Many players wonder whether online scratch cards offer a genuine chance or if the outcomes are somehow rigged. With stories circulating online and plenty of opinions shared, it can be hard to separate facts from noise.
This blog post explains how digital scratch cards work behind the scenes. You will find clear answers on random number generators, licensing and regulation, RTP, and what you can check yourself to feel confident about fairness on both mobile and desktop.
By the end, you will understand how outcomes are produced, what the rules mean in practice, and how to spot proper testing and certification before you play.
How Do Online Scratch Cards Work?
Online scratch cards are digital versions of the cardboard cards found in shops. Instead of a coin, players use a mouse or finger to reveal covered panels on a screen.
A virtual card is purchased for a set price. The game then displays panels that hide symbols or numbers. When the panels are revealed, the card shows whether it meets the game’s win conditions, which are always explained in the rules before play starts.
The objective is usually to match specific symbols, numbers, or prize amounts. The way the card is scratched does not change the outcome, which is already decided by the game’s underlying system.
With the basics covered, the next question is how that system decides results.
What Role Do Random Number Generators Play?
Random Number Generators, or RNGs, sit at the core of these games. An RNG is software that produces sequences of numbers that cannot be predicted or influenced during normal operation.
Each time a card is purchased, the RNG selects an outcome before any panels appear. Independent testing agencies assess and certify these systems to confirm that the results are unpredictable and comply with published rules.
Because of this setup, the operator cannot alter the outcome after the fact, and a player’s actions on the screen have no bearing on what the card pays. That leads neatly to when the result is actually finalised.
Are Outcomes Pre-Determined Or Generated When I Play?
At licensed online casinos, the result is generated when a player starts the game. The RNG chooses the outcome at that moment, and it remains fixed regardless of how quickly or slowly the panels are revealed.
Order of scratching, device type, and time of day do not affect the result. The system’s role is to choose a compliant outcome and then present it through the visual scratch animation.
Knowing when results are set may help you understand how the long-term return is measured.
How Is Return To Player (RTP) Calculated For Scratch Cards?
Return To Player, or RTP, is a theoretical percentage that indicates how much of all stakes a game is designed to return to players, on average, over a long period. It reflects the game’s mathematics rather than any single player’s experience.
For example, a 95% RTP suggests that, across a very large number of plays, £95 out of every £100 staked could be paid back in prizes. Individual sessions can be above or below that figure, because RTP is based on long-run performance across many cards.
RTP data is set by the developer and reviewed during certification. You can usually find it on the game’s help pages or the casino’s information section. Those figures sit within a wider framework of rules and oversight.
Who Licences, Regulates And Tests Online Scratch Cards?
In the UK, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) requires online operators and game suppliers to meet standards on fairness, transparency, and data security. This includes rules on how RNGs are implemented, how game maths is documented, and how player funds are protected.
Independent testing agencies assess games before and after release. Organisations such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI, and BMM Testlabs test RNG behaviour, verify RTP calculations, and check that outcomes match the published rules.
Licensing and testing details are typically shown in the footer of a casino’s website or within its terms. If the information is easy to find and up to date, that is a positive sign. If not, consider choosing a different site.
With regulation in mind, it is useful to know exactly which certificates confirm these checks.
What Audit Reports And Certificates Should I Look For?
Look for seals or certificates from recognised testing bodies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI, or BMM Testlabs. These confirm that the site’s games, including scratch cards, have been tested for fair outcomes and correct RTP reporting.
Reputable sites display the testing logos at the bottom of their pages. Clicking a logo often opens a certificate or page that confirms the site’s current audit status, sometimes with a date and scope of testing. Some operators also publish links to recent compliance summaries or payout verification reports.
If a certificate links to a live page hosted by the testing agency, it adds further reassurance that the approval is genuine and current.
How Do Prize Pools And Payout Rates Affect Fairness?
Prize pools describe how the total prize money for a game is structured and distributed. Some games focus on frequent smaller prizes, while others reserve more of the pool for occasional larger payouts.
Payout rate, often expressed as RTP, shows the proportion of all stakes returned to players over time. A higher RTP means the game is designed to pay a larger share of total stakes as prizes in the long run, though not to a specific individual.
Neither the prize pool structure nor the RTP decides which particular player receives a prize. Each card’s outcome is determined independently by the RNG within the game’s design. Understanding both figures helps you choose a title that fits your preferences.
Can I Verify A Scratch Card Is Fair Myself?
You cannot audit a single card’s fairness by observing your own outcomes. The underlying processes are technical and operate out of view. What you can do is check a site’s safeguards.
Confirm that the operator holds a current UK licence and displays recent certificates from recognised testing agencies. Look for RTP information within the game’s help section and, where available, links to audit confirmations on the testing agency’s site.
Taken together, these signals indicate that the game’s results and published information are being monitored by independent experts.
Are Mobile And Desktop Versions Equally Fair?
Yes. Mobile and desktop versions run on the same game engine and use the same RNG, so they produce equivalent outcomes under identical rules. Certification covers all supported devices.
Design elements such as button placement or screen layout may vary to suit different screens, but these adjustments do not affect how results are generated or paid.
If you are comfortable with a game on one device, you can expect the same behaviour on the other.
Common Claims About Rigging, Explained
It is common to see claims that operators tweak outcomes to block wins or that the odds shown are not accurate. On regulated platforms, games are tested against their published rules, and the certifier verifies both the RNG and the payout calculations to ensure alignment.
Another misconception is that timing or device choice changes the chances. Because the RNG sets the result when the game starts and does not read external signals like time of day, these factors do not influence the outcome.
It is also sometimes suggested that support staff can manually adjust individual results. Under regulatory rules, operators cannot alter the result of a game round that has already been generated by the system. Any intervention must follow documented procedures, such as resolving a technical fault, and cannot change a settled outcome.
If you choose to play, set personal limits that suit your circumstances, take breaks, and only stake amounts you can afford to lose. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
**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.