Buying Full Rolls of Scratch Cards in the UK
Ever wondered what actually goes into buying a full roll of scratch cards in the UK?
Whether you’ve seen them in shops, or are just curious about how they work, it’s a common question.
This guide takes a closer look at how scratch cards are packaged, how many usually come in a roll, and what you need to know if you’re thinking of purchasing a large quantity. You’ll also learn how odds and potential prizes are structured, whether full rolls can be bought online, and how different games may vary.
This information may be especially useful if you’re new to scratchcards and want a clearer understanding before spending any money. We’ll also touch on the current rules around buying, what to watch out for, and how to play responsibly under UK regulations.
How Many Scratch Cards Are in a Roll?
Scratch cards are sold in packs known as “rolls”, with each roll containing a set number of cards from the same game. These are sent to retailers sealed and ready to sell, and each card is marked with a sequential number for stock tracking.
The number of cards in a roll depends on the price of the scratch card:
- £1 cards often come in rolls of around 120 cards
- £2 and £3 cards are usually packed in rolls of 60 to 80
- £5 cards tend to come in smaller rolls, typically 30 or 40 cards
Each roll contains cards for one specific game, such as a £3 bingo-themed game or a £2 cash match game. These games are run by licensed providers, most commonly the National Lottery, which is operated by Allwyn as of 2024, replacing Camelot.
Keep in mind that the number of cards in a roll doesn’t tell you anything about how many might win. Every card is produced as part of a much larger batch, and whether a card contains a potential prize is decided before it’s even packed.
Is There a Limit on Buying Scratch Cards?
Yes. Under current National Lottery policy, you’re limited to buying no more than 10 scratch cards in a single transaction, regardless of the price or type of game. This rule applies in all physical retailers offering National Lottery scratch cards, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations.
This limit was introduced to help support responsible play and is enforced by retail staff. If you try to buy more than 10 in one go, the shop is required to stop the sale at that point.
While other companies in the UK may offer different scratchcard-style games—such as charity-based cards or promotional instant win games from certain brands—these products are typically not part of the National Lottery and may have their own rules. If in doubt, it can be worth checking directly with the game provider or retailer.
Can You Buy Full Packs of Scratch Cards Online?
At present, you cannot buy full rolls or sealed packs of National Lottery scratch cards online. The official National Lottery website only offers digital Instant Win Games, which are online-only games that look and feel similar to scratchcards, but are played on a screen instead of being physical cards.
These online games can be played one at a time and are subject to the same randomness as physical cards. You choose the game, pay for the ticket, and reveal the outcome on the screen.
If you come across a website offering full packs of scratch cards for home delivery, be cautious. This is not a service provided by the official National Lottery. Sites making such offers may be unregulated or based outside the UK, which means they may not follow UK Gambling Commission rules or offer the same protections.
For safety and compliance, it’s wise to stick to recognised high-street retailers or the official National Lottery site for digital play.
Does Every Scratch Card Roll Have a Winner?
No. Scratch cards are printed in large batches for each game, and prizes are distributed across the entire print run—not within each individual roll. This means some rolls may contain a few winning cards, while others may have none at all.
The odds printed on each card—such as “1 in 4”—refer to the average number of prizes across all cards printed for that particular game. For example, if one million cards are printed and 250,000 contain a prize, the odds will show as 1 in 4. These odds do not guarantee that one in every four cards you buy will be a winner.
Most potential prizes are small, and larger amounts are far less frequent. For example, a £5 scratchcard might advertise a top prize of £1 million, but only a handful of those top prizes may exist across millions of tickets.
Each card is completely independent. The outcome is already determined when it’s printed, so buying a full roll won’t increase your chance of finding a high-value win.
Which Scratch Cards Are Most Likely To Win?
Every scratchcard game comes with a published prize structure and stated odds. These odds represent the chance of getting any prize—not necessarily one that gives you more money than you spent. Most wins tend to be lower than, or equal to the price of the card.
You’ll usually find the odds printed on the back of the card or listed online on the official National Lottery website. For example:
- A £1 game might show odds of 1 in 4.5
- A £5 game might show odds of 1 in 3.5
That means, on average, one prize exists for every 3.5 or 4.5 cards in that entire game’s print run. It does not mean every set of three or four cards will contain a win.
Occasionally, some higher-value cards may appear to offer better odds or larger possible prizes, but the cost to play is also higher. Some players might prefer games with potentially more frequent, smaller prizes, while others may choose those offering fewer wins, but larger potential payouts. There’s no single “best” option—what suits one person might not appeal to another.
Because the results are random, there’s no method that can increase your chance of winning. Every game involves chance, so it’s important to decide how much you’re prepared to spend before playing.
Scratchcards are for over-18s and should only be played with money you can afford to lose. Set a spending limit and avoid gambling to make money or chase losses.
For free, confidential support, visit BeGambleAware.org, GamCare, or TalkBanStop. For UK rules and licensing, see the UK Gambling Commission at gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
*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.