It’s not an uncommon question: ‘Are online scratch cards fair?’
It’s understandable that players are dubious, because they cannot see the inner workings of an online scratch card in front of their eyes.
Some scratch cards are low RTP and high volatility too, so wins can be infrequent – which only furthers the suspicion of players.
Well, let us debunk the most common myths about instant win fairness:
- Online scratch cards are rigged
- Online scratch card outcomes are pre-determined
- Online scratch cards are predictable
- Online scratch cards aren’t tested for fairness
In our article ‘How Do Online Scratch Cards Work?’, we confirmed each of these points to be wholly incorrect.
And we’ll clarify that here with an examination of the random number generator (RNG) that powers online scratch cards… and how this keeps things perfectly fair for players.
What Is an RNG and How Does It Work?
A random number generator is a complex algorithm that spits out a string of random digits.
These digits are completely independent of the last, which helps to ensure that every number it creates is fairly created and randomised.
Online casino games, including scratch cards, use an RNG to ensure that every spin or scratch is completely fair.
The beauty of a scratch card RNG is that it generates outcomes immediately, which helps to ensure the speed of these instant win games is maintained.
An RNG has no memory or intelligence, so it’s unable to track its previous results. Therefore, any patterns created are completely by random chance.
So, the RNG in online scratch cards is a vital component of keeping games fair, unpredictable and unbiased.
When Is the Outcome Decided?
What’s interesting about online scratch cards is that the outcome of your card is determined the moment you purchase it.
There’s nothing you can do during the scratching process to change the result; the RNG has already decided if you’re a winner or not.
As explored in our article ‘What Are the Odds of Winning on Scratch Cards?’, there is nothing that the player can do to alter the outcome of their card once purchased.
So, the actual result is confirmed as soon as the RNG has been activated once you purchase your card. The visual scratching element is simply a way to present this outcome in a fun and entertaining way.
Regulation and Game Testing
Of course, even with that in mind, it’s still vital that you access certified RNG games.
Licensed and regulated online casinos have a legal obligation to have their games tested and verified by an independent organisation, such as eCOGRA or iTechLabs.
These firms test online scratch cards to ensure that the RNG is working properly, while confirming that the stated RTP and volatility level are being adhered to.
So, the work of these independent testing bodies is vital in ensuring that the most rigorous standards are upheld… while providing confidence to players that any scratch card they purchase has been approved.
In the UK, it is a licensing requirement for online casinos to have any game powered by an RNG tested and certified by an independent verifier. If they don’t, they could face sanctions that range from fines to licence suspension and revocation.
So there are many reasons why it makes sense for any casino site to ensure that their games, including scratch cards, are fair and unpredictable… and that’s good news for players.
Are Online Scratch Cards Fair?
Hopefully, this article has helped to settle any doubts in your mind about fair online scratch cards.
These cards aren’t rigged. Their results aren’t pre-determined. And they aren’t predictable.
What online scratch cards are is fair, unpredictable and unbiased, with each game independent of the last – and that’s thanks to the random number generator (RNG), as detailed in this guide.
But it’s important to only play your scratch cards that have been tested and certified, which is a licensing requirement for casino sites operating in the UK. All of the cards you see at Prime Slots have been independently verified and approved, which offers you complete peace of mind.
We have classic scratch cards suitable for all tastes and budgets in a variety of themes, so why not come and see what we have in store for you today?
