Ever wondered who invented the lottery, or when the first lottery was invented? As it turns out, lotteries have quite the history.
While historically, lotteries may only slightly resemble modern lotteries like Powerball or the Mega Millions, lotto lovers have existed in the U.S. since its birth.
Be a part of lottery history on Jackpocket.
What Are Scratch-Off Tickets?
Known as scratchers or scratch cards, scratch-off lottery tickets have roots dating back to the late 19th century, but they became popular in the 1970s. These instant-win games feature numbers hidden under a layer of opaque ink or coating. Players scratch off the ink to reveal the numbers, and if any match the winning numbers, they may win a prize, depending on the game's rules.
When Were Scratch-Off Tickets Made? A Brief History of Scratch Cards
Early versions of scratch-off tickets date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. While different from today’s modern games, these early instant-win games laid the foundation for scratch cards. Pull tabs, introduced in the 1890s, were attached to products like beer cans and gum, offering instant prizes when pulled. Scratch-off carnival games also featured hidden numbers or symbols, which players would scratch off to reveal prizes.
Scratch-Off Tickets in the 1970s and Beyond
In the 1970s, John Koza and Dan Bower developed the modern scratch-off ticket. After leaving J&H International, the duo used their expertise to create “The Instant Game,” featuring numbers hidden under a silicon coating to prevent counterfeiting. These tickets offered instant prizes up to $10,000 and became an instant hit. By 2000, scratch cards were being purchased worldwide, generating over $50 billion in annual sales.
How Are Scratch-Off Tickets Made?
The process of making scratch-off tickets typically involves five main steps:
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Card Design: The first step is designing the card’s graphics, choosing colors, and selecting a theme that will attract players.
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Printing: The base layer is printed, featuring the basic design and the numbers or symbols that will later be hidden.
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Special Ink: A special ink is applied to conceal the numbers or symbols beneath the surface.
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Silicon or Latex Coating: A layer of silicon or latex is added to cover the ink, allowing players to scratch off the top layer without damaging the hidden information.
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Final Security Measures: Additional security features like barcodes or UV-visible inks may be added to prevent counterfeiting and ensure legitimacy.
Power-Up Your Lotto Play With Jackpocket
Scratch-off tickets have become a best-seller for many reasons: they’re easy to access, affordable, and, most importantly, offer the chance to win big prizes instantly. Plus, they’re convenient to buy, with many convenience stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies offering them.
And now, you can even play scratchers from your couch with Jackpocket. Lottery lovers from the 1890s would be so jealous.
Learn more about the benefits of Jackpocket.
