Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
What is Scratch IQ?
Scratch IQ ranks every scratch-off game by EV/Dollar across 41 states + DC, using remaining-prize data the lotteries publish each day. The dashboard shows which games have the most prize value still on the shelf — so you can spot the strongest games at a glance and compare them side by side.
How do I use Scratch IQ?
Pick your state. Scratch IQ ranks every game by EV/Dollar so you can focus on the games with the most remaining prize value. Sort and filter by EV/Dollar, price, or status badge to find the ones that match how you play.
What does EV/Dollar mean?
EV/Dollar is the average prize value per $1 of ticket cost, calculated from the latest lottery data. Across many plays, a higher EV/Dollar returns more value per dollar than a lower one. It is not a prediction for any individual ticket — every ticket is still random.
+ Show the math− Hide the math
EV = Σ (prize_amount × prizes_remaining) ÷ tickets_remaining EV/Dollar = EV ÷ ticket_price Where tickets_remaining is derived from the lottery’s overall odds and the remaining prizes still on the shelf. Both numerator and denominator come from data the state lottery publishes.
What is Prize Ratio?
Prize Ratio compares how depleted the top prizes are versus the game overall. A ratio above 1.0 means the top prizes are still proportionally on the shelf — they have been claimed slower than tickets have been sold to date. Above 1.0 is a stronger signal; below 1.0 means the top prizes have already been claimed faster than the rest of the pool.
+ Show the math− Hide the math
Prize Ratio = (top_prizes_remaining ÷ top_prizes_total) ÷ (tickets_remaining ÷ tickets_total) A value of 1.0 means top prizes and tickets are depleting at the same pace. Above 1.0 means top prizes are still proportionally on the shelf; below 1.0 means they’ve been claimed faster than the rest of the pool.
Why is your number different from the odds on the back of the ticket?
The odds printed on the back of the ticket are the lifetime odds when the game first launched — they never change. Scratch IQ shows what’s still left right now (when the state publishes that data), so the value updates as prizes get claimed and tickets get sold.
Can Scratch IQ tell me which ticket will win?
No — tickets are random by design, so no system can predict which individual one wins. What Scratch IQ does is rank games by EV/Dollar so you can compare them by the numbers and focus on the ones with the most remaining prize value.
How often is the data updated?
Once a day. Each game page shows the last refresh time.
Where does the data come from?
We pull publicly available remaining-prize data from each state’s official lottery website and calculate EV/Dollar and Prize Ratio from it. Scratch IQ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any state lottery commission — we compute the rankings the lotteries don’t put on the back of the ticket. See the methodology page for the full per-state data-source list and synthesis details.
Why are some states marked as estimates?
For 8 states — IN, IA, NE, VT, WI, MT, PA, ME — the lottery does not publish complete per-tier prize data. For those games, some prize-tier counts are reconstructed from public lottery signals (odds, observed claim rates, or both). Those values are estimates derived from real lottery signals, and they may differ from the actual remaining prizes.
Every other state’s data comes directly from what the lottery publishes.
Why doesn't EV/Dollar change for some states?
For CO, MN, and MT, EV/Dollar does not change day to day, because those state lotteries don’t publish the daily remaining-prize counts needed to update it. The number you see is the designed launch value. Every other state’s EV/Dollar updates daily as prizes are claimed.
What do the status badges mean?
Games are grouped into tiers based on their EV/Dollar: Best, Good, Average, and Poor. The badge describes a game’s current EV/Dollar range. Pro gating is based on the top 10 games in each state, regardless of badge.
Is Scratch IQ gambling advice?
No. Scratch IQ is informational — it ranks games using publicly available lottery data so you can compare them by the numbers. It is not gambling, financial, or investment advice. You must be 18 or older (or your state’s minimum lottery age, whichever is higher) to play. Play within your means and play responsibly.
Is Scratch IQ owned by the lottery?
No. Scratch IQ is owned and operated by its founder, an independent third party. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any state lottery commission. Past EV rankings do not predict individual ticket outcomes. Any Scratch IQ content posted on Reddit, YouTube, or social media by the founder or paid contributors is a first-party promotion.
What's included in the Free plan?
Free users see all games, sort and filter by price, view game detail pages, and access EV data and graphs outside the Top 10. Detailed metrics (EV/Dollar, Prize Ratio, EV Graph, status badges) for the Top 10 games in each state are gated behind Pro.
How much does Pro cost? Can I cancel anytime?
Pro is $9.99/month or $83.88/year (saves about 30%), charged automatically through Stripe at the start of each billing period until you cancel.
You can cancel anytime in one click from your billing portal. Cancellation stops future charges; access continues through the end of the paid period. No refunds for partial billing periods. Annual subscribers receive an email at least 30 days before renewal.
Which states are supported?
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, and WV. Each state needs a custom data pipeline because every lottery website is different.
What about my privacy and personal data?
We do not sell user data. For privacy rights, GPC handling, and Do Not Sell or Share, see our Privacy Policy and Do Not Sell or Share pages.
Last updated:
Scratch IQ ranks scratch-off games by EV/Dollar using remaining-prize data the lotteries publish each day. EV/Dollar is a statistical average across many plays — not a per-ticket prediction. The lottery retains a mathematical edge on every game.
Data updates once a day and may lag actual ticket sales and prize claims. Every scratch-off ticket is random; past rankings do not predict individual outcomes.
Informational only — not gambling, financial, or investment advice. You must be 18 or older (or your state’s minimum lottery age, whichever is higher) to play. Scratch IQ is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any state lottery commission. Play responsibly.
Still have questions? Reach us at support@scratchiq.io