California LotteryScratchersOverall Odds

The top remaining scratcher prizes, ranked from largest to smallest top prize, are as follows. For a complete list of remaining top prizes for all games, visit our CA Lottery Remaining Prizes page.

Overall Odds are the odds of winning ANY prize, including prizes equal to the ticket cost or even free tickets. They are the average odds of winning over the the entire life of a game. Meaning a game with Overall Odds of “1 in 3.2” does not mean a guaranteed win with the purchase of four tickets; rather, it represents the average wins across all tickets printed.

These odds are typically found on the back of a scratcher ticket. Many players will supplement Overall Odds with REAL Odds™️ which strip out all breakeven prizes and free tickets to show more accurate odds of truly winning.

It’s important to remember that the lottery is a game of chance and winning requires both planning and luck. Using a strategy can enhance your chances of winning a prize. We recommend players:

1. Have a Plan – Decide which prizes you’re aiming for today. Avoid just wanting to “win anything.” Setting a specific prize goal is the first step to success. The smaller your prize goal, the better the odds. Winning a $100 prize is much easier than trying to bring home a $1MM Top Prize.
2. Budget Wisely – Set a spending limit to determine how many tickets you can afford.
3. Play the Best Odds – Target the games with the best chances of winning the prizes you are targeting and within your budget.

Players ask us this question often and are usually referring to which game has the best Overall Odds. That is because they don’t realize prize level data is available. The “BEST” game to play is going to vary by player.

Each player has a different prize amount they want to win as well as a budget they can afford. Smart players will target the smallest prize amount that will make an impact for them as the odds will be much better than always swinging to win a MEGA prize.

Players often have differing meanings when they ask which scratcher wins the most often. Let’s breakdown some common interpretations:

Overall Odds – Games with the best overall odds result in more frequent “wins”; however, these wins are often smaller, breakeven prizes. Players may see more wins, but its typically winning back the cost of the ticket.

Prize Payout – This refers to the total percentage of ticket sales paid out as prizes. Generally, higher-priced games offer more substantial payouts compared to lower-priced ones.

PRO TIP – Players should target the prizes they want to win and use available statistical information to enhance their chances. By identifying when the odds are more favorable, they can strategically time their purchases to improve their chances of winning big.

In California, scratcher prizes must be claimed no later than 180 days from the announced end of the game date. The end date for each scratcher can be found on the CA Lottery’s website.

Up to $599 – Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any participating CA Lottery retailer.

Over $599 – Prizes over $599 may be claimed at any Lottery District Office or by mail.

Scratcher games released in the last 30 days are highlighted with a “NEW GAME!” tag on all our scratch off rankings.

PRO TIP – Many players believe the newest scratchers are “hot” and may have more winners than older games. In reality, new game releases tend to sell more tickets simply because they are the new, flashy game. With increased ticket sales, a game will naturally see more winners.

We always answer this question with a question – “Best odds to win what?”

The “best odds to win” are going to vary based on your specific goals. Are you playing to win enough for a night out or are you looking for some serious quit your job kind of money? Each lottery game, scratcher and draw games alike, are designed with varying prize level odds, giving each game better odds to win certain prizes.

At LottoEdge we understand that each player has a different prize goal and playing style which is why we offer over 20 scratcher game rankings plus ticket price filters to help you know which scratch game has the best odds. We also provide draw game odds comparisons for all your favorite California Lottery drawing style games.

The number of tickets on a roll of scratchers will vary depending on the game’s ticket price. Generally, rolls will have anywhere from 20 to 300 tickets, with the total cost of the pack ranging from $300 to $900.

For the most accurate details of your favorite game, ask your local lottery retailer.