Scratchcards are a type of game where you reveal hidden panels to see if you’ve won a potential prize. You simply scratch off a coating on the card, often silver or shiny, to uncover symbols or numbers. If what you reveal matches what the card says you need, you may have won a prize.

But how do you check whether your scratchcard is a winner?

This guide will explain the different ways you can find out, including using mobile apps, in-store scanners, or online tools. If you’re new to scratchcards, this guide will help you understand how the process works, and how to do it safely and sensibly.

What Is a Scratch Card Checker App?

A scratch card checker app is a type of mobile app that helps you find out whether a scratchcard might have a winning outcome. In the UK, the main app that people know about is the National Lottery app. This app is run by Allwyn, the licensed operator of the National Lottery.

However, it’s important to understand what the app can and can’t do. The National Lottery app does not scan scratchcards. It only scans pink National Lottery draw-based tickets, such as the Lotto or EuroMillions. You can use the app to scan those pink tickets and find out if you’ve won.

While the app doesn’t scan physical scratchcards, it does allow you to play online scratchcard-style games through your National Lottery account. These are digital games with instant results, and they’re clearly listed under the “Instant Win Games” section in the app or on the website.

If you have a physical scratchcard from the National Lottery, you can’t scan it using the app. You’ll need to check it manually or ask a retailer to scan it in store. Other companies’ scratchcards are also not compatible with the National Lottery app.

Is There an App To Check Scratch Tickets?

There isn’t a universal app that can scan every type of scratchcard sold in the UK. The main reason is that scratchcards are produced by different organisations, and each has its own system. Some are issued by the National Lottery, while others may be promotional cards given out by retailers, or sold in betting shops and other licensed venues.

Each scratchcard is produced with a pre-printed outcome—meaning the result (win or lose) is already set before it even reaches the shop. They’re printed in large batches and the winning cards are randomly distributed to retailers across the country, so that any winning cards are not concentrated in specific locations.

For National Lottery scratchcards, your options to check if you’ve won are either:

Checking it manually by revealing all panels and comparing with the instructions printed on the card.
Visiting a shop and asking a retailer to scan it.

Other companies may ask you to visit their website, fill in a form, or return the card to a particular address. Instructions should always be printed on the card itself.

Because scratchcards are made with fixed odds, there’s no universal system or central database that covers all brands. This is why no single app exists that can check all scratchcards in the UK.

Scan Scratch Card To See If You’ve Won: Is It Possible?

You can scan a lottery draw ticket using the official National Lottery app—but you cannot scan a physical scratchcard. This is a common misunderstanding.

The app uses your phone’s camera to scan barcodes on pink tickets from the Lotto, Thunderball, Set For Life, or EuroMillions. It will then tell you if the ticket has a winning outcome. This makes it easier than checking draw numbers manually.

If you’re holding a National Lottery scratchcard, you’ll need to scratch it off yourself and compare the symbols or numbers against the rules on the card. You can then ask a participating shop to scan it using their terminal to confirm if it’s a winner.

The National Lottery app cannot scan any scratchcards. It also won’t work with scratchcards from any other provider.

Under current guidelines, retailers are not allowed to sell more than 10 National Lottery scratchcards in a single transaction. This limit is in place to support responsible gambling and help reduce the risks associated with repetitive play.

How Do Shops Check Scratch Cards?

Shops that sell scratchcards have a special terminal provided by the issuer. For National Lottery scratchcards, the shop assistant can scan the barcode on the card using this terminal. It checks the card against the central system and shows whether it’s a winning one.

This method helps prevent mistakes and gives a quick and clear answer. If the card has a prize, the shop may be able to pay you out straight away—depending on the amount. For example:

Smaller prizes (usually up to £100) can usually be paid in-store.
Medium prizes (e.g. over £100) might require the retailer to fill in a form.
Larger prizes may need to be claimed directly through the National Lottery or by post.

Scratchcards from other providers might not be accepted at these terminals. In that case, you’ll need to follow the instructions printed on the back of the card. This might involve calling a helpline, posting the card in, or checking via the provider’s website.

How To Check Your Scratch Card Online

If you’ve bought a National Lottery scratchcard, you cannot check the physical card online. The official website does not have a feature to input a scratchcard code to check if you’ve won.

However, if you’re playing online Instant Win Games through your National Lottery account, the outcome is shown straight away after you play. These digital games are similar in format to traditional scratchcards, but they are played on your phone, tablet, or computer.

For other types of scratchcards (such as those sold in shops or given away in promotions), some providers may offer a form on their website where you can enter a card code. But not all do. If you’re not sure, it’s best to read the instructions printed on the card itself or contact the issuing company directly.

Be careful to only use official websites. Some unofficial websites may not be safe, and using them could put your personal or financial information at risk.

Do More Expensive Scratch Cards Have Better Odds?

Not always. A more expensive scratchcard may offer higher possible prizes, but it doesn’t automatically mean you’re more likely to win. Each card comes with fixed odds, and these are set during production. You should see them printed clearly on the back of the card.

For example, a £5 scratchcard might have odds of “1 in 3.72,” which means that across all the cards printed in that game, roughly one in every 3.72 may win some kind of prize. That could be anything from a small potential prize, to the top prize. It’s not a promise that every few cards will win—it’s just an average across millions of cards.

Because scratchcards have pre-printed outcomes, there’s no way to influence the result. Once the card is printed and sealed, its outcome is already set. There’s also no guaranteed pattern to where winning cards are sent. They’re sent out randomly across the UK to keep things fair.

Scratchcards are games of chance, meaning there’s no strategy that will guarantee a win. You can’t improve your chances by buying more expensive cards or buying them in bulk.

If you choose to play, it’s a good idea to do so in a responsible way:

Set a spending limit before you buy.
Treat it as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money.
Take regular breaks and avoid chasing losses.
If gambling starts to feel stressful or out of your control, speak to someone or get free support from BeGambleAware.org or by calling 0808 8020 133.

Scratchcards should only be played by those aged 18 or over in the UK.

*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.