The UK National Lottery has been around since 1994 and, over the years, it’s raised more than £50 billion for good causes.
It offers a mix of games, from various lottery draws to scratchcards, giving players plenty of ways to try their luck. These options have struck a chord with the British public, who’ve long had a fondness for different kinds of gambling.
Sports betting and casinos lead the way in the UK, whilst lotteries, bingo, and raffles stay popular thanks to growing online options. Online casinos offer big cash wins, whilst reel raffle sites let players snag fun, exciting prizes.
But with so many great online alternatives, why are scratchcards still in operation? Here are six main reasons…
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1. Instant results
Scratchcards stay popular because they deliver instant results and an adrenaline rush—players know right away if they’ve won and what they’ve won.
Most wins can also be redeemed at the retailer, with only those over £500 having to go through other processes. Of course, whether the retailer will pay you depends on their current funds.
Online scratchcard-type products are available, but there is something more rewarding about scratching off a card to reveal your winnings.
2. Easy access & low cost
Most local shops and supermarkets sell scratchcards at the till, starting at just £1. With so little else costing that little these days, the chance to win hundreds (or even thousands) for a quid is a tempting prospect for many.
🔞 The only restriction on buying scratchcards and other National Lottery products is the age limit of 18. It was originally 16 when the lottery launched, but that changed to 18 in 2021.
3. Positioned at points of purchase
Online scratchcards and lotteries are convenient, but they lose spontaneity since players must visit the site to make a purchase.
In shops, scratchcards are located at the tills for three reasons. The first is for security, as they would be very easy to steal and only shop staff can access them. The second is that, as an age limit restricts them, they should be kept away from children.
The final reason so many lottery scratchcards are placed at the point of purchase is to entice impulse buyers. Their low price point and prominent displays make them an eye-catching option when people are making purchases, and adding a £1 scratchcard can add a bit of excitement to someone's day.
4. No tech limitations
The online gambling industry has surged recently, thanks to tech and connectivity advances. Developers now create immersive gaming experiences that aren't held back by hardware or internet speed.
Most people in the UK own smartphones and use them for internet access, but not everyone is comfortable using them for betting sites.
Whilst many day-to-day transactions and services are accessed online, there are still a lot of consumers who like to do their banking at a branch, read a physical newspaper, and place their bets in person.
Buying a scratchcard in a shop, scratching it, and cashing it in is simple, which appeals to many. The hassle of signing up online, remembering passwords, linking accounts, and going through extra steps to claim winnings puts off a lot of people.
5. Fast money makers
From the National Lottery’s point of view, scratchcards are a great way to make money.
Different lottery draws require time and planning, with payouts becoming a long, drawn-out process. Scratchcards are quick and easy for everyone involved.
Scratchcards are cheap to produce and generate instant profits for the National Lottery. Players can check their winnings and play again immediately, unlike lottery draws, which require waiting days for the next chance.
The ability to offer such instant results means that consumers can act more quickly, helping the lottery and their beneficiaries earn more in the long run.
6. Nostalgia
It's easy to romanticise the past, forgetting the hardships and inconveniences we'd never tolerate today. People reminisce about pre-phone days, but can you imagine a time before the internet, when you couldn’t just Google an answer?
Whilst there will be examples of how society has gone down a path that seemed better before, having the choice of physical and online scratchcards gives consumers the best of both worlds.
Not everything has to be done online, but having the option is a convenience that we can't avoid.
The scratchcard conclusion
National Lottery scratchcards are fun, exciting, and easy to play. With various price points, they’re a popular choice for many, and will be for years to come.
Their convenience and ease of play make scratchcards a top choice for most adults. Whilst online gambling offers more options, traditional scratchcards remain popular and likely will for years.
