Online vs. Traditional Scratch Cards: Know the Differences

Scratch card is an age-old gambling game where players buy a lottery ticket and scratch off the silver layer to reveal the prize. Gamers can purchase these tickets at land-based casinos, gas stations, grocery stores, and other retail outlets. The rules and payouts can vary, but they are generally easy to play and offer the player instant gratification.

But thanks to technology, almost all casino games, including scratch cards, have online versions. Players at the best online casinos in the Philippines can play remotely on their mobile phones and computers for real money. But what’s the difference between online scratch cards and traditional cards? This guide explains it in detail for Filipino players.

How to Play Scratch Cards in the Philippines

Most beginner gamblers think playing scratch cards online is similar to buying a ticket at the local corner shop. But while that’s true with the game’s older versions, newer versions are more about online slots than physical cards. Players must match at least three identical symbols on the 3x3 grid to receive a payout. Each symbol has a varying payout, and gamers can unlock free rounds as they would with free spins on slots.

Availability for Filipino Players

Convenience is a common feature between online and traditional cards. With both games, players can win prizes 24/7 if they have money to play. But online cards offer slightly more convenience, as gamblers can play anywhere, any time. Launch the game on the top online casinos and click play to match the symbols. Additionally, there are many online versions of scratch cards, most using online slot themes.

Randomness and Fairness

Players in the Philippines who experience significant losses might start questioning the fairness of both physical and online scratch cards. However, these concerns are often unfounded, especially if players purchase their cards from reputable venues or trusted online casinos. Online scratch cards utilize RNG (random number generator) systems to produce unpredictable outcomes, effectively eliminating any possibility of the operator or supplier manipulating the results. In essence, it's crucial to always use scratch cards from well-regarded providers.

Simplicity of Play

Both online and physical scratch cards are generally straightforward to play. While physical cards involve simply scratching off a layer, online versions might require a bit more attention. Players online should first consult the game's paytable to understand the maximum potential winnings and how each symbol contributes to payouts. Additionally, players should consider factors like the RTP (return to player) and volatility, which ultimately influence how frequently the game is likely to pay out.

Claiming Your Winnings

The process for claiming prizes differs between online and physical scratch cards. For offline cards, players must be aware of announcement dates for results or risk forfeiting their winnings. Online players, however, don't need to stress about missing deadlines. Once the winning symbols are matched, the online casino typically processes the payout instantly. Naturally, the time it takes to receive your online winnings depends on the specific casino and the payment method chosen.

Bonuses: A Key Advantage Online

Most traditional lottery providers require players to purchase cards upfront to discover their fate. In contrast, online casinos frequently offer bonuses to both new and existing players, providing free credits or other incentives. Here are some common scratch card bonuses available for new and loyal users at online casinos catering to the Philippines:

• Match deposit bonuses
• No deposit bonuses
• Cashback
• High roller bonuses

But remember that players can only convert winnings into withdrawable cash after fulfilling the wagering requirements. So, choose a scratch card bonus with the lowest possible wagering requirements.

Summary for Filipino Players

Online and offline scratch cards obviously have lots of similarities and differences. But regardless of the version, players in the Philippines must practice bankroll management because the outcomes of these games are entirely luck-based. Filipino gamblers can improve their odds of winning by playing casino games with higher payout rates, preferably 96% and above.