Online scratch card games have grown massively in popularity in recent years, with millions of players attracted by the bumper riches they offer.
Physical scratch cards date back to Massachusetts in the mid-1970s and they subsequently went on to find favor with people around the world.
They became a staple part of many national lotteries, generating massive revenues for worthwhile causes and winners alike.
The opportunity to win eye-watering jackpots transferred seamlessly into the online arena and most iGaming websites now feature scratch card games.
But why are they so popular? We take a closer look at online scratch card games and assess why players are so infatuated by them.
An Introduction to Online Scratch Cards
Online scratch cards are digital variants of traditional scratch cards, with each following the same format in terms of gameplay.
Players must scratch panels on a card to reveal symbols. If they match up a pre-determined number of symbols, they win cash prizes.
Instant wins are one of the most popular variants of online scratch cards, with players generally required to match three symbols to win.
Prizes range from just a few dollars to massive jackpots, making online scratch cards one of the most gratifying games you can play.
Playing Online Scratch Cards
Although there are some similarities between online scratch cards and their traditional counterparts, there are naturally some noteworthy differences between the two.
Generally speaking, physical scratch cards have a fixed cost price, meaning players only have a few different stake sizes to choose from.
That is not the case online, with iGaming operators allowing players to adjust the size of their wagers to suit their individual budgets.
When you have decided how much you want to risk, just ‘scratch’ off the panels on the screen to reveal the symbols. If you match the right symbols, the winnings are credited to your casino account.
Online Scratch Cards are Rewarding
It is fair to say that very few online games provide the instantaneous thrills that scratch cards can generate for players.
For instance, if you sign-up for a poker tournament it can be a few hours before you know the outcome and there is no guarantee you will finish in the money.
By contrast, once you have purchased your online scratch card you will know within a few seconds whether your wager has been successful.
This instant level of gratification is tough for other games to match and goes a long way to explain why people love to play online scratch cards.