Wondering if your favourite scratch card games still have their biggest prizes left? You’re not alone. Lots of people want to know which cards on the shelves still have unclaimed jackpots.
Scratch cards are a popular part of The National Lottery, and the number of jackpots left changes as new tickets are sold and prizes are claimed.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) requires operators to publish clear information, so you can find details on remaining top prizes if you know where to look. Below, we explain how to check, what the odds actually mean, and what to watch for with expiry dates. Read on to learn more.
If you have ever looked at scratch cards in a shop or online, you might have wondered how many jackpot prizes are still unclaimed. Each game launches with a fixed number of top prizes, and these can be claimed at any point while the game is on sale.
In the UK, the official National Lottery website lists current information for each scratch card. You can look up a game by name, see how many top prizes were available at launch, and find how many remain. Figures are updated regularly as wins are verified, so the numbers can move quickly.
When browsing online, it might be a good idea to remember that each platform offers its own selection of scratch card-style games. Rules and prize structures can differ slightly, so it could be worth checking the game page and paytable to understand how prizes are set out.
If you decide to try your hand at lottery games, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Yes. Top prizes are claimed from time to time, and winners are often announced through official channels or picked up by local news. What can make these wins feel rare is the probability involved.
A £5 scratch card, for instance, might launch with several jackpots of £1 million. Because millions of tickets can be printed for a single game, the odds of holding one of those jackpot tickets are usually very long. Outcomes are determined at random, so there is no way to influence the result.
Online scratch cards work a little differently from pre-printed tickets. Many are run using random number generators, which means the way jackpots are awarded can vary by game. The rules and paytable will explain how the prizes are structured.
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The chances of landing a jackpot are usually low and can vary widely by game. On most National Lottery scratch cards, the back of the ticket shows odds for different prize tiers. For a top prize, you might see something like 1 in 3,500,000, depending on how many tickets were produced and how many jackpots were included at launch. Bigger jackpots generally come with longer odds.
It is useful to distinguish between overall odds of winning something and the specific odds for the top prize. A game might pay smaller amounts relatively often while keeping the jackpot extremely rare.
For online scratch cards that use random number generators, the game page or paytable sets out the prize ranges and how wins are allocated. There is no skill element; outcomes are random. Knowing the figures could help you decide how you feel about each game.
Scratch cards do expire. Most National Lottery scratch cards allow up to 180 days from the game’s closure date to claim any prize. Closure dates are published on the official website, and once the claim window has passed, prizes can no longer be redeemed.
Operators make closure notices and claim deadlines available so everyone has access to the same information. Online games follow a similar approach, although timeframes and claim procedures can vary between platforms. If anything is unclear, it might be a good idea to check the rules on the site or contact customer support.
If you want to explore online scratch cards, our UK Online Casino offers a range of games with different themes and price points. The digital format keeps things straightforward, with outcomes revealed on screen and clear information shown before you play.
Every game includes its rules, the way prizes are structured, and the headline amounts available, so you can compare options with confidence. Red Casino is licensed by the UKGC and you will find account management and safer gambling tools if you need them.
Feel free to sign in to browse our latest scratch card games and see current prize information in one place. Whether you play in shops or online, checking remaining prizes, understanding the odds, and keeping an eye on expiry dates could help you make informed choices. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**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.
*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.