Many people wonder whether online scratch cards are truly fair, especially as digital versions replace traditional paper cards. Questions about how results are decided and whether outcomes can be influenced are common.
This guide explains how online scratch cards work, how random number generators decide results, how payout percentages are set, and how independent labs test games.
You will also find the key differences between online and physical scratch cards, how to check a site’s credentials, and a clear look at common myths.
Read on to learn more.
How Do Online Scratch Cards Work?
Online scratch cards are digital versions of the cards found in shops. A player chooses a game, sets a stake, and reveals the panels. The display is for entertainment, but the outcome is determined the moment the play is confirmed.
The result is revealed by the software according to the rules and paytable of that particular game. Some titles add multipliers, instant reveals, or bonus features, yet the core idea remains the same: reveal what is on the card to see if it matches a prize combination.
Licensed operators must follow rules set by regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission, covering game integrity, secure processing of bets, and clear information for players.
Curious about what actually decides that result? That is where the random number generator comes in.
What Is A Random Number Generator For Scratch Cards?
A Random Number Generator, or RNG, is software that selects outcomes in a way that is designed to be unpredictable. For each play, it generates numbers that correspond to a result defined by the game’s maths model.
The outcome is set before the panels appear on screen, so the act of “scratching” does not affect anything. Each play is independent of the last and uses the same predefined probabilities, meaning recent wins or losses do not alter the next result.
RNGs are standard across regulated online casino games. Reputable operators use certified RNGs that are checked to ensure they perform as claimed.
So how do you know the RNG really works that way? Independent testing addresses that.
How Is Fairness Tested And Audited?
Fairness checks are carried out by specialist testing laboratories approved by recognised regulators. Their work covers the RNG’s functionality, the accuracy of the game logic, and whether the published payout rate matches the game’s behaviour over time.
These audits are not one-off events. Operators undergo regular reviews, and if issues arise, they must be fixed before the games can be offered. You will often see logos or references to agencies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI on a site’s footer or game pages.
With fairness verified, the next question is how much a game pays back on average, which is where RTP comes in.
How Are Payout Percentages (RTP) Calculated?
Return to Player, or RTP, is a long-term average showing how much a game is designed to pay back across a very large number of plays. For example, a scratch card listed at 95% RTP suggests that, over time and across many plays, £95 is returned for every £100 wagered.
Developers build a maths model that sets prize frequencies and values, then validate it through large-scale simulations. Independent testers review whether the actual results match the stated figure within acceptable tolerances. You can usually find the RTP in the game’s info or paytable.
RTP is an average, not a promise for any single session. Short runs can be higher or lower than the stated percentage.
With the maths and testing in place, can operators still interfere with results?
Can Operators Change Outcomes Or Rig Scratch Cards?
In the UK, licensed operators are not permitted to alter individual outcomes or target specific players. Rules require games to use approved RNGs and to operate consistently with their certified design.
Independent audits and technical controls monitor game behaviour. Any attempt to manipulate outcomes would be a serious breach, risking fines or loss of licence.
Choosing regulated sites that show clear testing information adds a further layer of assurance. If you want to confirm a game’s credentials yourself, there are a few quick checks.
How Can Players Verify A Game's Fairness?
Start by looking for licence details at the bottom of the website, which should name the regulator. Many sites also display clickable seals or certificates from testing agencies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI that outline what has been certified.
The game’s information page often lists the RTP and may reference the RNG and audit dates. If anything is unclear, customer support should be able to provide the latest verification or point you to the relevant documentation.
Understanding how digital games are policed also helps when comparing them with printed cards.
Online Versus Physical Scratch Cards
Physical scratch cards are pre-printed products. Each card belongs to a defined batch with a fixed prize distribution, and the result is already on the card before anyone buys it.
Online scratch cards are generated by software. The outcome is chosen by the RNG at the time of play based on the game’s probabilities rather than a finite pool. Both formats are regulated, but online games are validated through electronic testing, while physical cards rely on secure printing and controlled distribution.
Whichever format you prefer, check the provider is regulated and offers clear information about how its games work. These differences are also behind several popular myths.
Common Myths About Rigging Debunked
Myth: Results change based on recent wins or losses. In regulated online games, each play is independent and uses the same underlying probabilities as the last.
Myth: Operators adjust the odds during play. Rules prohibit altering certified game behaviour. RNGs and payout models are locked to what has been approved and are monitored by external auditors.
Myth: Nobody wins the bigger prizes. Most wins are small, but larger prizes do occur. Operators and regulators often publish winner stories or statistics for transparency.
Myth: Outcomes can be predicted or influenced. The whole design is built to prevent patterns. Scratching faster, choosing a different time of day, or switching devices does not change the result.
If you choose to play, keep it within your means, set sensible limits, and take breaks. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.
Understanding how online scratch cards are designed, tested, and regulated makes it easier to choose where to play and to approach the games with clear expectations.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.