Scratch cards: how instant lottery tickets work
Scratch cards, or instant tickets, are lottery products sold by state lotteries. You buy a ticket, scratch off a latex coating, and see right away whether it wins a prize. Each game is printed as a fixed batch of tickets with a set number of prizes at each level.
Reading the odds
Tickets usually show "overall odds," such as 1 in 4. That is the chance that a ticket wins any prize, and most of those prizes are small, often equal to or less than the ticket price. The odds of a top prize are far longer and are listed in the game's official rules.
Many state lotteries publish, for each game, how many prizes have already been claimed and how many remain. Check your state lottery's official website for that information and for the minimum purchase age, which is set by state law.
Scratching patterns, store locations, and timing do not change a ticket's outcome; results are fixed when the ticket is printed.
Play safely, or not at all
This guide is educational. We do not offer games, accept bets, or link to casinos. In the U.S. states that currently license online casinos, you must be at least 21 and physically located in that state. Every casino game on this page has a built-in house advantage or a fee, so treat any money you play with as money you may lose. Set a budget and a time limit before you start. If gambling is causing harm, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or see our responsible gambling help page.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'overall odds 1 in 4' mean?
About one ticket in four wins some prize, often a small one. It does not mean you get your money back every four tickets.
Who sells scratch cards?
State lotteries and their licensed retailers, in the states that run a lottery.
Sources
See also: all game guides, where online casinos are legal, and responsible gambling help.