Comparing Odds and RTP
Apart from merely looking at the paytables, you can also compare the RTPs (Return to Player) percentages and odds of different scratch cards. Most scratch cards have an RTP of around 55% and odds around 1 to 3.
This means that approximately 55% of all stakes are returned to players as winnings and that 1 in 3 players wins. However, it's important to note that these players win any prize. Jackpot prizes obviously have much higher odds.
Nonetheless, you can check the odds and RTP of a card game to make a quick assessment of your likeliness to win.
If we look at the two previous examples, the figures are as follows:
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Elephant ScratchCard
As you can see, the Elephant has higher odds and a lower RTP than Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? This means that less money is distributed as wins and that fewer players win. And these numbers directly correlate to the limited prizes shown in the paytable.
On the other hand, you can buy 60 of these cards at the price of a single Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? card. And theoretically, you increase your winning chances the more you play.
At the end of the day, all scratch games are lotteries based on luck. So, even if these figures can give you an indication of your winning probabilities, you should never take them too seriously and expect a particular result.
Let us take a third example to illustrate this further:
160 Crores
- RTP: 50.8%
- Odds: 1 to 1.20
As you can see, this scratch card has an RTP similar to the other two but way more favourable odds. In fact, according to these odds, a win is almost guaranteed.
However, this scratch card has ten prize tiers with prizes ranging from ₹560 to ₹1,600,000,000. And considering each ticket sets you back ₹1,6000, your prize might not cover what you paid for the ticket cost.
In other words, you should not be fooled by the compelling odds you are not necessarily very likely to come out with a profit. On the other hand, this card is a good choice if you're looking to play a high variance game.