Just about everyone has heard about the lottery. The concept of selecting a few numbers on a ticket and hoping they match the ones drawn out at random, and when the numbers match up, you win big! That’s the basic premise of how lottery tickets work.
Initially, with scratch-off cards, all you had to do to win was to match your winning number or reveal three like prize amounts to be successful. However, games have gotten a lot more intricate now. There are different cards and games to appeal to different people, ranging from bingo scratchers to crossword puzzles. These keep the player engaged a bit longer but still work on the same instant win premise.
Scratch-off cards also offer multiple options in terms of pricing, unlike in lottery tickets. You will find cards from $1 through to $100. And the wins are instant; you don’t have to wait for a draw at a specified day and time to find out of you won or not.
Part of the thrill of scratch-off cards is the uncertainty of the game. There is no full proof way to tell whether the ticket you hold is a bust or if it contains that golden combination that will change your life forever. However, like in any other gamble, there are patterns you can pick up on with a keen eye, these with a few other tips will help tip the odds in your favor. These are:
Cheaper Tickets Have Lower Odds
It is known that scratch-off tickets have varying odds. Typically the price of scratch-off tickets ranges from between $1 and $20 with some of them going even higher. Cheaper tickets have lower payouts, meaning, there is generally a minimal difference between the top prize and interval prizes. Also, the jackpot from the cheaper tickets is usually smaller, usually a few hundred dollars at most with the average award much lower.
Just like in slot machines, you have to play big to win big. Go for tickets on the higher side of the spectrum or at least $5 and above. They have a more significant overall percentage of winners with a higher more evenly spread out payout and a more substantial jackpot.
- Read The Odds On The Card
Study the fine print at the back of the card to determine the odds of any given card. The odds of any provided tickets refer to the possibility that any given ticket will be a winner. They are usually depicted in a comparison of numbers such as 1:20. This ratio means that one out of every 20 cards will be a winner, not to be confused with every 20th card in a row or one out of a random pile of twenty tickets. Generally, out of all the tickets allotted a particular state, that percentage are winners.
Although higher odds don’t necessarily guarantee you will win the jackpot, they are better value because they usually have a more extensive spread of lesser prizes. Hey, you may not be landing a million bucks, but you are still winning something, and that’s what scratch off cards are about.
- Buy in Bulk
This tip goes hand in hand with learning about the odd. The lower priced cards with higher odds are a go-to for bettering their chance at a win.
Although getting two winning tickets in a row is highly unlikely, there is bound to be a few winners in every roll of scratch-off cards. This fact is one of the primary reasons why you should consider buying your tickets in bulk. However, if you are aware that a winning ticket has already been purchased from a given pack, you should stop playing for a few days or consider playing a different game. There is no need to spend money when you will almost definitely not win.
- Check the Winnings Beforehand
Most people may not know this, but it is perfectly legal to sell scratch-off cards even after all the top rewards have been claimed. Ensure you have the best possible chance at a win at all times. You can do this by continuously checking if the winnings on the cards you wish to purchase are still available. This information is usually readily available on the company’s website. If the top prizes have already been claimed, then you might be better off selecting another game within the same price point.
- Save Your Losing Tickets
With every losing ticket, you are that much closer to a winner. Always remember this when it comes to scratch off cards. That said, you should still hang on to your losing tickets. Some of the scratch-off games have a second chance lotto where you may be able to win some cash with the duds. It is also imperative to have the cashier scan the losing tickets in case you overlooked any winnings.
- Pick Newer Games
Be in the know when there are any newer games on the market and take advantage of it. This is because there isn’t as much competition in the newer games, so the chances of winning are higher than with the older games. Here, you will also find that the larger prizes are still in play. Which is not always the case with games that have been around a while. Take advantage of newer games and rack up those wins.
- Keep an Eye on Your Competition
Everyone who gets a scratch-off card is hoping to strike it rich. And that makes them your competition. For those who are hell-bent on striking it rich, you should always study your competition to better your chances. If you see someone win, it is probably best if you tried a different game or a different store. Alternatively, if you notice a string of loses, it is time you bought as many of those cards as you can because a win is not too far off.
- Know When to Stop
Establish a ticket at a price point you can afford and stick to it, set a budget you can sustain for the cards, and do not exceed your budget. As is inevitable in most gambling ventures, you are bound to lose money. Do not try and chase your losses; this will not change the statistics in your favor. Consistency also pays out with scratch off cards. Pick a game you like in your price point and stick to it until the top prize is paid out. This strategy will better help you manage the impacts of winning and losing. Consistency helps you keep your sanity, regardless of the outcome.
Over to you!
Finally, when you win on a ticket, take the win! Pocket the money and walk away. Do not use your winnings to play beyond your budget. Lady luck is not so easily wooed when she smiles on you be thankful and move on. This way, you can keep and increase your income from your scratch-off wins. Remember to always place yourself in the best possible position to win. And playing the same card after a win is not how that is done. Oh, and continuously measure the odds before playing any game.
