History of Scratch Cards

Scratch cards, otherwise called: scratch off games or scratch out tickets, are the newer developments in online gaming world.
While well-known lottery games have been in use worldwide since ancient history, the scratch card was invented in the 1970s by American computer scientist and retail marketing specialist.
They formed the Scientific Games Corporation and brought to life a revolutionary concept: the instant lottery game, with instant winning prize.
On the right picture: a bundle of traditional printed scratch card tickets, issued by lottery gaming companies.

The Massachusetts Lottery Commission became the first client to the Scientific Games Corporation.

The first scratch-off lottery tickets, called The Instant Game, was launched by the Massachusetts State Lottery in the mid 1970s.
Many national and state lottery companies caught on quickly and began to offer scratch off games.
The usage of scratch cards spread to different state lotteries including Michigan, New York, Maryland and Illinois, and many other states in the United States began offering scratch card games.
On the left picture: The State of Michigan Lottery $5,- scratch off ticket, with the possibility to win up to $200,000.

A turning point at which scratch cards became very popular was, when AstroMed Inc, an American company based on Rhode Island, which patented a Scratch Card in 1987.

Later on, Mr. Cal Tigner invented a plastic scratch card dispenser, called the Take-A-Ticket machine, which enabled easy dispensing of scratch cards for the public.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the first scratch cards went on sale in March 1987, and these instant games are usually sold at lottery kiosks or stands and lotto tickets sales points.

Scratch cards have been used usually for several causes, including charities, fund-raising events, banks and social organizations and as a means of advertising. Since these instant win cards are associated with such activities, they appeal to a broad audience worldwide.

The Attraction of Scratch Cards

The main attraction of the scratch card, is the game's relatively low cost. For a comparatively small stake, usually starting at €£$1 for printed cards and €£$0,50 in online version, player may participate in one of these instant game big prizes.

The modern scratch cards are designed in a range of various themes, to help attract different players.
For example, there are bingo scratch topic, for bingo game enthusiasts, as well, roulette themed scratch cards, as seen on the right picture. For sure, you will find any imaginable topics, which are background for modern online scratch cards.
On the right picture: The view of Roulette-interactive online scratch card game, which is available to play starting from stakes as low, as of $0,50.

It seems that the main appeal of a scratch card is that it provides a lot of fun, amusement and thrill, as player may receive instant result and instant prize!.

Modern Online Scratch Cards

Heading into the 21st century, the traditional printed scratch card seems to have become a thing of the past.
Online lotto games and online scratch card games deliver instant cash winnings, in a more exciting and entertaining way than a conventional lottery or raffle games.

In fact, our perspective on playing scratch cards has totally changed. As fast Internet becomes available to more and more people around the globe, the demand for entertainment at a low price will only grow further.
We will see more virtual and online gaming available as the time progresses, as more and more people become more active on the internet. Mobile gaming will grow further to meet demands of a growing community of online players.
On the right picture: Royal Slots interactive game, available to play for stakes starting from $0,25.

The greatest advantage in playing an online scratch card game is the convenience factor. There is no need to run out to the point-of-sale to buy a ticket, as you can do that online, from the convenience of your home or office.
Obviously, the element of "scratching" the surface of the traditional card had to undergo a change online. However, modern interactive games pleased us with moving elements (not available to the old paper scratch cards) and background sounds (including sound of "scratching-off" sometimes), as well.

Playing Scratch Cards Online

These modern interactive scratch card games online, offer us astonishing graphics, and are available in a variety of different themes. Such games are also offered in free practice play versions, for fun and getting experience, before you are going to play for real money.

In 2005, there was launched the first secure and professional websites dedicated solely to play online scratch cards.
Enabled by flash and java applications, scratch cards are full of interactive features, including rich amazing graphics and high-quality sound in the background, while you are playing.

On the left picture: "Sea and Sun" interactive online scratch card game.

This modern gaming websites showed us the evolution of the scratch card from a simple scratch off ticket, to a modern online interactive scratch-off game.
If you are new to the online scratch cards world, we encourage you to read our interesting article:
Beginners Guide to Playing Scratch Cards Online.
There is second interesting article available The joy of scratching off for scratch games enthusiasts. Enjoy!

Best Games Directory recommends
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They offer users to choose from an extensive variety of interactive (with live sound) games, like slot machines, poker king, fishing, horse racing, shopping, bingo and all sorts of other colourful games, like Sea and Sun game shown above.