Scratchcards are a type of game where you reveal hidden symbols or numbers to see if you've won a potential prize. They are a form of an instant win gambling product, meaning you know the outcome as soon as you scratch the surface.
They're available both in physical form from shops and digitally through licensed online platforms. Many people in the UK buy scratchcards for entertainment, and this blog will explain how many you can buy at once, whether there are any limits, and how online scratchcards work. This may be helpful if you're new to gambling and want to understand how scratchcards are managed and regulated in the UK.
Is There A Limit On Buying Scratch Cards?
In the UK, you must be at least 18 years old to buy scratchcards. This applies to all types of scratchcards, including those from the National Lottery. The legal age limit is in place to help protect younger people from potential gambling-related harm.
When it comes to National Lottery scratchcards, you can buy up to 10 in one transaction. This rule is followed by all shops that sell National Lottery products. It forms part of wider efforts to support responsible gambling.
For other types of scratchcards, such as those offered by non-National Lottery providers, there is no set national limit on how many you can purchase in a single go. Even so, individual retailers may decide not to sell large quantities if they feel the situation needs more care. This could happen if a purchase seems out of the ordinary or raises concerns.
Scratchcards are games of chance. The outcome is set at the time the card is printed. This means that no action you take can change the result. If you choose to play, it’s important to do so with this in mind.
How Many Scratch Cards Can You Buy At Once? 
As mentioned, with National Lottery scratchcards, you can only buy up to 10 in a single transaction. This rule applies in all stores offering National Lottery games. It’s there to help reduce excessive spending in a short space of time.
If you are buying other types of scratchcards that are not part of the National Lottery, the number you can purchase may depend on the shop’s policy. Retailers have the right to refuse large transactions, especially if they believe the funds being used are not your own, or if they think it’s in the best interest of the customer.
Scratchcards are printed with set outcomes and randomly distributed to retailers. This means the odds of winning on scratch cards are fixed during the production process and will often be printed clearly on the back of the card.
For example, a scratchcard might state that 1 in 4 cards wins a possible prize. However, this does not mean every fourth card is a winner. It simply means that across the entire batch, this is the average rate of winning. You may buy several cards and win nothing, or win multiple times in a small number of tries. It varies.
Play Scratch Cards Online
Many people who play the traditional paper version of scratch cards are unaware that you can play scratch cards online. Nowadays, you can access lots of scratch cards and instant win games online. Most online casinos, including Wizard Slots have a wide range of scratch cards you can play.
Online scratch cards are great, as you can play them using any desktop or mobile device. There’s no need to go to a store to purchase a scratch card; you can simply find an online casino with scratch cards, sign up and play!
Online scratch card games are the game of choice for many as they are so easy to play. Simply click symbols to reveal whether you have won. Online casinos can offer various scratch cards with different themes, potential prizes and gameplay. Here are some of the top online scratch cards you can play at Wizard Slots:
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Fruity Flurry
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Fishin’ Frenzy Scratchcard
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Queen Treasure
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Super Shamrock
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.