Cheating a game of luck is virtually impossible, which is why casinos are profitable in the first place. However, strategies like the Singleton Method can help cheat scratch cards and other games to better our odds against the house.
Although controversial, using strategies such as card counting can help you with games like blackjack and poker. However, for the most part, a casino game can’t be wholly deconstructed, no matter how hard you try.
In land-based casinos, continuous surveillance by both the CCTV cameras and dealers for any suspicious activity is a strong enough deterrent for those players who might consider cheating. Moreover, online casinos are protected by advanced algorithms that safeguard both the casinos and the players from rigging.
Can We Cheat Scratch Cards?
But what if there is a way to cheat scratch cards and become a millionaire? It might sound unmanageable, given that only a small batch of winning tickets are ever released and are distributed randomly. However, in 2003, a geologist from Toronto, Mohan Srivastava, debunked common beliefs when he developed a system that proves that scratch cards aren’t as random as people believe.
One night, while waiting for his computer to download a few files, Srivastava began playing with some scratch cards lying around his home. The first card he played and lost, but on his second attempt, he won a small prize on a tic-tac-toe card. This second card was the one that got him pondering how it was made.
Devising the Singleton Method
Being aware that the manufacturers mass-produce scratch cards and only ever make a minimal number of winning tickets, Srivastava bought a few more to investigate further their layout and how they are made. Ultimately, he found a weakness in the design. After seeing the same issue on other scratch cards, he developed a system that could identify crucial information about a ticket without ever having to handle one.
Srivastava realised that if a number appeared once among the numbers visible down the side, it would almost always occur under the latex coating that had to be scratched off. These numbers are termed “singletons”, and if a card has three singletons on the same row, it’s realistically guaranteed to be a winner and allow the player to cheat scratch cards.
Scratch Card Manufacturers Respond to the Findings
Srivastava was able to back up his notion after it worked on 90 percent of the cards he tested. He reported the flaw to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, which immediately withdrew all tic-tac-toe scratch cards from stores across Canada. After further investigating similar tickets from other providers, Srivastava claimed that his technique could crack various cards, including bingo scratchers, Pick-4, and even lottery games.
Each card ended up having the same design flaw. He received cards from as far afield as Colorado to decipher if they also worked with the same algorithms. He found that the patterns were evident in these cards and those from across the globe, which proved that his findings didn’t halt their manufacturing.
How to Apply the Singleton Method to Cheat Scratch Cards
Even though you don’t have to be a mathematician to use the Singleton Method, it’s only applicable to specific scratch cards, known as extended play scratch cards. This means that the method to cheat scratch cards only works with tickets that require numbers to be scratched off and matched with other numbers that are already visible. These visible numbers are critical to whether the card is a winning ticket.
The most challenging aspect of using the Singleton Method is that you can’t always see this information before buying a ticket. If the cards are hidden behind a counter or entirely out of sight, it’s not easy to choose, let alone know which card has an extended play feature. Additionally, some cards may be considered winners, but the payout equates to only a few dollars instead of that coveted million-dollar jackpot.
Should I Play Online or Real-Life Scratch Cards?
Whether you should play online or real-life scratch cards depends on your preferences and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Convenience
Online scratch cards are accessible from the comfort of your home or on the go using a mobile device. Real-life scratch cards require you to purchase them at a retailer.
Accessibility
Online scratch cards might offer a wider variety of games and themes compared to what’s available at local retailers. This could provide you with more options to choose from.
Safety
Online scratch cards eliminate the need to handle physical cards, which can be more hygienic, especially in times when public health is a concern.
Social Interaction
If you enjoy the social aspect of buying scratch cards from a local store and interacting with the retailer or other customers, then real-life scratch cards might be more appealing.
Experience
Real-life scratch cards offer a tactile experience of scratching off the surface to reveal the outcome. Some people find this process enjoyable and engaging.
Prizes and Payouts
The odds of winning and the prize structures can vary between online and real-life scratch cards. It’s essential to research the odds and potential payouts before deciding which to play.
Responsible Gambling
Whether you choose online or real-life scratch cards, it’s crucial to approach gambling responsibly and set a budget you’re comfortable with.
Regulations
Ensure you understand the legal regulations and age restrictions related to gambling in your jurisdiction. Online and real-life gambling might have different legal implications.
Ultimately, choosing between online and real-life scratch cards should align with your preferences, comfort level, and entertainment goals. It’s a good idea to try both options to see which one you enjoy more, and always remember to gamble responsibly.
Does the Singleton Method Work on Online Scratch Cards?
The Singleton Method doesn’t work on online scratch cards because online cards are determined by random number generators. Therefore, they are not physically manufactured for real-life play. Subsequently, there’s no way to use the Singleton Method to improve your chances of winning when playing online scratch cards.
Conclusion
The odds may be stacked against us when it comes to scratch cards. But humans are persevering creatures, and it’s unlikely we will ever stop playing games of chance. And, particularly, if there is the possibility of winning a life-changing sum of cash by cheating scratch cards!
