Quick Answer: The best scratch tickets to buy in Canada depend on your province and budget. In Ontario, $5 tickets like Cash for Life offer 1 in 3.7 odds. Online scratch cards at XO Lotto return 85-95% RTP compared to 50-65% at retail — meaning significantly better value over time. Claim 50 free scratch cards to compare.
Looking for the best scratch cards to play in 2026? Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, or Quebec, this guide breaks down which scratch tickets win the most in Canada — plus online alternatives that offer substantially better returns.
At XO Lotto, we’ve assembled a collection of scratch cards with RTPs between 85-95%, compared to the 50-65% you’ll find at retail locations. That’s not marketing spin — it’s a fundamental difference in how much of your entertainment budget comes back as prizes.
For a complete guide to playing online, see our online scratch cards Canada guide. If you’re new to digital scratchers, our virtual scratch cards explainer covers the basics. For winning strategies, check out our scratchcard winning tips.
Ready to start? Get 50 free scratch cards just for signing up — no deposit, no risk.
Why Canadian Players Love Instant Games and Scratch Tickets
Scratch tickets hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian lottery players. The appeal is straightforward: instant results. Unlike traditional lotteries where you wait days for a draw, scratch tickets deliver immediate gratification.
Another factor is variety. Scratch tickets range from $0.10 budget plays to $20 premium games, with themes spanning everything from cosmic adventures to holiday celebrations. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek design of Cash Vault I or the whimsical charm of Kitty Puzzle, there’s something for every player.
The best scratch tickets in Canada balance three factors: price point, prize potential, and return rate. We’ll break down each province’s top picks, then show you how online alternatives can dramatically improve your expected returns.
Top Scratch Tickets to Buy in Canada at XO Lotto
At XO Lotto, we’ve curated scratch cards that stand out for winning potential and entertainment value. Our collection features instant tickets from $0.10 to $3.00 CAD, all with RTPs between 85-95% — substantially higher than retail alternatives.
Here are the best scratch tickets you can buy today:
Best High-Value Scratch Tickets
Moon Scratch: “Win up to $30,000 CAD!”
- Price: $3.00 CAD
- Top Prize: $30,000 CAD
- Provider: Spinmatic
- Overview: Moon Scratch hits the sweet spot between budget and premium play. At $3.00 CAD, you’re investing enough for serious prize potential without the $5+ commitment of retail premium tickets. The cosmic lunar theme delivers stunning visuals, and Spinmatic’s reputation for quality gameplay shines through.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Moon Scratch offers one of the best value propositions in our collection — a $30,000 CAD top prize at a price point that allows regular play. The high-quality graphics and smooth animations make every scratch satisfying, win or lose.
Cash Vault I: “Win up to $30,000 CAD!”
- Price: $1.00 CAD
- Top Prize: $30,000 CAD
- Provider: Hacksaw Gaming
- Overview: For players who prefer lower spending while still targeting big wins, Cash Vault I delivers exceptional value. This Hacksaw Gaming title offers the same $30,000 CAD top prize as Moon Scratch at one-third the price.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Cash Vault I is the best scratch ticket for value-seekers in Canada. The $1.00 CAD price point lets you stretch your budget across multiple plays, and the vault-cracking theme adds genuine tension to every reveal.
Best Budget-Friendly Scratch Tickets
Happy Scratch: “Win up to $5,000 CAD!”
- Price: $0.10 CAD
- Top Prize: $1,000 CAD
- Provider: Hacksaw Gaming
- Overview: Happy Scratch from Hacksaw Gaming delivers cheerful gameplay at a budget-friendly price. At just $0.10 CAD per play, you can enjoy multiple scratches per session while still targeting meaningful prizes.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: The bright, upbeat theme keeps gameplay enjoyable even when you don’t hit the jackpot. Happy Scratch is perfect for players who prefer quantity — more scratches, more entertainment, more chances to win.
Hot Gear: “Win up to $1,200 CAD!”
- Price: $0.10 CAD
- Top Prize: $1,200 CAD
- Overview: Hot Gear is Canada’s best ultra-budget scratch card. At just $0.10 CAD, you can play 50 times for the price of a single $5 retail ticket. The racing theme adds excitement to quick plays.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Hot Gear lets high-volume players enjoy maximum scratches per dollar. Perfect for players who love the scratching experience itself.
Super Shamrock: “Win up to $1,500 CAD!”
- Price: $0.15 CAD
- Top Prize: $1,500 CAD
- Overview: This Irish-themed ticket combines affordability with solid prize potential. Super Shamrock appeals to players who enjoy themed games without premium pricing.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: At $0.15 CAD, Super Shamrock offers better prize potential than Hot Gear while staying firmly in budget territory. The luck-of-the-Irish theme adds personality to every play.
Unique Scratch Tickets Worth Trying
Kitty Puzzle: “Win up to $25,000 CAD!”
- Price: $1.00 CAD
- Top Prize: $25,000 CAD
- Overview: Kitty Puzzle stands out for its playful theme and puzzle-based gameplay. It’s not just a scratch card — it’s a mini-game that cat lovers adore.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Perfect for players who want more than simple scratch-and-reveal mechanics. The puzzle element extends playtime and adds genuine entertainment beyond the prize potential.
Scratch or Treat: “Win up to $20,000 CAD!”
- Price: $2.00 CAD
- Top Prize: $20,000 CAD
- Overview: This Halloween-themed Hacksaw Gaming title is a seasonal favorite offering festive thrills year-round.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: The spooky theme and $20,000 CAD prize make Scratch or Treat a standout choice for players who appreciate personality in their games.
Best Scratch Tickets Price Comparison
Before diving into provincial breakdowns, here’s how XO Lotto’s best scratch tickets compare by price point:
| Budget | Best XO Lotto Game | Top Prize | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $0.25 CAD | Hot Gear | $1,200 CAD | High-volume players |
| $0.25-$0.99 CAD | Happy Scratch | $5,000 CAD | Balanced budget play |
| $1.00-$1.99 CAD | Cash Vault I | $30,000 CAD | Best value per dollar |
| $2.00-$3.00 CAD | Moon Scratch | $30,000 CAD | Premium experience |
All XO Lotto scratch cards offer 85-95% RTP, compared to 50-65% at Canadian retail locations.
Claim 50 free scratch cards to try any game
Expand Your Winning Potential with These Tips
Winning on scratch tickets involves luck, but strategic choices can improve your expected returns. Here’s how to maximize your winning potential:
Focus on RTP, Not Just Odds: Before purchasing any scratch ticket, look at the Return to Player percentage. Retail scratch tickets in Canada typically return 50-65% to players. XO Lotto scratch cards return 85-95% — meaning roughly 30% more value over time.
Buy in Moderation: While it can be tempting to splurge, buying a few carefully selected tickets often works better than bulk purchases. This approach lets you manage your budget while still enjoying the thrill. For more on responsible play, visit XO Lotto’s Responsible Gambling page.
Diversify Your Selections: Instead of sticking to one type, mix high-value tickets like Moon Scratch with budget options like Hot Gear. This strategy balances prize potential with play frequency.
Play Consistently: Regular play can increase your chances over time. Set a budget and stick to it — playing within your means ensures ongoing enjoyment without financial strain.
Check for Promotions: Take advantage of offers like XO Lotto’s 50 free scratch cards for new signups. Free plays give you more opportunities to win without additional cost.
For the complete guide to playing scratch tickets in Canada, see our scratch tickets Canada hub.
Best Scratch Tickets to Buy in Ontario
Quick Answer: The best scratch tickets in Ontario are $5 games like Cash for Life (1 in 3.7 odds) for retail, or XO Lotto scratch cards online for 85-95% RTP vs OLG’s 50-65%.
Ontario players have the most scratch ticket options in Canada — OLG alone offers 60+ games at any time. But which scratch tickets win the most in Ontario?
Based on prize structure and odds, here are the top picks for Ontario players in 2026:
High-Value Ontario Scratch Tickets
| Game | Price | Top Prize | Overall Odds | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash for Life | $5 | $1,000/week for life | 1 in 3.7 | Best lifestyle prize structure |
| Instant Millionaire | $20 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 3.0 | Highest top prize available |
| Set for Life | $10 | $500,000 | 1 in 3.2 | Strong mid-tier prizes |
| Crossword Tripler | $5 | $100,000 | 1 in 3.5 | Best for extended play time |
| Bingo Doubler | $3 | $50,000 | 1 in 3.8 | Solid odds at low price point |
Which Scratch Tickets Have the Best Odds in Ontario?
The best odds come from lower-priced tickets. $1-$3 Ontario scratch tickets typically offer 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 odds of winning something. But “winning” often means getting your money back.
For the best balance of odds and prize potential, $5 tickets hit the sweet spot. You get roughly 1 in 3.5 odds with prizes worth winning.
Pro tip: Check OLG’s “Unclaimed Prizes” page before buying. If a game’s top prizes are already claimed, skip it.
Online Alternative for Ontario Players
OLG’s online scratch tickets have the same odds as retail — but online scratch cards at XO Lotto typically offer 85-95% RTP compared to OLG’s 50-65%. That’s a significant difference in your expected return.
Ontario players can claim 50 free scratch cards to compare the experience — no deposit required.
Best Scratch Tickets in Alberta
Quick Answer: Alberta’s best scratch tickets are Set for Life (10)forbigprizesandCah Cow ($5) for balanced odds. For better returns, XO Lotto’s online scratch cards offer 85-95% RTP vs WCLC’s 50-60%.
Alberta’s scratch ticket selection through WCLC (Western Canada Lottery Corporation) differs from Ontario’s offerings. Here’s what Alberta players should look for in 2026:
Top Alberta Scratch and Win Tickets
| Game | Price | Top Prize | Overall Odds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set for Life | $10 | $500,000 | 1 in 3.2 | Big prize hunters |
| Ca$h Cow | $5 | $100,000 | 1 in 3.6 | Balanced odds/prize |
| Lucky 7 | $3 | $35,000 | 1 in 3.9 | Budget players |
| Bingo | $5 | $50,000 | 1 in 3.5 | Extended play experience |
| Crossword | $3 | $50,000 | 1 in 4.0 | Puzzle lovers |
Alberta Scratch Ticket Strategy
WCLC publishes remaining prizes for each game on their website. Always check before buying — if a game’s top prizes are gone, your expected value drops significantly.
Best times to buy in Alberta:
- Right after a new game launches (all prizes available)
- After checking unclaimed prize lists online
- Never from a retailer who “recommends” specific tickets
Where Alberta Players Get Better Value
Retail scratch tickets in Alberta return roughly 50-60% to players over time. Online scratch cards at platforms like XO Lotto return 85-95% — meaning more of your entertainment budget comes back as prizes.
Alberta players 18+ can try 50 free scratch cards and see the difference firsthand.
Best Scratch Tickets in British Columbia
Quick Answer: BC’s best scratch tickets through BCLC are Set for Life ($10) and Ultimate ($20) for top prizes. Online alternatives at XO Lotto offer 85-95% RTP compared to BCLC’s 55-65%.
British Columbia players purchase scratch tickets through BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation), with games available at retailers province-wide. Here’s what BC players should know for 2026:
Top British Columbia Scratch Tickets
| Game | Price | Top Prize | Overall Odds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set for Life | $10 | $675,000 | 1 in 3.1 | Maximum prize potential |
| Ultimate | $20 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 2.8 | BC’s biggest prizes |
| Crossword | $5 | $100,000 | 1 in 3.4 | Extended gameplay |
| Ca$h for Life | $5 | $1,000/week for life | 1 in 3.6 | Lifestyle prizes |
| Lucky 7 | $3 | $47,000 | 1 in 4.0 | Budget-friendly |
Which Scratch Tickets Win the Most in British Columbia?
BCLC’s premium tickets ($10-$20) offer the best odds, typically around 1 in 3.0. However, these require significant investment per play. For regular players, $5 tickets provide the best balance between odds and affordability.
BC-specific tip: Check remaining prize counts on BCLC’s website before buying any ticket over $5 — knowing whether top prizes remain helps you make informed choices.
Best Scratch Tickets BC: Online vs Retail
BCLC scratch tickets return approximately 55-65% to players over time. That means for every $100 spent, you can expect roughly $55-65 back in prizes long-term.
XO Lotto’s scratch cards return 85-95% RTP — nearly 30% better value. For BC players who enjoy regular scratch card play, this difference adds up significantly.
BC players 19+ can claim 50 free scratch cards to experience the difference without spending a cent.
Best Scratch Tickets to Buy in Quebec
Quick Answer: Quebec’s top scratch tickets through Loto-Québec include Gagnant à vie ($10) and Ultimate ($20). XO Lotto scratch cards offer 85-95% RTP compared to Loto-Québec’s 55-60%.
Quebec runs its own lottery through Loto-Québec, with French-language scratch tickets and unique games not available elsewhere in Canada. Here’s what Quebec players should know:
Top Quebec Scratch Tickets (Billets à gratter)
| Game | Price | Top Prize | Overall Odds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gagnant à vie | $10 | $1,000/week for life | 1 in 3.3 | Lifestyle prizes |
| Mots cachés | $5 | $100,000 | 1 in 3.5 | Word puzzle fans |
| Ultimate | $20 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 2.9 | Biggest prizes |
| Bingo | $3 | $50,000 | 1 in 3.8 | Extended play |
| 7 | $2 | $25,000 | 1 in 4.2 | Quick, cheap plays |
Quebec Scratch Ticket Tips
Loto-Québec posts remaining prizes on their website under “Prizes Still Available.” Check this before buying any ticket over $5 — it tells you if the big wins are still out there.
Quebec advantage: Lottery winnings aren’t taxed in Canada, including Quebec. A $100,000 scratch ticket win is $100,000 in your pocket.
Better Returns for Quebec Players
Loto-Québec scratch tickets return about 55-60% to players. Online scratch cards at XO Lotto offer 85-95% RTP — nearly double the return rate.
Quebec players 18+ can grab 50 free scratch cards to test online play with zero risk.
More Instant Win Games at XO Lotto
If you love the instant gratification of scratch cards, you’ll enjoy these quick-play alternatives at XO Lotto. They deliver the same immediate results with different gameplay mechanics.
Crash Games
Crash games test your nerve with rising multipliers. Cash out before the crash for instant wins. Play’n GO’s Bucking Rider brings Wild West thrills — hold on as the multiplier climbs, then cash out before you get bucked off.
Fast Games
Spribe’s fast games offer instant results across multiple formats:
- Plinko — Drop balls for multiplier wins
- Goal — Score past the keeper for instant prizes
- Mines — Navigate the minefield for growing multipliers
- Dice — Set your target and roll for wins
- Keno — Lightning-fast number draws
Explore all options at XO Lotto Fast Games.
Where to Buy the Best Lottery Tickets and Instant Tickets in Canada
Finding the best scratch tickets in Canada is easier than ever, thanks to online purchasing.
Online Convenience with XO Lotto
XO Lotto offers a seamless experience for purchasing scratch tickets. Browse our collection, pick favorites, and start playing within minutes — all from home. Online purchasing also means you can track tickets and winnings easily.
The biggest advantage? RTPs of 85-95% compared to 50-65% at retail locations. Over time, this difference significantly impacts your entertainment value.
Traditional Retail Options
While online offers better returns, some players prefer buying scratch tickets at local retailers. Convenience stores, gas stations, and lottery kiosks across Canada offer wide selections. If you choose retail, always check unclaimed prize lists before buying premium tickets.
Your Winning Ticket Awaits!
The excitement of scratching a ticket to reveal a big win is unmatched. Whether you’re drawn to premium games like Moon Scratch or budget-friendly options like Hot Gear, XO Lotto has the perfect scratch ticket for you.
With our 50 free scratch cards for new signups, there’s never been a better time to experience online scratch cards. No deposit, no risk — just free plays to see why Canadian players are making the switch.
Ready to start? Claim your 50 free scratch cards now and discover the best scratch tickets Canada has to offer.
FAQ
What are the best lottery tickets or scratch cards to buy in Canada?
The best scratch tickets in Canada depend on your goals. For high prizes at XO Lotto, Moon Scratch ($3 CAD, $30,000 top prize) and Cash Vault I ($1 CAD, $30,000 top prize) offer excellent value. For budget play, Happy Scratch ($0.50 CAD) and Hot Gear ($0.10 CAD) let you play more frequently.
Can I buy lottery tickets online?
Yes! XO Lotto provides a seamless online experience for purchasing lottery tickets and scratch cards. Sign up today to receive 50 free scratch cards — no deposit required.
Yes! XO Lotto provides a seamless online experience for purchasing lottery tickets and scratch cards. Sign up today to receive 50 free scratch cards — no deposit required.
Smaller prizes are credited directly to your XO Lotto account. For larger prizes, you may need to verify your identity and follow additional steps in your account dashboard. Visit our Responsible Gambling page for details on secure payouts.
Is it better to buy tickets in bulk?
Buying multiple tickets can increase your chances since you have more entries. However, always play responsibly within your budget. Many players find success by buying a moderate number regularly rather than large amounts occasionally.
How often do scratch tickets pay out?
Payout frequency depends on the specific game and its odds. At XO Lotto, we display the odds and RTP (Return to Player) for every game. Our scratch cards offer 85-95% RTP compared to 50-65% at retail locations.
Are there unclaimed scratch tickets in Canada?
Yes, unclaimed prizes happen regularly. Always check your tickets and claim prizes before expiration. For retail tickets, provincial lottery websites show remaining prizes — useful for deciding which games to play.
Which scratch tickets win the most in Ontario?
In Ontario, $5 tickets like Cash for Life and Crossword Tripler offer the best balance of odds (around 1 in 3.5) and meaningful prizes. For online play with better RTPs, XO Lotto’s scratch cards return 85-95% compared to OLG’s 50-65%.
What are the best scratch tickets to buy in Alberta?
Alberta’s top scratch tickets include Set for Life (10)forbigprizesandCah Cow ($5) for balanced odds. Check WCLC’s unclaimed prizes page before buying. For better overall returns, online scratch cards offer significantly higher RTPs than retail tickets.
What are the best scratch tickets in British Columbia?
Quebec’s top scratch tickets through Loto-Québec include Gagnant à vie ($10) and Ultimate ($20) for big prizes. Check “Prizes Still Available” on their site before buying. Online scratch cards offer better RTPs (85-95%) than retail Quebec tickets (55-60%).
Do online scratch cards have better odds than store-bought?
Yes. Retail scratch tickets in Canada typically return 50-65% to players. Online scratch cards at XO Lotto return 85-95% RTP — meaning you get roughly 30% more value over time.
Ready to try your luck? Grab your 50 free scratch cards — no deposit, no risk.
Related Guides
- Scratch Tickets Canada — Your complete 2026 guide to online scratch cards
- Virtual Scratch Cards — Digital scratchers explained
- Scratchcard Winning Tips — Strategies that work
Play responsibly. You must be 19+ to play. For support, visit XO Lotto’s Responsible Gambling page or contact Responsible Gambling Council.