Scratch, Match, and Win – Canada’s Ultimate Guide to Online Scratch Cards

Scratch cards may be the most overlooked online casino gaming option. Almost all top casinos offer them, but they are overshadowed by other casino games, such as online slot, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer titles. Nevertheless, virtual scratch cards have a loyal fan base. Players are drawn to their simplicity, the chance to land huge payouts, and the sheer thrill. 

If you have never tried a scratch card online before and you want to give them a go, then this guide will explain what they are, how they work, and which ones are the most popular. We’ll also introduce you to the best scratch card casinos.

Here at Casino.com, we are dedicated to helping Canadians get the most out of their scratch card online gaming adventures. In addition to decades of experience within the online casino industry, our experts are passionate scratchers themselves. They understand what players look for in a scratch game.

Like us, Canadian scratchers demand that the instant win games they play are fair, licensed, and fun to play. They also want to have access to the biggest payouts. Of course, they also expect their scratch card casinos to offer the fastest payouts. And because our experts have rated and reviewed countless online casinos by actually registering, depositing, and withdrawing from them, they know exactly which scratch card casinos are best. We will reveal those top picks momentarily. First, let’s cover some of the basics.

You’ve likely seen scratch cards at retail outlets like gas stations, convenience stores, and lottery booths. When you purchase one, all you need to do is scratch off the coating using a coin, a key, or your fingernail. If you reveal a winning combination, then you win a cash prize. It really is as simple as that.

Online scratch cards are pretty much the same. The only difference is that, obviously, online scratchers are digital, and they don’t leave a mess of latex flakes after you’ve finished scratching. You can scratch them manually using your mouse (if you’re playing on your PC or desktop) or finger (if you’re playing on your smartphone or tablet). Alternatively, you can also use a quick scratch option to immediately skip to the reveal.

In terms of layout and design, a lot of scratchers are very similar to slot machines. They usually offer a grid configuration of between 3X3 and 6X6. Identical symbols have to align on a payline in order for you to win. The card might have a single payline or multiple paylines. Two convenient aspects of online scratch cards are that they automatically tell you when you’ve won, and winnings land in your online casino account balance immediately.

Some online scratch cards work a bit differently. Instead of having to line up winning symbols on a payline, you merely need three identical symbols to land anywhere on the card. These are pretty similar to Pays Anywhere slot games.

No matter what the format is, playing scratch cards is a cinch. You really don’t need to do anything, except scratch, and even that can be automated.

Now that you have been introduced to online scratch cards, let’s stroll through the process of getting started. It all starts with finding a reputable, trustworthy, and licensed online casino to play at. Our recommended sites, listed later in this guide, have been meticulously and methodically rated and reviewed by our experts. You can count on them to offer plenty of scratcher options, fast withdrawals, and casino bonuses that you can use to play scratchers and other instant games.

Once you have found the ideal casino site, you can claim your welcome bonus, make your first deposit, and then follow these steps.

1. Choose your scratch card game: Most top-tier operators have a section dedicated to scratch cards. The category is usually labelled “Scratch Cards”, “Instant Wins”, or something similar. You can scroll through the scratcher titles to find the game that suits you best. You’ll have a vast range of themes, features, and stakes to choose from.
2. Set your bet: Most popular scratch cards offer flexible stakes. You can stick with the default amount or adjust the bet size using the “+” or “-” button. Again, it’s the same as setting your bet amount when playing online slots. The important thing is to scale your bets according to your bankroll.
3. Scratch: Once you have placed your bet, you’ll see a new card. If you are playing on a mobile device, you can simply use your finger to scratch the card. Desktop players can use their mouse. You can also hit the Scratch button to perform an instant reveal. Some games also include an autoplay/auto-reveal option to speed things up.F With this method, each round takes about half a second to play out.
4. Match symbols to win prizes: In most cases, you need to line up identical symbols on a payline. The payline is simply a pattern, like the way you need to form a certain pattern on a Bingo card. We suggest checking the pay table before playing so that you know the values of each symbol and how they need to be arranged to form a win.
5. Collect your winnings: If you win on a scratcher, the windfall is instantly credited to your casino account. Once you have finished your session, you can either withdraw the money or leave it in your account for the next session.

If you’re wondering which scratch games to play, we have compiled a list of our 10 most beloved titles. Many  of these scratchers are available to play in free demo mode. This allows you to get comfortable with a game before committing your hard-earned money to it.

Merlin's Millions Scratch

Merlin’s Millions Scratch from NextGen features a 5X4 grid, and the symbols are almost identical to those in NextGen’s Merlin’s Millions slot game, which also has a 5X4 reel configuration. This popular scratch card has a couple of fun features, including Multipliers and a Magic Orb symbol, which works like a Scatter. If you reveal three Magic Orbs, you win 5 more Merlin’s Millions Scratch cards that offer double earnings. Merlin’s Millions Scratch provides an RTP of 95.08% and a maximum win potential of 1,000X.

Foxin' Wins Scratch

Based on the Foxin Wins slot, NextGen’s Foxin Wins Scratch is a 3X3 scratcher with an RTP of 90.72% and a stake range of $0.01 up to $100. All you need to do is reveal three identical symbols anywhere on the card. Among the various symbols is a POT symbol, which acts as a Scatter. Landing three of them earns 5 free Foxin Wins Scratch cards. You can win up to 1,000X your stake.

Gorilla Go Wild Scratch

The Gorilla Go Wild franchise is one of NextGen’s most successful, and it’s available in scratcher form. Gorilla Go Wild Scratch brings back some familiar characters for this 3X3 scratcher. To win a prize, the card must reveal three identical symbols anywhere on the board. If you find three Temple symbols, you’ve just won 10 free Gorilla Go Wild Scratch cards. You can win up to 5,000X your bet, and each card has the potential to provide multiple wins.

Scratch A Dragon's Story Game

Scratch A Dragon’s Story by NextGen presents you with a 3X3 grid and offers a shot at 1,000X your bet. The RTP of 95.87% is pretty high, too. This scratcher features most of the same symbols found in the original A Dragon’s Story slot. Players who land three identical Symbols anywhere on the card win a prize. Revealing three Amulet Scatters gets you 10 free Scratch A Dragon’s Story scratchers.

Luxor Scratch

With the Egyptian-themed Luxor Scratch, Wizard Games shakes things up a bit by offering a 4X3 layout. At 92.30%, the RTP is rather low, but the ultra-impressive 50,000X win potential keeps things exciting. Stakes range between $0.10 and $5. As such, you can win up to $250,000 in a single scratch. It can be higher if multiple wins land on the same card, as some titles allow.

Summer Scratch

Summer Scratch from Hacksaw Gaming is a Pays Anywhere scratcher on a 3X3 grid. You just have to match three Symbols to win up to $200,000. Unlike most other scratchers, Summer Scratch scratchers don’t come in flexible denominations. Each play costs $2. Summer Scratch is a high volatility scratcher with an RTP of 92.15%. While you’re probably going to come up empty-handed during stretches, any payouts you land can be satisfying.

Scratch Call of the Colosseum

NextGen has taken its Roman-themed Call of the Colosseum slot and transformed it into an exciting scratch card. Scratch Call of the Colosseum is a medium volatility game with an alluring 95.53% RTP. The action takes place on a 3X3 grid that can produce 8 Symbols. You just have to match three anywhere on the card. This game boasts a Ladder Bonus, in which you can achieve a max win of $250,000.

Irish Eyes

NextGen’s Irish Eyes Scratch was inspired by the trendy Irish Eyes slot game, and it has gone on to inspire Irish Eyes Scratch II. This scratch card offers a low RTP of just 85.64%, but the maximum win potential of $250,000 will keep you motivated. Stakes range between a penny and $250, although online casinos can set their own limits. Irish Eyes Scratch’s medium volatility means that you can enjoy a mix of small and large payouts.

Medusa Scratch

Medusa Scratch by NextGen offers a medium volatility scratch experience and a 95.17% RTP. The game features 8 Symbols, including the Medusa Bonus Symbol, which earns you 5 free plays if you land three of them. Even cooler? Those Free Plays earn double payouts. You can bet between $0.01 and $100 per round to win up to 1,000X. On Free Plays, max potential rises to 2,000×.

Chaos Crew Scratch

Hacksaw Gaming earns another spot on this list with Chaos Crew Scratch. This game is based on the Chaos Crew slot franchise, which consists of three titles. Each round can cost as little as  $0.10 and dangles a win potential of 10,000X. It’s a high-volatility game that offers a theoretical return of 92.28%. With a 3X3 grid layout, you can win up to three times per play.

If you are new to playing scratch cards online, then you should understand a few basic concepts before you get started. You absolutely need to know about Return to Player, or RTP. Every scratcher has an RTP that is expressed as a percentage. For example, the above-mentioned Medusa Scratch has a 95.17% RTP. This means that you can reasonably expect to win back an average of about $95.17 for every $100 wagered over thousands, if not millions of rounds.

Many scratch players prefer high-RTP because it lowers the house edge and theoretically gives them more value in the long run. However, scratchers that offer the biggest potential payouts tend to have lower RTP. There are pros and cons to both sides of the coin.

You must also understand how volatility impacts the scratch experience. High-volatility games are typically marked by longer losing streaks. However, the wins you take down make the wait more worthwhile. Conversely, low-volatility games serve up more frequent but smaller wins. Then there are medium-volatility scratchers that offer a taste of both worlds.

You should also know what you stand to win and how to earn those wins. This is why it’s so critical to study the game’s paytable. Some Symbol values are high, and some are low. Multipliers can have a huge impact on payouts, too. Make sure to check what the max payout is and how to win it.

You’ll also encounter scratch cards online that feature Bonus Symbols that essentially work as Scatters. When you land enough of them, you’ll unlock a Bonus Game or Free Plays. Wild symbols are less common but do appear in some titles (for example, Foxin’ Wins Scratch and Diamond Rush Scratch).

There are no proven strategies in scratch card gaming. This is because these games are based on pure luck. Each result is generated by a certified RNG that cannot be manipulated by players, casinos, or software developers. The result of the current round has no impact whatsoever on the next one. That said, there are a few ways to potentially help your bankroll stretch a little further and protect your budget.

First, you should always establish a reasonable budget. Because so many popular scratchers offer ultra-low stakes, you don’t need to have a very big bankroll. The important thing is that you don’t overspend. The responsible gambling tools at your online casino should allow you to set daily, weekly, and monthly spending limits.

A valuable welcome bonus can help you get your scratcher adventure off to a positive start. However, you need to be sure that the bonus has fair T&Cs and that it can be used to play scratchers and other instant win games. Look for low wagering requirements, reasonable validity periods, and any restrictions.

If you are just starting out, we suggest playing high-RTP games. Preferably ones with medium to low volatility. You might not win too many large payouts, but you’ll win fairly frequently, which is always enjoyable.

Finally, we advise you to play free demo scratchers before playing for real money. This gives you a chance to learn the ropes and get used to the game flow and any special features without risking a penny.

Our experts assess all aspects of the online casinos they rate and review. They ensure the sites they endorse are secure and licensed by top regulators, like the Malta Gaming Authority, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and Curacao Gambling Control Board. This shows that the operator abides by the strictest regulations.

We also consider such things as payment options, withdrawal processing, limits, customer support, and perks, like bonuses, promotions, and loyalty rewards. We cover everything so that you know exactly what to expect. We would risk losing all credibility if we were to steer you toward a substandard operator. Based on these and other factors, our experts have carefully selected our top scratch card casinos.