What Are Scratch Cards Called Around The World? Are The Prizes Better?
Scratch cards, also known as scratch-off cards or scratch-and-win cards, are popular lottery or gambling games in many countries around the world.
They are called by various names depending on the region. In the UK, we know them as scratchcards and don’t really have many nicknames for them.
The biggest supplier is the National Lottery and most of them follow a tried, tested and successful format.
You buy one, scratch it and if you match three icons you generally win a prize.
But have we become complacent when it comes ot the format and prizes on offer? To find out, we’ve checked worldwide to see what other games and cards are available.
Australia
In Australia, scratch cards are known as “Instant Scratch-Its.” Various state and territory lottery operators offer them.
Similar to the UK, instant scratch-its can be found at various retail outlets, including newsagents, convenience stores and supermarkets.
They offer a wide variety of games with different themes, prize structures, and price points. Generally, the prizes depend on how much the card costs. So the more you pay, the higher the potential jackpot.
And for real enthusiasts, there is also the option to play online scratchies for real money in Australia. Like their real-world counterparts, they feature jackpot prizes and are accessible 24/7.
Japan
You’ve got to love the Japanese when it comes to the creativity of their scratch cards.
Known as Takarakuji, the word can be roughly translated to “treasure ticket” or “lottery ticket.” This includes games like a traditional lottery-style draw as well as scratch cards.
Specific scratch cards are called ‘Sukuracchi Kādo’, and they come in various themes and prize structures and are a popular form of entertainment and gambling in Japan.
However, it’s the prizes that set them apart from the UK. Aside from cash, you can also win merchandise like electronics, household appliances, gift cards, clothing, and more.
Some even feature travel-related prizes, such as holidays, trips, or getaway packages. And if that wasn’t enough, you could even win coupons or discounts for restaurants, stores, or entertainment venues.
That sure beats a £1 win on a UK scratch card!
Germany
Known as ‘Rubbellose’ in Germany, the word literally means “rubbing tickets.”
These rubbellose have some similarities with scratch cards in the UK but also have several distinct features that differentiate them.
In both countries, scratch cards are readily available, but the distribution methods may differ slightly.
In the UK, scratch cards can be found at various retail locations, including newsagents, convenience stores, and supermarkets.
However, in Germany, they are commonly sold at kiosks (known as “Kiosks” in German) and dedicated lottery outlets.
Both countries offer scratch cards with the potential to win substantial jackpot prizes. The size of the jackpots can vary depending on the specific game and ticket price.
In Germany, some games offer jackpots or top prizes that are unique to the German lottery system.
France
In France, scratch cards are known as ‘Grattage, which simply means “scratching” in English.
These games are offered by Française des Jeux (FDJ), the national lottery operator in France and the core concept remains the same.
You buy, you scratch and you hopefully win. The French also launched a special scratch card for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The card is priced at €3 and carries a cash prize of up to €50,000. Some lucky winners will also get tickets to the athletics competitions in the Olympics.
Names From Around The World
| Country | Scratch Card Name (English Translation) |
|---|---|
| United States | Scratch-off tickets |
| United Kingdom | Scratch cards |
| Australia | Instant Scratch-Its |
| Canada | Instant Win Tickets |
| India | Scratch and Win Cards |
| France | Grattage (Scratching) |
| Germany | Rubbellose (Rubbing Tickets) |
| Japan | スクラッチカード (Sukuracchi Kādo – Scratch Card) |
| South Korea | 스크래치 카드 (Seukeuraechi Kadeu – Scratch Card) |
| Brazil | Raspadinhas (Scratch Cards) |
| Italy | Gratta e Vinci (Scratch and Win) |
| Spain | Rascas (Scratchers) |
| Portugal | Raspadinhas (Scratch Cards) |
| Mexico | Raspables (Scratchables) |
| Argentina | Raspaditas (Scratchers) |
| Philippines | Tukso (Temptation) |
| South Africa | Scratch ‘n Win Cards |
| New Zealand | Instant Kiwi |
| Singapore | Scratch-It Cards |
| Malaysia | Kad Garam (Scratch Cards) |
| Thailand | บัตรสแกรช์ (Bat Saek – Scratch Cards) |
| China | 刮刮乐 (Guā Guā Lè – Scratch and Joy) |
| Russia | Скретч-карты (Skretch-karty – Scratch Cards) |
| Poland | Zdrapki (Scratch Cards) |
| Sweden | Skraplotter (Scratch Tickets) |
| Norway | Skrapelodd (Scratch Tickets) |
| Denmark | Skrabelodder (Scratch Tickets) |
| Finland | Raaputusarvat (Scratch Tickets) |
| Netherlands | Krasloten (Scratch Cards) |
| Belgium | Krasspel (Scratch Game) |
| Greece | Σκρατς (Skrtchs – Scratch) |
| Turkey | Kazı Kazan (Scratch and Win) |
| Egypt | بطاقات خدش (Bataqat Khidsh – Scratch Cards) |
| Saudi Arabia | بطاقات خدش (Bataqat Khidsh – Scratch Cards) |
| United Arab Emirates | بطاقات خدش (Bataqat Khidsh – Scratch Cards) |
We may call them different names but the idea is the same. We spend our money on scratch cards in the hopes of winning a jackpot that will change our lives.
So no matter where you are in the world, have fun, gamble responsibly, and good luck!
