvel-themed “scratchies:”
- Iron Man 2 – win up to $10,000
- Thor Scratch Card – an interactive and fun “scratchie” with bonus games and features. Mix it up with Norse gods.
- X-Men Scratch Card – play for a maximum stake and win up to $1,000,000
Apart from these, there are many other types with different themes from history, mythology, etc.
Reasons Play Online Scratch Cards
- Online scratch cards are elementary to learn to play, there aren’t many rules, and the games are simple.
- Online scratchies are a great choice of game for novices that don’t have much experience playing online casino games.
- You can play scratch cards online anytime you want, as you do not need to wait for other players to play a game.
- Most online scratch card games offer low house edges, bonus features, and high payouts.
- Can be found and played at most NZ online casinos
FAQs
No, scratch cards cannot be fixed as they use a random number generator system. Winning is based on luck and chance.
Gambling age restrictions vary by country and jurisdiction. In the UK, the minimum age is 16 for scratch cards, while Australia requires players to be 18 or older for online gambling. The USA has varying laws across states.
Many online casinos offer dedicated mobile apps for playing scratch cards, while others provide a mobile-friendly website for instant play without the need to download additional software.
Absolutely! Playing real money scratch games on a mobile device provides the best experience. Game developers optimize their games for mobile play, utilizing features such as vibration to enhance gameplay and make it more engaging.
The main advantage of this game is its low minimum deposit requirement of just $1, which allows players to participate without having to spend a large amount of money compared to other casinos.