You might have seen scratch cards lined up behind a shop counter and wondered—can someone just buy the entire roll?
This guide explores exactly that. From how scratch cards are packaged and sold, to whether buying a full roll is allowed, you’ll get clear and up-to-date information based on UK rules.
Whether you’ve played before or are just curious, this article will explain how scratch card purchases work in practice, how the odds are set, and what’s important to know before spending money on these games. This can be especially helpful if you're unsure what a scratch card really is or how it works.
Let’s start with what’s actually in a roll.
How Many Scratch Cards Are in a Roll?
In the UK, scratch cards are packaged in rolls before being delivered to shops. These rolls help shop staff keep track of which cards have been sold.
The number of cards in a roll depends on the game type and the price of the card.
For example:
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A £1 scratch card roll usually contains 80 to 100 cards.
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A £5 scratch card roll might have 30 to 60 cards.
Each card is numbered and comes with a printed outcome already decided during production. That outcome won’t change, whether the card is bought straight away or sits behind the counter for weeks. These games are not skill-based—they are games of chance. The result is already fixed before anyone scratches the surface.
You’ll usually find the odds of winning printed on the back of the scratch card. For example, if the odds are listed as 1 in 4, that means that, on average, one winning card has been printed for every four produced across the entire game. This doesn’t mean you’ll get a win for every four cards you buy—it’s simply an overall average, not a guarantee.
Each card is random in outcome, regardless of where it's placed in the roll or which shop it's sold from.
Can You Actually Buy a Full Roll of Scratch Cards?
As of 1 October 2024, the National Lottery has introduced a rule that limits the number of scratch cards a customer can buy to 10 per transaction. This limit applies in-store and across all National Lottery retail partners in the UK.
So, if you were thinking about buying a full roll—whether out of curiosity or with the idea of trying to boost your chances—that’s not something retailers are allowed to do anymore. Even if there are 60 or 100 cards remaining in a roll, you’ll only be able to buy up to 10 in one go. This rule is in place regardless of the card’s price or the type of game.
The new limit applies to all official National Lottery scratch cards and must be followed by all participating retailers, including small corner shops, supermarkets, and larger chains.
Why Shops Limit Scratch Card Purchases
The 10-card limit isn't a shop-by-shop decision. It's part of an official policy introduced by the National Lottery to promote responsible gambling. Limiting bulk buying reduces the risk of someone spending more than planned in a short space of time and helps more players access popular games when they’re released.
It also supports retailers in meeting standards set out by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). These standards are designed to make gambling safer and ensure customers are treated fairly.
Importantly, even if you were allowed to buy a large number of cards, the odds of getting a potential win wouldn’t change. Each card’s result is already set and printed before it reaches the shop.
Are Winning Cards Spread Evenly in Rolls?
The idea that wins might be evenly spaced out in a roll is common, but not accurate.
Scratch cards are produced in large batches, and the winning cards are mixed randomly across all of them before being sent to retailers.
So, while the game might say “1 in 4 wins,” this doesn’t mean every roll or strip has the same layout. You could potentially find several winning cards close together, or none at all in a group. That’s because the outcomes are decided before distribution and not adjusted per roll.
This method helps ensure fairness nationwide. No single shop or area gets a higher concentration of winning cards than another.
Does Buying More Scratch Cards Improve Your Odds?
Buying more cards means you’re playing more games, but it doesn't increase the chances of winning on each individual card. The result of one card doesn’t affect the next, even if they’re from the same roll or game.
For example, if you buy 5 cards and don’t get a win, that doesn't mean the sixth will win. The odds stay the same for each card. So, even if the game advertises “1 in 4,” that’s an overall average across all cards made, not a rule for how wins are spaced.
There’s no pattern to rely on, and no guaranteed strategy for increasing your odds by buying more. The only way to understand a game’s setup is to read the odds and prize information printed on the card, or visit the National Lottery website for full game details.
Keeping It Fun With Scratch Cards
Scratch cards are a type of gambling product meant for occasional entertainment. They're based on chance, which means the outcome is not influenced by where or when you buy them. No knowledge or system can change the result printed underneath the panel.
Each scratch card game comes with its own rules, potential prize structure, and odds of winning. You can find this information clearly printed on the card itself or available online.
Some games may be designed with potentially more frequent smaller prizes, while others might offer fewer prizes overall, but offer higher-value payouts. The choice comes down to what you prefer—there’s no single game that’s better than the rest, as it depends on what you're looking for.
There’s no guaranteed way to win, and the most important thing is to be realistic about what the game offers: a chance-based result that may or may not return a prize.
Setting Limits with Scratch Card Play
If you choose to play, it can be helpful to set a spending limit in advance—whether that’s £2, £10 or more. Knowing what you’re comfortable spending beforehand can help make the experience more manageable. Scratch cards should never feel like a way to try and recover lost money or solve financial problems.
By sticking to what you can afford to spend without expecting a return, you're more likely to keep the experience enjoyable.
If scratch cards or other gambling games ever stop feeling enjoyable, or if you find yourself playing more than intended, support is available through organisations like GamCare, BeGambleAware, and GamStop.
Play Real Money Scratch Cards Online
If the idea of trying digital scratch cards appeals to you, No Deposit Slots online casino offers a straightforward way to get started.
As a UK Gambling Commission-licensed operator, No Deposit Slots has a wide selection, including online scratch cards and other real money games.
You can explore the available games, check the details, and see the rules—just by signing up or logging in. The platform is simple to use and designed for UK players to navigate easily.
The range on offer includes scratch cards and slots to suit many types of preferences. If you’re interested in finding out more, head over to No Deposit Slots and see what’s available, always choosing the games and amounts that work for you.
By understanding how scratch cards and their rules work, you’re better equipped to make more informed, safe choices.
*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.
**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.