For generations, Instant Kiwi scratchies have been a familiar sight in dairies and shops across New Zealand. Now, as more Kiwis use their mobile devices for gaming, scratch card apps are offering a new way to enjoy that familiar scratching experience – without spending real money.
This guide examines the top five scratch card apps available to New Zealand players. While these apps don’t replace traditional Instant Kiwi tickets, they provide an alternative.
Our review focuses on apps that are:
- Free to download and play
- Available on both Android and iOS devices
- Popular among NZ users
- Regularly updated with new content
Important note for Kiwi players: Unlike physical Instant Kiwi tickets, which require players to be 18+, these free entertainment apps don’t involve real money gambling.
What we cover
You are offered free virtual money to buy the scratchies to play, and if you win again, you win free virtual credits to play more.
Here are the top Android apps for playing free online scratch cards on your mobile.
See also: Play Online Scratch Cards for Real Money.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Scratchie Apps
| App Name | Rating | Game Variety | Offline Play | Special Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch Card: Scratchers Game | 4.5/5 | 50+ games | Yes | Daily bonuses, zoom features | Casual players wanting variety |
| Las Vegas Scratch Card | 4.5/5 | 30+ games | Partial | Vegas-style themes, realistic graphics | Casino game enthusiasts |
| Lottery Scratch Off-Mahjong | 4.5/5 | 40+ games | Yes | Puzzle combinations, Asian themes | Players who enjoy strategy |
| Scratcher and Clicker | 4.7/5 | 50+ games | Yes | Mini-games, progression system | Interactive gameplay fans |
| Scratch Lottery | 4.2/5 | 25+ games | Yes | Simple interface, classic themes | Quick-play sessions |
Top apps to play Scratchies in NZ
Note: Ratings and launch years are based on the Google Play Store.
1. Scratch Card: Scratchers Game
Rating: 4.5/5
Year Launched: 2014
Best For: Casual Players & Lottery Enthusiasts
Developer: Shocktech
Number of Games: Over 50 scratch cards
Offline Play: Fully playable offline, with all features accessible without an internet connection.
Key Features:
- 50+ scratch cards with themes like Crossword, Vegas Slots, and Wheel of Fortune.
- Realistic scratching effect with zoom-in options.
- Social sharing and daily bonuses.
Our Experience: After testing, this app stands out for its smooth performance and variety. The scratch animations feel natural, and the range of games keeps players engaged without pushing for purchases.
The scratch card scratchers game app by Shocktech offers 50 different scratch cards to play.
You will find different theme scratchies here, like Crossword, Deluxe Cashword, Loose Change multiplier, Vegas Slots, Neon 9s, 7-11-21, Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, and Wheel of Fortune.
These instant scratchies are easy to win. Get the Real scratch card experience, and if you win, you could bet to double your prizes.
Scratch card tickets can be zoomed in and out, and scratchie tickets can be shared easily with friends.
Apple App Store: Scratch Cards: Lucky Game
Google Play Store: Scratch Off Lottery Scratchers
PokiesMobile Suggestion – You can play 50 different scratch cards if you choose Scratch Card: Scratchers Game.
2. Las Vegas Scratch Card
Rating: 4.5/5
Year Launched: 2014
Best For: Fans of Las Vegas & Casino Themes
Developer: Shocktech
Number of Games: Over 30 scratch cards
Offline Play: Partial offline functionality; some features, like leaderboards and rewards, require an internet connection.
Key Features:
- Las Vegas-themed scratch cards like Diamond 777, Neon Lights, and Blackjack.
- Realistic gameplay with vibrant visuals.
- Wide range of instant lottery tickets.
Las Vegas Scratch Card is another app from the same developer as above. It offers Las Vegas lottery scratch cards that are generally used to make fun of your free time.
With these scratch games, you can have a reasonable and realistic lottery scratch card experience. There are lots of lotto scratch cards that are available to scratch off.
It is best if you like to play the instant lottery for a scratch game.
You can be entertained a lot with scratch games. You can enjoy all the scratch-off lottery tickets for free, such as crossword, blackjack, Vegas slots, catchword, diamond 777, etc.
Apple App Store: Vegas Lottery Scratchers
Google Play Store: Las Vegas Scratch Ticket
3. Lottery Scratch Off-Mahjong
Rating: 4.5/5
Year Launched: 2019
Best For: Mahjong Enthusiasts & Puzzle Fans
Developer: Mahjong Fans Studio
Number of Games: Over 40 scratch cards
Offline Play: Fully playable offline
Key Features:
- 40+ scratch card themes, including Mahjong, Roll the Dice, and Red Envelope.
- Puzzle-style gameplay mixed with scratch card fun.
- Simple, relaxing entertainment for casual players.
Lottery scratch card: Mahjong is a free scratch card game. This lottery scratch card has 38 scratch-off offers.
If you are interested in lottery scratch games, try the lottery scratch card off Mahjongg to win exciting prizes. It’s the best scratch card lottery for giving people more entertainment.
Apple App Store: Scratch Cards: Lucky Game
Google Play Store: Lotto Scratch – Las Vegas
PokiesMobile Suggestion – Lottery Scratch Off – Mahjong offers 40 scratch-offs including Mahjong, Roll the dice, Red envelope scratch ticket, and more, perfect for instant lottery game enthusiasts seeking fun and excitement.
4. Scratcher and Clicker
Rating: 4.7/5
Year Launched: 2018
Best For: People Who Enjoy Variety & Interactive Play
Developer: Lotto Scratch Powerball
Number of Games: Over 50 lottery-themed tickets
Offline Play: Fully playable offline
Key Features:
- 50+ lottery tickets with realistic scratch mechanics.
- Interactive gameplay featuring clicker-style mini-games.
- There is a gift bonus for every 100 scratch tickets.
Lotto Scratch Powerball develops the Scratcher and Clicker app for Android. The Scratch and Clicker is a free cash scratch-off game.
You can instantly win games and test your luck with the 50+ scratch card tickets with the scratcher and clicker game.
You can play all your favourite lottery scratch-offs without losing any of your real money.
There are 50+ Scratcher lottery tickets to play and win here. You get instant win ticket analytics and can enjoy the real scratching effect with the scratcher and clicker.
You can earn the gift bonus for every 100 scratch tickets scratched by spinning the gift machine.
You can increase your earnings by spinning the bet machine. By playing the clicker game, defeat the pirates and become super clickers.
Apple App Store: Scratch Cards：Master Game
Google Play Store: Scratch Card Masters – Scratch
PokiesMobile Suggestion – Scratcher & Clicker offers 50+ fun scratch-off lottery games where you can test your luck without risking real money.
5. Scratch lottery
Rating: 4.2/5
Year Launched: 2017
Best For: Instant Win Enthusiasts
Developer: EV Gaming
Number of Games: Over 25 classic scratch cards
Offline Play: Fully playable offline
Key Features:
- Variety of scratch cards, including bingo, match-3, and tic-tac-toe themes.
- Transparent gameplay with no hidden tricks.
- Realistic animations and instant win features.
Scratch Lottery is a free Scratch app that allows you to play and win, like the above scratch card apps. It’s a new design; you can choose your favourite scratch cards.
You can be assured that there is no cheating; everything is transparent here.
The scratch lottery app, developed by EV Gaming, offers various styles and formats for playing scratch-offs.
Apple App Store: Scratch Cards：Master Game
Google Play Store: Scratch Card Lottery – Vegas
PokiesMobile Suggestion – It’s a free scratcher lottery app with realistic instant win games, including live lottery drawings, jackpot wins, bingo, crosswords, match 3, slots, and tic-tac-toe scratch-offs.
Getting started with free Scratchie apps
- Choose an App: Select from our reviewed options based on your interests
- Download: Available on both Google Play and App Store
- Create Account: Basic registration may be required
- Start Playing: Begin with the tutorial games
- Collect Daily Bonuses: Most apps offer daily login rewards
Real money apps vs. free apps
Many players ask what is better to play: Real Money Scratch Off Apps or Free Scratchie Apps. Though the answer depends entirely on the individual player, the choice still depends on the money in your pocket and how much you are willing to lose.
Real-money scratch-off apps and free Scratchie apps are both available at online casinos. Both apps are available for iPhone and Android.
So you can 100% play your favourite scratch-off ticket games from your phone or tablet with these apps. Apart from buying tickets and scratching them with your finger or a coin, the apps all need a click to do this.
Free Scratchie Apps:
- Demand no money to risk or lose.
- You are not purchasing scratch-off tickets within the app.
- Most are free to download.
- Similar to social casino apps on platforms like Facebook.
- More about having fun than gambling.
Real Money Scratch-Off Apps:
- Found at online casinos.
- Play instant scratchies via the web or mobile browser.
- Access to the same games as free scratchie apps.
- Purchase tickets at a local gas station.
- Potential to win significant money.
- Winning tickets are paid instantly; no need to visit a lottery office.
- Offers the same experience as physical scratch-off tickets.
- Opportunity to win money like in-person tickets.
- Can make real cash, often with better odds than physical tickets.
- Suitable for those looking to gamble and potentially win prizes.
Read also about Scratch Card Tickets.
Why choose free apps?
Choosing free Scratchies apps in New Zealand can be beneficial for several reasons:
- No Financial Risk: With free scratchie apps, you can enjoy the excitement of scratching off tickets without risking any money, making them ideal for those who want to have fun without fearing losing their hard-earned cash.
- Accessibility: These apps are typically easy to download and access on your mobile, providing instant entertainment wherever you are, whether at home or on the go.
- Variety of Games: Free scratchie apps often offer a wide range of scratch card themes and gameplay styles to suit different preferences, from classic scratchies to innovative new formats.
- Social Experience: Many free Scratchie apps allow you to share your progress and achievements with friends, adding a social element to your gaming experience. You can compete with friends or enjoy the excitement together.
- Practice and Fun: Free scratchie apps are perfect for practising your scratching skills and trying out new strategies without financial pressure. They provide a fun and relaxing way to pass the time and unwind.
- Cost-Effective: Enjoy the fun of playing scratch cards without spending money, making them a risk-free entertainment option.
- Convenience: Play anytime and anywhere without visiting a store to purchase physical scratch cards.
- Instant Results: Like physical scratch cards, online scratchies give instant results, adding to the excitement.
- Entertainment: Offers a quick and easy way to have fun on your mobile.
Editor’s Verdict
After testing these five apps for over weeks, here’s our practical tips:
Best Overall: Scratch Card: Scratchers Game
– Most stable performance
– Regular updates
– Balanced gameplay without aggressive monetization.
Best for Beginners: Scratch Lottery
– Simple interface
– Clear tutorial
– Gradual progression
Most Feature-Rich: Scratcher and Clicker
– Varied gameplay
– Multiple game modes
– Active community features
Download sizes and performance were tested on both mid-range and high-end devices to ensure consistent results.
Our Testing Process
Each app was evaluated over a three-week period in December 2024 using:
– Samsung Galaxy S22 (Android 13)
– iPhone 14 (iOS 16)
– iPad Air (iOS 16)
FAQs
Can I win real money with these Free Scratchies apps?
No, these apps are for entertainment purposes only. You won’t win real cash prizes.
Are these apps safe?
There are many free scratch card apps available. As with any app download, checking reviews and ratings is essential to avoid anything sketchy.
Are there any in-app purchases with these free apps?
Some free apps might offer optional in-app purchases for extra virtual scratch cards or boosts.
Do I need an internet connection to play?
Free scratch card apps are available both online and offline. Some might require an internet connection for features like leaderboards or bonus content, while others can be played entirely offline.
Is there a way to win anything in these apps, even if it’s not real money?
Some free scratch card apps offer virtual rewards or points for completing games or reaching milestones. These points can unlock new scratch cards or make cosmetic changes within the app.
Are these apps different from real Instant Kiwi games?
Yes, these are entertainment apps only. Unlike Instant Kiwi scratch cards, they don’t offer real money prizes and aren’t regulated by the NZ Gambling Commission.
How much mobile data do these apps use?
Based on our testing:
– Initial download: 50-100MB
– Regular gameplay: Minimal data usage (1-2MB per hour)
– Most apps can be played offline once downloaded
Can I play these apps offline?
Most features work offline, but you’ll need internet connection for:
– Daily rewards collection
– Social features
– Game updates
– Leaderboard participation
Do the apps have ads?
Yes, most free scratchie apps contain advertisements. From our testing:
– Video ads appear between games
– Optional ads for bonus rewards
– Premium (paid) versions usually remove ads