Scratch tickets Canada options range from provincial lottery retailers to online scratch card games with better odds and bigger variety. Whether you’re looking for a quick $2 ticket at the corner store or want access to 40+ digital scratch cards from your phone, this guide covers every legitimate way Canadians can play scratch tickets in 2026.
At XO Lotto, Canadian players can claim 50 free scratch cards with no deposit required — a risk-free way to experience online scratch tickets before spending a cent.
What Are Scratch Tickets and How Do They Work?
Scratch tickets are instant-win lottery games where you scratch off a concealed surface to reveal symbols, numbers, or prizes underneath. Match the right combination, and you win immediately — no waiting for a draw.
In Canada, scratch tickets fall into two categories: physical cards sold at retail locations through provincial lotteries, and digital scratch cards available through licensed online platforms.
How Digital Scratch Cards Work
Online scratch tickets use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine outcomes the moment you “purchase” the card. When you tap or swipe to reveal the hidden areas, you’re uncovering a result that’s already been calculated — just like a physical ticket where the prize is printed before you buy it.
The key difference? Digital scratch card games display their Return to Player (RTP) percentages upfront. This transparency lets you compare games and choose options with better odds — something physical scratch tickets don’t offer.
Types of Scratch Tickets Available in Canada
| Type | Where to Buy | Price Range | RTP Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provincial lottery tickets | Retail stores, gas stations | $1–$30 CAD | 50–65% (estimated) |
| Online scratch cards | Licensed platforms like XO Lotto | $0.10–$20 CAD | 85–96% |
| Free promotional cards | Online platforms (welcome offers) | Free | Same as paid games |
Provincial lottery scratch tickets don’t publish their exact RTP, but industry estimates put them between 50–65%. Online scratch cards at XO Lotto range from 85% to over 96% RTP — a significant difference in expected returns over time.
Where to Buy Scratch Tickets in Canada
Canadians have two main options for purchasing scratch tickets: provincial lottery retailers and licensed online platforms.
Provincial Lottery Scratch Tickets
Each Canadian province operates its own lottery corporation that sells physical scratch tickets through authorized retailers:
- Ontario: OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation)
- British Columbia: BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation)
- Quebec: Loto-Québec
- Atlantic Canada: Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC)
- Western Canada: Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC)
You’ll find these scratch tickets at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and dedicated lottery kiosks. Prices typically range from $1 to $30 CAD, with top prizes varying from a few hundred dollars to several million.
Online Scratch Tickets Canada
For Canadians who want more variety, better odds, and the convenience of playing from home, online platforms offer a compelling alternative.
XO Lotto’s scratch card library includes over 40 games from top providers like Hacksaw Gaming, Spinmatic, and BGaming. Every game displays its RTP, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you play.
Why Canadians choose online scratch tickets:
- Play instantly from any device — phone, tablet, or computer
- Access 40+ games instead of whatever’s at the corner store
- See exact RTP percentages before playing
- Claim free scratch cards with no deposit required
- Withdraw winnings via Interac in 24–48 hours
Best Scratch Cards to Play in Canada
Looking for scratch tickets Canada players actually win on? The key is focusing on RTP — the percentage of money that gets paid back to players over time.
For a deep dive into specific games and strategies, check out our guide to the best scratch tickets to buy in Canada.
Top XO Lotto Scratch Cards by RTP
| Game | Provider | RTP | Max Win | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Vault I | Hacksaw Gaming | 96.83% | 10,000x | Classic vault |
| Diamond Rush | Hacksaw Gaming | 96.50% | 5,000x | Gem matching |
| Luck and Magic Scratch | BGaming | 96.00% | 1,000x | Fantasy |
| 777 | G Games | 95.00% | 777x | Classic slots |
| Gold Rush | Hacksaw Gaming | 94.74% | 2,500x | Mining adventure |
These RTPs mean that, on average, $96.83 of every $100 wagered on Cash Vault I gets returned to players. Compare that to the estimated 50–65% on provincial scratch tickets.
Key takeaway: Higher RTP doesn’t guarantee you’ll win, but it does mean better odds over time. If you’re going to play scratch tickets regularly, online games with published RTPs give you more value.
Which Scratch Card Should You Play?
Answer 3 quick questions to find your perfect match
What’s your typical scratch card budget?
What matters more to you?
Pick a vibe that appeals to you:
Cash Vault I
📊 96.83% RTPHigh RTP classic vault theme with excellent return rates. Perfect for players who want solid odds with traditional scratch card feel.
Play Now — Free Cards Available19+ | Play responsibly | Set your limits
Scratch Tickets Canada by Province
Scratch Tickets Ontario
Ontario has the largest scratch ticket market in Canada. OLG offers dozens of physical scratch cards at over 10,000 retail locations across the province, with prices from $1 to $30 and top prizes reaching into the millions.
Popular OLG scratch ticket games include Crossword, Bingo, and the INSTANT series. You can check winning numbers and validate tickets through the OLG app, though you'll still need to visit a retailer to claim prizes over $1,000.
For Ontario players wanting more variety, online scratch cards offer 40+ games accessible from anywhere in the province. The convenience of playing from your phone — plus seeing exact RTP percentages — makes online an attractive alternative to retail tickets.
British Columbia Scratch Tickets
BCLC operates scratch ticket sales across BC through retail partners. Their lineup includes popular games like Set for Life, Crossword, and various themed instant tickets.
BC players can also access virtual scratch cards through licensed online platforms, giving them access to games not available at local retailers.
Quebec Scratch Tickets
Loto-Québec sells "gratteux" (scratch cards) throughout the province. Their selection includes both French and English games, with some exclusive titles not available in other provinces.
Atlantic Canada Scratch Tickets
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation serves New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Their scratch ticket selection tends to be smaller than Ontario's but includes regional favourites and national games.
Western Canada Scratch Tickets
WCLC covers Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut. Players in these regions can purchase scratch tickets at authorized retailers, with the same variety of games available across the WCLC territory.
How Much Are Scratch Tickets in Canada?
Scratch tickets Canada prices vary by type and where you buy:
Provincial lottery scratch tickets:
- $1 tickets: Small prizes, typically up to $1,000
- $2–$5 tickets: Mid-range prizes, up to $25,000–$100,000
- $10–$20 tickets: Larger prizes, up to $500,000–$1,000,000
- $30 tickets: Premium games, top prizes of $1,000,000+
Online scratch cards at XO Lotto:
- $0.10–$1.00: Low-stakes options for casual play
- $1–$5: Most popular price range
- $5–$20: Higher stakes with bigger potential wins
The real question isn't just "how much are scratch tickets" but "what's my expected value?" A $20 provincial ticket with 55% RTP gives you roughly $11 in expected value. A $5 online scratch card with 96% RTP gives you $4.80 in expected value — a much better ratio.
Online vs Retail Scratch Tickets: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Provincial Retail | Online (XO Lotto) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Retail hours only | 24/7 from any device |
| Game variety | 20–50 titles | 40+ games |
| RTP transparency | Not published | Displayed on every game |
| Estimated RTP | 50–65% | 85–96% |
| Minimum bet | $1 | $0.10 |
| Prize claim | In-person for $1,000+ | Instant to account |
| Withdrawals | Cash at retailer | Interac (24–48 hours) |
| Welcome bonus | None | 50 free scratch cards |
The bottom line: Retail scratch tickets offer the tactile experience of physically scratching a card, plus the convenience of buying wherever you see a lottery sign. Online scratch tickets offer better odds, more games, instant payouts, and the ability to play anywhere.
Many Canadian players enjoy both — picking up a $5 ticket at the gas station for fun while playing online when they want better selection and transparency.
Scratch Ticket Tips and Strategies
While scratch tickets are games of chance with predetermined outcomes, smart players can maximize their entertainment value and minimize losses.
For detailed strategies, read our scratchcard winning tips guide.
Quick tips for scratch tickets Canada players:
- Check the RTP first — Online games publish this; higher is better
- Set a budget and stick to it — Decide your spending limit before you start
- Don't chase losses — Each ticket is independent; past results don't affect future ones
- Take advantage of free offers — 50 free scratch cards let you play without risking your own money
- Vary your games — Different RTPs and volatility levels suit different playing styles
- Know when to stop — Set win limits too, not just loss limits
Remember: scratch tickets are entertainment, not investment. The house always has an edge — online games just have a smaller one.
Are Online Scratch Tickets Legal in Canada?
Yes, online scratch tickets are legal for Canadian adults (19+ in most provinces, 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec).
Canada's gambling laws allow provinces to regulate gaming within their borders, and licensed offshore platforms can legally serve Canadian players. XO Lotto operates under international gaming licenses and accepts Canadian players with full legal compliance.
What makes an online scratch ticket site legitimate:
- Holds recognized gaming licenses
- Uses certified RNG (Random Number Generator) software
- Offers Canadian payment methods (Interac, credit cards)
- Provides CAD currency options
- Has responsive customer support
- Promotes responsible gambling
Always verify a platform's licensing before depositing. If a site can't show you their credentials, look elsewhere.
Responsible Scratch Ticket Play
Scratch tickets should be fun entertainment — not a financial strategy. As of January 2026, here's how to keep your play healthy:
Set limits before you start:
- Daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Time limits for playing sessions
- Win limits to lock in profits
Warning signs to watch for:
- Spending more than you planned
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Hiding gambling activity from others
- Gambling with money meant for bills
XO Lotto offers built-in responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options. Use them.
If gambling stops being fun, organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council and ConnexOntario offer free, confidential support for Canadians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scratch tickets win the most in Canada?
Online scratch cards with high RTPs (Return to Player) statistically pay back more over time. Games like Cash Vault I (96.83% RTP) and Diamond Rush (96.50% RTP) at XO Lotto return significantly more than provincial lottery tickets, which typically have estimated RTPs of 50–65%. However, individual results vary — RTP is calculated over millions of plays.
Are online scratch tickets legal in Canada?
Yes. Canadian adults (19+ in most provinces) can legally play online scratch tickets through licensed platforms. Canada's gaming laws permit provinces to regulate gambling, and licensed international platforms like XO Lotto can legally accept Canadian players. Always verify a site holds legitimate gaming licenses before playing.
What are the odds of winning a scratch ticket?
Odds vary by game and prize tier. Provincial lottery tickets typically list odds on the back — often 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 for any prize, with top prizes at 1 in several million. Online scratch cards display RTP percentages, which show the overall return rate. A 96% RTP means $96 of every $100 wagered goes back to players across all prize tiers.
How much do scratch tickets cost in Canada?
Provincial lottery scratch tickets range from $1 to $30 CAD. Online scratch cards at platforms like XO Lotto start as low as $0.10 and go up to $20, giving players more flexibility to match their budget. Many online platforms also offer free scratch cards as welcome bonuses.
Can I buy scratch tickets online in Ontario?
Yes. Online scratch card platforms like XO Lotto are fully mobile-optimized. Play from any smartphone or tablet browser without downloading an app. Provincial lottery corporations also offer apps to check tickets, though most don't let you play digital scratch games directly.
What is the best scratch ticket to buy?
The "best" scratch ticket depends on your goals. For highest theoretical returns, choose online games with RTPs above 95% like Cash Vault I or Diamond Rush. For entertainment value, pick themes you enjoy. For best bang-for-buck entry, claim 50 free scratch cards and try multiple games without spending anything.
How do I check if my scratch ticket won?
For provincial lottery tickets, scratch off the validation code and scan it with the official lottery app, or ask a retailer to check it. For online scratch cards, results appear instantly on screen and winnings are automatically credited to your account — no validation needed.
Can I play scratch tickets on my phone?
Yes. Online scratch card platforms like XO Lotto are fully mobile-optimized. Play from any smartphone or tablet browser without downloading an app. Provincial lottery corporations also offer apps to check tickets, though most don't let you play digital scratch games directly.
Start Playing Scratch Tickets Online Today
Scratch tickets Canada players have more options than ever in 2026. Whether you prefer the familiar experience of physical tickets from provincial lotteries or want better odds and more variety through online platforms, the choice is yours.
For Canadians ready to try online scratch cards, XO Lotto offers:
- 40+ scratch card games from premium providers
- Published RTPs on every game (85–96%)
- 50 free scratch cards — no deposit required
- Interac deposits and withdrawals in CAD
- 24/7 access from any device
- Responsible gambling tools built in
No credit card needed to claim your free cards. Create an account in under 2 minutes and see why thousands of Canadians are switching to online scratch tickets.
Must be 19+ to play. Please gamble responsibly.
Related Guides
- Best Scratch Tickets to Buy in Canada
- Scratchcard Winning Tips
- Virtual Scratch Cards: Play Instantly Online
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