Scratchcards offer a fun, quick alternative to casino games like poker or blackjack, giving you a chance to win some cash without spending much. While they, like the lottery, are primarily based on luck, there are ways you can increase your chances of picking a winning scratchcard.

Though we can’t guarantee you’ll win every time, these tips can help you find the best scratch-offs to buy and improve your odds of success!

1. Avoid the Cheapest Scratchcards

With so many scratchcard designs, prices, and prizes available, choosing one can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers. The temptation to buy cheaper tickets and increase the number of cards you play is understandable, but keep in mind that lower-priced tickets come with lower prize pools.

To maximize your chances, it’s often better to buy fewer but higher-priced scratch-offs. In this case, quality over quantity can make a real difference in your odds.

2. Read the Fine Print

It’s important to check the fine print on the scratchcards you’re considering. Just like when signing a contract, paying attention to details is crucial. The fine print often reveals your odds of winning, and it’s always smarter to pick cards with shorter odds.

Additionally, check your state’s lottery homepage to find out if major prizes are still available. Some games may no longer offer significant rewards, as many of the top prizes might already have been claimed. This information will help you choose scratchcards that still have substantial payouts left.

3. Buy in Bulk

Some seasoned scratchcard players swear by purchasing several scratch-offs from the same game at once, rather than spreading their purchases over multiple visits. The reasoning behind this strategy is that buying in bulk might increase your chances of hitting a winning card, as many scratchcards are designed with frequent wins distributed across them.

While bulk buying might raise your odds, only do so if it fits within your budget. This method isn’t foolproof, but it could offer better chances than buying single cards periodically.

4. Treat Scratchcards Like Slot Machines

Some slots players use a technique where they wait for a machine to go cold (a long streak without wins) before playing, believing it increases the odds of hitting a jackpot. You can apply this idea to scratchcards by hanging around stores and observing buying patterns.

If you’re comfortable, ask the store clerk if they’ve seen any recent big wins on certain scratchcards. While it may not always lead to a big win, being aware of a game’s recent history could give you an advantage.

5. Hold on to Old Tickets

Don’t throw away your old tickets just yet. You might have overlooked a winning combination or made an error while scratching. Additionally, some games offer second-chance drawings, where losing tickets can still win prizes. Always double-check before discarding your scratchcards!

6. Have Your Tickets Checked

If you think your scratchcard is a loser, take it to a store and have it scanned. Sometimes players miss a winning combination, or there may be an error in the scratchcard design that entitles you to a prize. It’s always worth ensuring there’s no hidden win before giving up on a card.

7. Learn the “Singleton Method”

The “Singleton Method” involves analyzing the design and layout of scratchcards to spot patterns that might reveal winning numbers or symbols. Though many manufacturers have adjusted their scratchcards to counteract this method, there are still some games where it can be applied effectively.

If you’re keen on strategy, try to observe patterns in scratchcards where the numbers are visible on the side.

8. Stick to a Budget

While setting a budget won’t directly improve your chances of winning, it’s an essential part of staying responsible. Make sure to set a weekly or monthly limit for how much you spend on scratchcards, and stick to it to avoid overspending.

9. Pick a Game and Stick With It

Rather than bouncing between different scratchcard games, stick to one. The more tickets you play within a single game, the closer you may get to finding a winning card. By focusing on one game, you improve your odds of eliminating losing tickets from the mix over time.

The Role of Luck

Although scratchcards are ultimately a game of luck, using these strategies can help tip the odds slightly in your favor. There’s no surefire way to win every time, but by making smarter decisions, you can increase your chances of success.