If you have ever wondered how many scratch cards come in a roll or where those rolls end up, you are not alone. Lots of people are curious about how cards are packaged before they reach the counter.
In shops, you will often see strips of tickets ready to be torn off one by one. Understanding how those rolls are put together, who can order them, and how they are supplied removes a lot of guesswork.
Below, you will find what a roll contains, how different games are arranged, and where scratchcard rolls can and cannot be bought in the UK.
How Many Scratch Cards In A Roll?
A scratchcard “roll” is simply the way tickets are delivered to retailers, joined in a long strip and separated at the till. The number of cards in a roll depends on the specific game and how the tickets are produced.
Most rolls used in UK shops typically contain 40, 60, or 120 cards. Counts vary because some tickets are larger, include more play areas, or are printed on thicker stock. For example, higher-priced £5 cards often come in rolls with fewer tickets because each card is physically bigger. Lower-priced £1 cards tend to come in longer rolls.
Every roll has a unique identifier for stock control and payment reconciliation. Shops load the roll into a dispenser and tear off a single card for each sale. If you want the exact count for a particular game, a retailer can usually confirm it, or you can check the official details for that scratchcard.
Knowing the typical roll sizes, it helps to understand the formats you might see on the counter.
Types Of Scratchcard Rolls
Scratchcard rolls vary by game design and format, but they all serve the same purpose in retail. The most common are standard-size rolls, which contain the familiar cards seen in newsagents and supermarkets. These rolls are sealed, carry a unique code, and fit standard dispensers so staff can issue cards quickly.
There are also larger-format rolls for oversized cards that include more play areas. Because these tickets take up more space, the rolls usually contain fewer cards than standard ones. From time to time, seasonal or limited-run games appear, such as Christmas editions. These are printed for a set period and often arrive in dedicated rolls so shops can keep them separate from everyday games.
Card thickness, size, and the game design influence how many tickets sit in a roll, which is why counts differ between products. If you are choosing what to stock, the format and how it fits your dispenser can matter just as much as the theme of the game.
How To Choose The Right Roll For Your Business
If you run a shop and plan to sell scratch cards, the right mix can make day-to-day sales smoother. Start with what your customers tend to buy. Some locations see steady interest in £1 or £2 cards, while others do well with mid-range or £5 options. If you are unsure, your supplier can advise using local data such as footfall and typical spend.
Storage and display space matter too. Larger-format rolls and jumbo cards take up more room behind the counter, and not every dispenser is suited to every roll. Check the dimensions before ordering so the roll fits cleanly into your setup.
Range planning helps with stock control. A tight selection is easier to manage, whereas a broader mix gives customers more choice. Many retailers begin with a small, consistent range, then rotate in seasonal or new games once they understand demand.
In the UK, always source scratchcards through an authorised supplier. New accounts go through a straightforward approval process, including checks that your premises and procedures meet the required standards. Once approved, you can order rolls and get guidance on what works best for your business.
Where To Buy Scratchcard Rolls Online?
Official scratchcard rolls are not sold online to the general public in the UK. Only registered retailers can order them, and that is done through authorised channels after a successful application and agreement to follow strict operating rules.
If a website claims to sell genuine rolls for private purchase, treat it with caution. Offers like these may involve unofficial products, expired stock, or items that are not valid for sale. The restrictions exist to prevent unauthorised distribution and to protect customers.
You will find imitation or novelty scratchcard rolls on marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay. These are used for promotions, events, or party games. They do not pay real cash prizes and are not connected to any lottery.
If your aim is to stock and sell real scratchcards, the route is to apply as a retailer. Once approved, you can order authentic rolls directly through the authorised supplier.
Prefer to speak to someone face to face about it? Here is how it works in person.
Where To Buy Scratchcard Rolls In Person?
Members of the public cannot buy full rolls of official scratchcards in shops. Retailers receive their rolls directly from the supplier, and those rolls are for selling individual tickets at the counter, not for bulk purchase by walk-in customers.
If you own a business and want to stock scratchcards, you can apply to become an authorised retailer. The approval process includes checks to confirm you meet the required standards. After that, you can order rolls for use in your shop.
For events or promotions, non-lottery scratchcard rolls, often called novelty or promotional cards, can be bought in person from party supply stores or specialist printers. These do not offer real money prizes and are purely for entertainment or marketing.
If you are ever unsure about a seller’s legitimacy, ask who supplies their scratchcards or look for proof of authorisation. It is a quick way to confirm everything is above board.
**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.