Winning the lottery, or any form of daily jackpot in online casinos seems like a long-shot for most people. But one form of trying-your-luck is more popular than ever and that is scratchcards.
The instant win and instant gratification is something that draws the attention of so many players. Whether it's receiving 30 individual £1 scratchcards on your 30th birthday, using them as wedding favours for guests or simply buying one on your daily trip to grab lunch, scratchcards are great for many different occasions.
Statistics say that 25% of the British public buy a scratchcard each month, with that number rising to 50% for at least one per year. People might buy them because they’re feeling lucky or because they’re trying to get some luck, but all are in search of a big win.
Most winners on scratchcards don’t receive a jackpot amount, but for those who do, the sum is life-changing. Let’s take a look at some of those lucky few who managed to land the win-of-a-lifetime.
Paul Harrington
The bricklayer from Wolverhampton was sitting waiting for his doctor’s appointment when he scratched off an impressive £1,000 win. But his luck didn't end there. Less than a month later, Paul felt compelled to buy another scratchcard, the same type that he had won on previously. Sitting down, Paul had realised he’d won and was chuffed at another success. Upon later inspection, he realised he hadn’t won another grand, he had won £300,000!
Lee and Lea Rose
After heading out to the local shops to grab some salad for the family dinner, Lea arrived home with her £250,000 Multiplier scratchcard. The mum of six was baffled at the sight of her scratchcard as it revealed the jackpot number – £250,000.
Stunned in disbelief, Lea handed the scratchcard to her husband who thought she was playing a practical joke. They both realised they had just won £250,000, changing their lives completely. Lee quit his job and opened up his own business, whilst Lea started buying home decorations that she had been patiently saving for. The family took a trip to the Isle of Wight to celebrate and a day out to Legoland.
Andrew Hancock
One evening, Andrew realised he had forgotten to pick up some food for his beloved pet cat, Shortcake, on his way home from work. Andrew headed back out and popped into the local garage to grab some dinner for the feline as well as some fuel.
At the counter, he asked for a Monopoly Millionaire scratchcard as he had previously won on one before. Andrew was caught off-guard whilst stood in the middle of the forecourt as he revealed the £1 million jackpot. Flustered, he wasn’t sure if he should go home and tell his wife Paula or ring up the National Lottery hotline to double-check he wasn't imagining things. The pair were ecstatic when they called the hotline, and the news was confirmed. All because Shortcake needed their next meal.
Peter Smith
It was a close call for Smith who won £100,000 but nearly didn’t. The man from East London popped into a local garage and upon exiting the car, he asked his mum if she would like a scratchcard. When he sat back down in the car, he jokingly shuffled them, before offering his mum first pick of the two.
The life-changing amount of money did exactly that, change lives. As a carer for his dad and bills looming over the family, Smith paid off all outstanding debts and treated everyone to an evening in the West End.
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Although these wins are few and far between, there are still many opportunities to win a smaller amount, and something is always better than nothing.
