Glossary for Pro Scratch-Offs
These glossary terms provide a comprehensive understanding of the terminology associated with lottery scratch-off tickets, helping users navigate the Pro Scratch-Offs website with ease.
1. Odds
The probability or likelihood of winning a prize with a scratch-off ticket. Expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1 in 3.5).
2. Value Percentage
A metric indicating the amount of prize money returned versus the amount collected from ticket sales. A higher value percentage suggests a better return on investment.
3. Normalized Odds
Adjusted odds that account for the differences in prices between scratch-off tickets. Provides a more accurate reflection of current winning chances.
4. Prize Ratio
The proportion of prize money distributed across different prize tiers in a scratch-off game. Helps understand the distribution of prizes.
5. Second-Chance Drawing
A promotion allowing players to enter non-winning tickets into additional drawings for a chance to win more prizes.
6. Expiration Date
The last date by which a scratch-off ticket can be redeemed for a prize. Tickets are invalid after this date.
7. Filter
A tool on the website that allows users to narrow down the selection of scratch-off tickets based on specific criteria such as state, ticket price, or odds.
8. Ranking Table
A table displaying scratch-off tickets ranked by various criteria such as overall odds, value percentage, or chances of winning specific prize amounts.
9. Ticket Price
The cost of purchasing a single scratch-off ticket. Prices can vary widely, typically ranging from $1 to $100.
10. Winning Ticket
A scratch-off ticket that reveals a prize according to the game’s rules. The prize can range from a small amount to a large jackpot.
11. Non-Winning Ticket
A scratch-off ticket that does not reveal any prize according to the game’s rules.
12. Prize Amount
The monetary value of the prize that can be won on a scratch-off ticket. Prizes can vary from small amounts to significant sums.
13. State Lottery
The official lottery organization run by each state in the U.S. State lotteries regulate and oversee the sale and management of lottery games including scratch-off tickets.
14. Scratch-Off Ticket
A type of lottery ticket where players scratch off a coating to reveal symbols or numbers that indicate whether they have won a prize.
15. Retailer
A licensed vendor authorized to sell lottery scratch-off tickets. Retailers can include convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retail outlets.
16. Top Prize
The highest prize available in a scratch-off game. This is often the most sought-after prize and typically has the longest odds.
17. Game Number
A unique identifier assigned to each scratch-off ticket game. It helps distinguish between different games and variations.
18. Prize Pool
The total amount of money allocated for prizes in a scratch-off game. This includes all prize tiers from the smallest to the largest prizes.
19. Break-Even Point
The point at which the amount spent on scratch-off tickets equals the amount won in prizes. Achieving this point means no net loss or gain.
20. Claimed Prize
A prize that has already been won and claimed by a player. This affects the remaining prize pool and odds for other players.
21. Overall Odds
The general probability of winning any prize in a scratch-off game. This includes all prize tiers and is a key factor in evaluating the attractiveness of a ticket.
22. Cash Option
An alternative to receiving the prize in installments, where the winner opts to receive a lump sum payment. This is common for large prizes.
23. Unclaimed Prize
A prize that has not yet been claimed by any player. The existence of unclaimed prizes can affect the attractiveness of a game.
24. Void if Removed
A term indicating that the ticket is invalid if certain parts (usually protective layers) are tampered with or removed.
25. Ticket Validation
The process of verifying a scratch-off ticket’s authenticity and determining if it is a winner. Validation is typically done at an authorized retailer or lottery office.