Online vs. Traditional Scratch Cards: Know the Differences

Scratch cards, or "scratchies" as they're often called, are a classic form of gambling where you buy a ticket and scratch off a covering to reveal potential prizes. While you can still buy these at shops and kiosks across Ireland, the digital age has brought them straight to your screen.

Thanks to modern technology, virtually every casino game, including scratch cards, has an online counterpart. Players at top Irish online casinos can now enjoy scratch cards remotely on their phones and computers for real money. But what's the real difference between online scratchies and the ones you pick up at the local shop? This guide dives deep into it.

How to Play Online Scratch Cards

Many new gamblers in Ireland think playing scratch cards online is just like buying a ticket down the shop. While that might hold true for very basic versions, most modern online scratch cards play more like online slots. You'll typically need to match at least three identical symbols within a grid, often a 3x3 layout, to win a payout. Each symbol comes with different prize values, and some games even let you trigger bonus rounds, much like landing free spins on slot machines.

Availability: Play Anywhere in Ireland

The convenience factor is a big draw for both online and traditional scratch cards. With either, you can chase prizes anytime you have the cash to play. However, online scratchies offer that extra bit of ease, allowing you to play from virtually anywhere in Ireland. Just fire up your device, head to your favourite online casino and click to match those symbols. Plus, there's a massive variety of online scratch card games out there, with many adopting popular themes from online slots.

Randomness and Fair Play

Players who lose a lot can start doubting the outcomes of physical and online scratch cards. However, these fears are often unfounded if players purchase the cards from a reliable venue or online casino. Online cards use RNG (random number generator) systems to produce unpredictable results, eliminating any chances of the operator or supplier tampering with the results. In short, use scratch cards only from reputable companies.

Simplicity

Both online and physical scratch cards are straightforward to play. But while physical cards are just about scratching off a layer, online cards may need some patience. Online players must first read the game’s paytable to know the maximum amount to win from the game and how each symbol payouts. In addition, these players must consider features like the RTP (return to player) and volatility, which ultimately determines how often the game pays out.

Claiming the Prize

Winners of online and physical cards claim their prizes differently. With the offline version, players must know the dates when the card results are announced or risk losing the entire amount. But online players don’t need to worry about forgetting the dates. After matching the required symbols, the casino instantly processes a payout. Of course, the duration of receiving the online payout depends on the casino and payment method.

Bonuses Make a Difference

Most lottery companies don’t allow players to scratch the cards for free, as gamers must purchase them to know their fate. Conversely, online casinos provide new and regular players free credits. Below are some standard scratch card bonuses for new and loyal online users:

• Match deposit bonuses
• No deposit bonuses
• Cashback
• High roller bonuses

But remember that players can only convert winnings into withdrawable cash after fulfilling the wagering requirements. So, choose a scratch card bonus with the lowest possible wagering requirements.

Summary

Online and offline scratch cards obviously have lots of similarities and differences. But regardless of the version, players must practice bankroll management because the outcomes of these games are entirely luck-based. Online gamblers can improve their odds of winning by playing casino games with higher payout rates, preferably 96% and above.