This guide can help you understand how prizes work on UK National Lottery scratchcards and online instant win games. Whether you're curious about how these games are structured, how to check what possible prizes remain, or how the odds work, this information may help you make a more informed decision.
You’ll also learn about the differences between physical scratchcards and online instant win games, how to interpret game odds, and where to find up-to-date prize information. This can be especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the way instant win games are offered in the UK.
Can You Win Big on Instant Win Games?
Some scratchcards and online instant win games do offer high-value prizes, but it’s important to know that winning one is rare. These games are designed to be random, and the outcome is always based on chance—there’s no skill or system that can influence the result.
With physical scratchcards, each card has a fixed outcome that is pre-determined during the production process. This means the result is already set before the card even reaches the shop, and prizes are distributed randomly across the print run.
In contrast, online instant win games usually use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine the outcome at the moment you play. This technology ensures fairness by generating results randomly and unpredictably each time, but just like with scratchcards, outcomes are entirely down to chance.
Sometimes, a game may still be on sale even after all of its top potential prizes have been won. This is because both scratchcards and online games can stay available until all stock is sold, or until the game is officially closed. That’s why some players check the remaining prizes on the official National Lottery website—to get an idea of what’s still potentially available when choosing which game to play.
Although it is possible to win a larger prize, most outcomes are small wins or no win at all. These games are meant to be a form of entertainment, so it’s best to play with that mindset and only spend what you can afford.
How To Find Out What Prizes Are Left on Instant Wins
You can view current prize information directly on the official National Lottery website. Each active scratchcard and online instant win game is listed with key details, including the cost to play, game name, game number, top potential prize, and how many of each prize remain.
This information is regularly reviewed and updated by the National Lottery. It can give you a clearer view of what may still be available.
With physical scratchcards, each card has a fixed outcome set before it's printed and sent to shops, and winning cards are distributed randomly across the UK.
Instant Win Game Odds
Every scratchcard or instant win game should display its odds on the back of the card or within the game details online. These odds reflect the overall chance of winning any prize—not necessarily the top one.
For example, a scratchcard may state odds of 1 in 4, which means that across all printed cards for that game, on average, one in four will be a winner of some kind. This might be a small amount, like £1 or £2, rather than a high-value prize, and this is not a guarantee of winning.
The odds are calculated during the production stage and apply across the entire print run of the game. This means two people buying the same card type at different times or locations might still have completely different outcomes.
There is no strategy that can guarantee a win. These games are designed to be random and unpredictable.
Which Lotto Instant Win Game Is Best?
There is no single “best” instant win game. What’s appealing depends on personal preference. Some people look for games with potentially more frequent low-tier wins, while others might focus on those that offer bigger top prizes.
For example, a game with a £5 ticket might offer a top potential prize of £1 million, but lower odds of any possible win. Another game at £1 may offer the possibility of winning smaller amounts, such as £10 or £20. The game that feels most suitable will vary based on what matters to you.
It may be worth reviewing the potential prize structure, cost per play, and remaining prizes listed on the official National Lottery website before choosing.
Are Instant Win Games Worth It?
Scratchcards and online instant win games are designed as a form of entertainment. The outcome of each game is entirely random and cannot be influenced. Because they are games of chance, there is no method or system that guarantees any kind of prize.
Some people find these games enjoyable because of their simplicity and fast results. However, they are not a way to earn income and should never be seen as a financial strategy.
Setting a budget before you play and sticking to it is one way to manage your spending. It may also help to take breaks and avoid playing if you feel pressured to try to win back money you've lost.
Play Instant Win Games Online
While the National Lottery offers its own official instant win games, many UK-licensed online casinos – like Wizard Slots – also feature instant win-style games and online scratchcards.
After clicking the 'Join' button and following the on-screen steps to register an account on Wizard Slots, you can choose from our full range of online casino games, including instant win games.
Remember, gambling is intended as entertainment, and winning is never guaranteed. So, always gamble responsibly and never chase your losses.
*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.