Ever wondered how scratch cards are organised before they reach your local shop? Those thick, concertina-style stacks behind the counter are rolls, and they’re how retailers receive and sell the cards in order.
If you’re curious about how many cards make up a roll, what types exist, or whether you can buy a whole roll yourself in the UK, this guide lays it out clearly. It’s useful if you’re planning a bulk purchase for something like a charity event or you simply want to understand how the system works.
You’ll also find safer gambling information at the end of this article if you need support or advice.
How Many Scratch Cards Are In A Roll?
In the UK, a scratch card roll is a sealed bundle of cards from the same game, sent to shops ready to load into a dispenser. The number of cards varies by game and price point, but most rolls contain 50, 60, or 100 cards.
Lower-priced games are commonly packed in larger rolls. For instance, £1 cards are often supplied in 100s, while £2, £3, or £5 cards are more likely to arrive in rolls of 60 or 50. Retailers receive these bundles pre-packed, with each card in a roll belonging to the same game and print batch.
Roll sizes are set by the issuer, not the shop. This standardisation supports stock control and security, because every card has a unique serial number and must be sold one at a time from the roll. If you’re ever unsure about a specific game, the roll size is usually printed on the outer wrap or listed in retailer materials.
Once you know how many typically come in a roll, the next logical question is what kinds of cards get bundled this way.
What Types And Denominations Come In Full Rolls?
Full rolls are grouped by both design and price. You’ll see classic number-match formats alongside themed cards for seasons or special promotions. Each roll contains cards that share the same denomination and design, so a bundle might be entirely £2 festive cards or a full stack of £1 regulars.
Common price points are £1, £2, £3, and £5. As the value goes up, the roll tends to include fewer cards, which is why £5 rolls are usually smaller than £1 rolls. This keeps the overall pack value manageable for retailers and helps with display space.
Special editions do appear from time to time, particularly around holidays or charity-focused campaigns. These are typically highlighted on the counter or displayed separately so staff can rotate them in and out.
With the types and values in mind, it helps to see how rolls are put together and tracked before they ever reach the till.
How Are Scratch Card Rolls Packaged And Labelled?
Scratch card rolls are tightly wrapped in clear plastic to keep everything in sequence and protected in transit. The cards are attached in a long strip with perforations, then coiled so staff can drop the roll straight into a counter dispenser and tear cards off cleanly when selling.
Each roll is labelled with the game name, batch information, and a unique serial code. These details let distributors and retailers trace where a roll came from and when it was supplied. If a check is needed on a specific batch, that code makes it straightforward.
You’ll also find the card value and roll quantity marked on the outer wrap. These standards ensure every card is accounted for from manufacture through to sale, and that a card is only valid once it has been activated at the point of purchase.
Those controls raise a common question: Can someone who isn’t a retailer buy a full roll?
Where Can I Buy Full Rolls In The UK?
Full rolls are supplied to licensed retailers through authorised distribution channels. They are not sold over the counter to the public, and shops are required to sell scratch cards individually, activating each card when it is purchased.
Because activation and traceability are central to how these products are managed, an unopened roll cannot be sold for private use, including events such as raffles or office parties. The same rules apply online: there is no legitimate route to buy a sealed roll from a website or a private seller.
If you want several cards for a lawful promotion or charity activity, you can purchase them individually from a retailer. They will be activated at the till and issued in line with age-verification and other controls.
Can Consumers Buy Full Rolls Or Are They For Retailers Only?
Full rolls are for retailers only. They are delivered under contract, tracked by serial numbers, and handled under procedures that include activation, age checks, and stock reconciliation. These steps would not work if full rolls were sold directly to the public.
For consumers planning an event, the practical option is to buy cards one by one from an authorised retailer, keeping the receipt and any relevant game information together. Some retailers may limit quantities at busy times or for security reasons, so it can help to check ahead.
If the goal is a prize draw or fundraiser without handling many individual cards, consider alternative prizes that do not involve regulated products, such as gift vouchers or donated items.
If you need support or guidance on safer gambling, visit GambleAware.org.
**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.