Online casinos offer many bonuses to attract players. But not all games help you clear these bonuses. Scratch cards often void your wagering progress. This means the money you bet on scratch cards doesn’t count toward meeting bonus requirements. Many players don’t know this until it’s too late.
We’ll look at why casinos restrict scratch cards. We’ll show you which scratch card games to avoid. We’ll also share tips to protect your bonus money when playing online.
Why Casinos Restrict Scratch Card Games
Casinos put rules on bonuses to protect themselves. Scratch cards often have high return-to-player (RTP) rates. This means players can win more often than with other games.
When you get a bonus at SkyCrownCasino, you must wager it many times before cashing out. This is called a wagering requirement. If scratch cards counted fully, players could meet these requirements too easily.
Most online casinos fall into three groups:
- Casinos that fully exclude scratch cards from wagering
- Casinos that count scratch cards at a lower rate (like 20% or 50%)
- Casinos that only allow specific scratch card games
Risk Factor
Scratch cards have simple rules. You buy a card and scratch to reveal prizes. This simplicity makes them risky for casinos. Players can place many bets quickly. This speed increases the chance of hitting a big win while using bonus money.
Common Scratch Card Games That Void Wagering
Not all scratch cards are treated the same. Here’s a table of popular scratch card games and how they typically affect your bonus wagering:
| Game Name | Average RTP | Typically Restricted | Contribution to Wagering | Common Bet Limits |
| Lucky 7s | 94.5% | Yes | 0% | $0.10 – $10 |
| Treasure Hunt | 95.2% | Yes | 0-20% | $0.25 – $25 |
| Gold Rush | 93.8% | Yes | 0% | $0.50 – $50 |
| Diamond Deluxe | 96.1% | Yes | 0-10% | $1 – $100 |
| Instant Wins | 95.5% | Yes | 0% | $0.10 – $20 |
| Cash Splash | 94.2% | Sometimes | 0-50% | $0.20 – $30 |
| Lucky Gems | 93.9% | Sometimes | 0-25% | $0.25 – $25 |
High-RTP Scratch Cards
Games with RTP above 95% are almost always restricted. Casinos see these games as too risky for bonus play. Examples include:
- Diamond Deluxe
- Treasure Hunt
- Instant Wins
These games pay out more often than others. This is why casinos don’t want you using bonus funds on them.
How to Check if Scratch Cards Count Toward Wagering
Before you play, you need to know if your bets will count. Here are steps to check:
Read the Bonus Terms
Always read the full terms and conditions. Look for sections about “game contributions” or “game weightings.” These tell you which games count toward wagering requirements.
Check the Game Restrictions List
Most casinos have a list of restricted games. This list shows which games don’t count toward wagering. Scratch cards are often on this list.
Contact Customer Support
If you’re not sure, ask customer support. They can tell you exactly which games count. Save this chat as proof in case of disputes later.
Safe Alternatives to Scratch Cards for Bonus Clearing
If you can’t use scratch cards, try these games instead:
Slots with Similar Features
Many slot games have scratch card-like bonus rounds. These usually count 100% toward wagering. Look for slots with:
- Instant win features
- Bonus pick games
- Reveal-style mechanics
Low-Volatility Table Games
Some table games count partially toward wagering. Blackjack and roulette might count 10-20%. While this is low, it’s better than the 0% that scratch cards often provide.
Protecting Your Bonus Funds
Smart players follow these rules to protect their bonus money:
- Always check game restrictions before playing
- Keep track of your wagering progress
- Play games that count 100% toward requirements
- Avoid scratch cards until after clearing your bonus
- Read the fine print about maximum bet sizes
Final Thoughts
Scratch cards are fun and simple. But they can ruin your bonus chances. Before playing any scratch card game with bonus funds, check if it counts toward wagering. Most don’t.
The best approach is to clear your bonus with slots first. Then enjoy scratch cards with your regular funds. This way, you get the best of both worlds. You clear your bonus and still get to enjoy the quick thrill of scratch cards.
Remember that casino rules change often. What counts today might not count tomorrow. Always check the current terms before playing.
