Can You Buy Scratchcards Online?
This is an independent, informational guide for UK readers and is not affiliated with the organisations mentioned. It is provided for general information only.
Yes. As well as physical cards in shops, the National Lottery offers online instant-win games — the digital equivalent of a scratchcard — through its official site and app. To play online you must be 18 or over, a UK or Isle of Man resident, and you can't use a credit card.
Digital instant-win games
Yes. As well as physical cards in shops, the National Lottery offers online instant-win games through its official website and app — the digital equivalent of a scratchcard, where you reveal a result on screen.
Other licensed operators also run scratchcard-style instant games online.
The rules for playing online
To play online you must be 18 or over, registered with an account, and a UK or Isle of Man resident located in the country. You can't pay with a credit card, as gambling on credit was banned in 2020.
Wins are added to your account automatically, so there's no physical ticket to lose.
Staying safe
Stick to the official National Lottery site or app, or other properly licensed operators, and be wary of unofficial sites or 'free scratchcard' apps that aren't what they seem.
Account tools such as deposit limits can help you stay in control online.
Beware fake 'scratchcard' apps
A lot of free 'scratch and win' apps aren't real-money games at all — they're entertainment or reward apps, and some are misleading. For real National Lottery games, use the official site or app.
If something promises guaranteed wins or asks for odd payments, treat it with caution.
The convenience of online instant games is that wins land in your account automatically, with nothing to lose down the back of the sofa. The trade-off is the same as any online play: keep your account secure, use a deposit limit, and stick to the official app rather than the many lookalike 'scratch' apps.
Can you play scratchcards on the National Lottery app?
Yes — the official site and app offer digital instant-win games, the online equivalent of a scratchcard.
Do you need to be 18 to play scratchcards online?
Yes, and you must be a UK or Isle of Man resident located in the country, with an account.
Can you buy online scratchcards with a credit card?
No — gambling on credit cards, including the lottery, was banned in 2020; use a debit card.
Are free scratchcard apps the same as real ones?
No — many are entertainment or reward apps, not real-money games. Use the official National Lottery site or app for real games.
Related guides: Playing online, How scratchcards work, Paying by credit card
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. If you are worried about your gambling, or affected by someone else's, free and confidential help is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, from BeGambleAware.org, and through the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP. You must be 18 or over to gamble.