Scratch cards are instant games providing instant satisfaction or disappointment to the player. These cards are made out of some cardboard like material that may or may not be laminated and with a concealed area containing secret information. The area can be scratched off after purchase of the card and the information it conceals is about the winning or losing of the game or lottery ticket as the case may be.. These cards are not just used for games but also to conceal lottery ticket numbers, PIN numbers of telephones, credit cards, gift coupons and many other businesses. The information is concealed with latex and can be scratched of with a fingernail or coin.
The very first scratch cards were invented in 1974 by Scientific Games Corporation, which was headed by John Koza and Daniel Bower. The first patent was by Astro Med Inc, Rhode Island in 1987.
They became very popular owing to the immediate declaration of results. The simplest and most basic of scratch cards requires the player to combine three similar symbols. There are many variations as the cards become more complicated. These cards are also based upon games like Blackjack, roulette etc., played in casinos. Their low-cost and affordability combined with the increased chances to win cash along with the instantaneous declaration of results have made them very popular. If the prize is a jackpot, it is paid over a length of time. But small amount are disbursed immediately.
Internet has brought many changes in the world of scratch cards. They are available at most online casinos. While some of these casinos are honest and genuine, giving true information about the winning chances, some are scams. It is recommended to verify the authenticity and genuineness of these casinos before signing up with them for games.
