Scratch cards, also known as instant win tickets, are a fun and exciting form of lottery gambling. With prizes ranging from small amounts up to multimillion dollar jackpots, scratch cards offer players the chance to win big with just a scrape of a coin or fingertip. But with so many scratch card games and variables to consider, how do you know which game gives you the best odds and payouts? This article will analyze the key factors that affect scratch card payouts and odds, discuss the best and worst scratch card games, and provide tips on how to choose games with the greatest winning potential.
Scratch Card Odds and Payouts
All scratch card games are based on probability and chance, but some games have better odds and payout percentages than others. Here are some key factors that affect the payouts:
Number of Tickets in Circulation
The number of unclaimed winning tickets remaining in a scratch card game affects your chances. Games with more tickets in circulation generally have better odds. Newly launched scratchers tend to have the most available prizes.
Top Prize Amount
Games advertising higher top prizes tend to have better overall payouts. A $30 ticket with a $3 million jackpot often pays back more overall than a $2 ticket with a $20,000 jackpot.
Number of Prizes
Scratchers with more prize tiers and higher numbers of mid-tier prizes usually have better payout percentages. Games offering just a few large prizes tend to have worse odds.
Ticket Price
Higher priced scratch cards generally have better odds and payouts compared to lower priced tickets. This reflects the higher costs per ticket to fund larger prizes.
Overall Payout Percentage
This reflects how much of all sales is paid back to players as prizes. Higher payout percentages yield better odds, on average. State lotteries publish overall payout info.
Best Scratch Card Games
Based on odds, payouts, and reviews, here are some of the best scratch card games:
1. Black Pearls
– Top Prize: $4 million
– Overall Payout: 74%
– Ticket Price: $30
– Why it’s good: High payout percentage and lots of $1,000 – $100,000 prizes
2. Emerald 10s
– Top Prize: $10 million
– Overall Payout: 70%
– Ticket Price: $20
– Why it’s good: Huge jackpot and great odds for mid-tier prizes
3. 100X The Cash
– Top Prize: $10 million
– Overall Payout: 68%
– Ticket Price: $20
– Why it’s good: Biggest top prize of any $20 scratcher
4. Mega Monopoly
– Top Prize: $5 million
– Overall Payout: 73%
– Ticket Price: $10
– Why it’s good: Branded game with consistently good odds
5. $250,000 Crossword
– Top Prize: $250,000
– Overall Payout: 67%
– Ticket Price: $5
– Why it’s good: Big jackpot for a $5 ticket
Worst Scratch Card Games
While any scratch game can pay out, these are historically among the worst based on low odds and payouts:
1. Iron Man
– Top Prize: $50,000
– Overall Payout: 53%
– Ticket Price: $2
– Why it’s bad: Terrible payout percentage compared to other $2 games
2. Enchanted 7s
– Top Prize: $7,000
– Overall Payout: 59%
– Ticket Price: $1
– Why it’s bad: Low prizes despite being one of the worst payout $1 games
3. 777 Winnings
– Top Prize: $2,777
– Overall Payout: 62%
– Ticket Price: $2
– Why it’s bad: Deceptive name implies better payout than actual odds
4. Double Match
– Top Prize: $20,000
– Overall Payout: 64%
– Ticket Price: $3
– Why it’s bad: Terrible payout percentage for a $3 scratcher
5. Fruit Loot
– Top Prize: $5,000
– Overall Payout: 59%
– Ticket Price: $1
– Why it’s bad: Lowest overall payout percentage of any current $1 game
How to Pick the Best Scratch Cards
Follow these tips to choose scratch card games with the best odds and payout potential:
Compare Overall Payout Percentages
Focus on games with the highest payout rates. This information is available through state lottery websites and scratcher databases.
Buy Newer Games
Newly released scratchers tend to have the most unclaimed major prizes remaining. Avoid older games nearing the end of availability.
Pick $20 or $30 Games
Higher priced scratch cards generally offer much better odds and prizes. Skip $1-5 cards unless you want low risk entertainment.
Search for Games with Big Jackpots
Hunt for scratchers with advertised top prizes above $1 million. These games usually have better payouts overall.
Read Scratcher Reviews
Visit scratcher websites and forums to see player reviews and feedback on which are the best and worst games recently.
Conclusion
Scratch card odds and payout percentages can vary widely, so it pays to know which games offer the best winning chances. Factors like game price, prize amounts, and number of unclaimed winners all impact your odds. By focusing on newer $20+ scratchers with big jackpots and high payout rates, you can significantly increase your shot at scoring a top prize. Just be sure to always gamble responsibly and within your entertainment budget. While scratchers are lots of fun, keep in mind that in the end the lottery house always has an edge.
Scratch Card Game | Top Prize | Overall Payout % | Ticket Price |
---|---|---|---|
Black Pearls | $4 million | 74% | $30 |
Emerald 10s | $10 million | 70% | $20 |
100X The Cash | $10 million | 68% | $20 |
Mega Monopoly | $5 million | 73% | $10 |
$250,000 Crossword | $250,000 | 67% | $5 |
Iron Man | $50,000 | 53% | $2 |
Enchanted 7s | $7,000 | 59% | $1 |
777 Winnings | $2,777 | 62% | $2 |
Double Match | $20,000 | 64% | $3 |
Fruit Loot | $5,000 | 59% | $1 |