Best $20 California
Scratch-Offs by EV/Dollar
As of , Scratch IQ ranks 13 active $20 California scratch-off games by current EV/Dollar.
EV/Dollar is the statistical return per $1 spent given the prizes still left in circulation. See the methodology for the formula and per-state data sources.
Price
$20
EV/Dollar
$0.78
Top Prize
$2M
Price
$20
EV/Dollar
$0.76
Top Prize
$200
Price
$20
EV/Dollar
$0.75
Top Prize
$5M
| Rank | Game Name | Price | EV/Dollar | Top Prize | Prize Ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to Pro to unlock Top 10 game data | ||||||
| #11 | INSTANT PRIZE CROSSWORD | $20 | $0.78 | $2M | 0.91 | GOOD |
| #12 | $100 OR $200 | $20 | $0.76 | $200 | 1.01 | GOOD |
| #13 | CASH KING | $20 | $0.75 | $5M | 0.75 | GOOD |
Source: California Lottery
Common questions about California scratch-offs
What is the best $20 scratch-off in California right now?
Scratch IQ ranks every active $20 California scratch-off by EV/Dollar, the statistical return per $1 spent given the prizes still left in circulation. The game at the top of this list has the highest current EV/Dollar at the $20 price point.
How often is the $20 California list updated?
Every day. Scratch IQ collects California Lottery remaining-prize data once daily and recomputes EV/Dollar for every active game. The "as of" date at the top of the page is the most recent scrape.
Are $20 California scratch-offs better value than tickets at other price points?
Value depends on which tickets you compare and which day you compare them on. Lower-priced tickets in California usually have lower top prizes and lower expected absolute payouts, while higher-priced tickets typically have larger jackpots and a wider EV range. The state-rankings hub for California shows the full ranking across every price point so you can compare side by side.
Where does Scratch IQ get $20 California scratch-off data?
Public data published by the California Lottery on calottery.com. The lottery posts each game's overall odds, prize tiers, total prizes printed, and prizes remaining. Scratch IQ collects those numbers daily and applies the same EV formula to every state it covers. The methodology page documents the formula in detail.
Scratch IQ is not affiliated with the California Lottery. Analytics are for informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Play responsibly. 18+. See responsible gaming.