Scratch cards are a popular way to take part in the National Lottery, with many people enjoying the chance of an instant win. But some players wonder whether there’s any advantage to buying scratch cards in bulk—or even an entire roll.
In this blog post, we’ll look at what’s involved in buying scratch cards in larger quantities, what a “full roll” actually means, and how bulk buying fits into the rules and responsible play guidelines set out in the UK.
If you’ve ever been curious about whether it makes a difference to buy more at once, this should help clear things up. Read on to learn more.
Can You Legally Buy Scratch Cards in Bulk?
In the UK, there are clear rules in place to make scratch card play fair and to encourage responsible gambling. One key rule is that you’re only allowed to buy up to 10 scratch cards per transaction from any licensed retailer.
Even if a shop has more behind the counter, staff are not permitted to sell more than 10 cards to a single person in one go. This limit applies to all National Lottery scratch cards sold in shops and helps prevent excessive spending.
Retailers are required to enforce this rule, and they may politely decline a sale if you try to exceed the cap.
Do Stores Limit How Many Scratch Cards You Can Purchase?
Yes. As outlined above, the 10-card limit applies to every purchase made in-store, no matter which shop a player visits or which game they choose.
This is a nationwide rule brought in by the National Lottery to promote more responsible play. Shop staff are trained to follow it, and all approved outlets must stick to the same rules—so you won’t find exceptions at other branches or retailers.
This ensures a consistent approach across the UK and protects customers from buying more than intended.
Why Some Players Seek to Buy Full Rolls
The idea of buying a full roll of scratch cards can be appealing to some players. The belief is that by having every card in a roll, they would secure all the prizes contained within that batch—both large and small.
The idea of buying in bulk might appeal to others, particularly if playing as part of a group or syndicate. Instead of making multiple smaller purchases, the concept of owning all the cards at once might seem simpler to manage.
This interest often stems from stories or anecdotes shared online about people who have won by buying large quantities. However, it’s important to recognise the practical limitations in place—you are restricted to buying no more than 10 scratch cards in a single purchase—and to always prioritise responsible play within your budget.
Can Bulk Buying Increase Your Odds of Winning?
It’s a common question: if you buy more scratch cards at once, does it boost your chances of winning?
In short—no. Every scratch card has fixed odds, which are determined and printed by the lottery provider before the cards are distributed. This means that each individual card has the same chance of winning, regardless of whether it’s bought on its own or as part of a batch.
Buying more cards will give you more outcomes—that is, more chances to win or lose—but the odds of any single card being a winner don’t change. So, while you’ll be scratching more cards, you’re not more likely to win any particular prize.
The key to keeping play enjoyable and responsible is to treat scratch cards as entertainment and not as a guaranteed way to make money.
What Would Happen If You Bought an Entire Roll of Scratch Cards?
A full roll of scratch cards typically includes somewhere between 30 and 60 cards, depending on the game. In theory, buying a roll means you’d be purchasing all the cards from that particular batch.
However, as we’ve already discussed, UK law does not allow you to buy more than 10 scratch cards in one transaction. So, even if you were hoping to buy a roll, you wouldn’t be able to do so through any licensed retailer.
Some people might attempt to buy a full roll by splitting purchases across several visits or getting others involved. But it's important to remain mindful of your total spending and whether it’s still within your limits. Responsible play should always come first.
Is It Possible to Order Bulk Scratch Cards Online?
In the UK, there is no official way to order physical scratch cards in bulk online. All scratch card sales must take place in person through approved retailers. This helps ensure fairness and makes it easier to monitor responsible play.
Some websites or sellers may claim to offer full rolls for sale online, but these are not authorised retailers, and there’s no guarantee that the products are genuine. In some cases, cards might be tampered with, or you may not receive what was advertised.
If you’re interested in playing scratch cards, it’s always best to stick to official channels—either by buying cards in person from a licensed retailer or by exploring online instant win games through UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licensed platforms.
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.