Scratch Carnival App
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Launched in 2020, Scratch Carnival is a free-to-play mobile social casino app that gives players a chance to win real prizes. It is the latest creation of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) – the owner of several other sweepstakes casinos, including Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker.
The gaming focus centers around different types of online scratchers (scratch cards). If you’re looking for a sweepstakes casino with slots, you’re out of luck. Another innovation is that Scratch Carnival is 100% app based. There is a website, but you cannot register or play on it, so you need to download the Android or iOS app to get in on the action.
***IMPORTANT UPDATE***
In September 2022, VGW shut down Scratch Carnival. VGW gave all existing players fair notice that Scratch Carnival was to cease operations, so customers were advised to withdraw or redeem any real money prizes they had in their accounts. For now (at least), the era of a scratch card-only sweepstakes casino has been put on ice.
However, if you want to play scratch off games along with more than 200 slots to choose from, our number one recommendation is Pulsz. You can sign up directly using our links or read our in-depth Pulsz review to find out more about this top-rated social casino.
Our Expert Findings on Scratch Carnival
| ✅The Good Stuff | ❌The Bad Stuff |
|---|---|
| Exclusive selection of scratch games developed in-house | App only - no web-based playing mode |
| Regular raffles and other promotions | No online slots |
| User-friendly app | No VIP program |
| Owned by an experienced sweepstakes operator | |
| Available in all states, except for Washington | |
| Free coins and Sweep Tickets available every day |
It’s a novel approach to bring a scratch card sweepstakes casino to the market rather than offering a broad selection of games. For players who enjoy the quick frill of instant-win scratchers, Scratch Carnival ticks all the right boxes. However, players who like a varied gaming experience will find better alternatives below.
Get Up to 367,000 GC + 32.3 Free SC
- Play roulette, blackjack & slots
- Win amazing Gold Coin jackpots
As a sweeps site, no purchase is necessary to play the games, although you can purchase Gold Coins, which include Sweep Tickets. Using the latter, players can win gift cards that are redeemable in places ranging from Amazon to Uber. Furthermore, you can enter weekly sweep draws (raffles) and win real cash prizes.
What is the Scratch Carnival App?
Scratch Carnival joins the growing list of apps within the US online sweepstakes industry. Under current laws, social sweepstakes casinos are allowed to provide promotional games from which players can win prizes that have value in the real world. The only condition is that they are not forced to make a deposit to play.
What sets this app apart is that it only has scratch-related games. However, the free-play concept still applies. Players can get coins through daily logins, social media, and postal services. It’s also possible to purchase bundles if you choose.
How to Play at Scratch Carnival
All of the games at Scratch Carnival are accessible in both play modes. It’s refreshing to see this, as some sites restrict a portion of their library until players have made Gold Coin purchases.
The two game modes are:
- Gold Coins: You use Gold Coins to play games for free. Players cannot win real prizes using Gold Coins, but you can accumulate Scratch Collectibles, which can be exchanged for more Gold Coins when you get a complete set.
- Sweeps Tickets: These tickets are used to enjoy the promotional sweepstakes contests that offer real prizes like gift cards and redeemable cash. Sweeps Tickets allow you to play Scratch Carnival’s games and enter sweeps draw raffles.
Who can Play at Scratch Carnival?
Scratch Carnival is available to players in 49 US states. Washington is the only state from which you cannot create an account and play games.
To open a Scratch Carnival account, you must be 18 years or over. However, we advise checking the terms and conditions as a couple of states may have independent rules related to the minimum age.
Furthermore, you need to download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. You must then register via the app before you can start playing scratch cards.
Is Scratch Carnival App Legit?
| 🎰Scratch Canival App | |
|---|---|
| 🌐Website | ---- |
| 📱Accessibility | Android App, iOS App |
| 🏛️Operating Company | VGW Holdings Limited |
| 🧑💻Software | In-house (VGW) |
| 💳Purchase & Redemption Methods | Credit cards, ACH e-Checks, gift cards |
Virtual Gaming Worlds is one of the leading operators of sweepstakes casinos in the United States. Many view this company as the benchmark based on the success of its other brands like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots.
As a VGW brand, players can trust Scratch Carnival is safe and reliable. Despite the app only being launched in 2020, it’s backed by years of experience, which counts for more.
Unlike Stake.us, which also operates real money, legal online gambling sites in more than 100 other countries, Scratch Carnival is purely focused on the sweepstakes model of business.
Player reviews are hard to come by, which given the app’s age is not too surprising. However, if the old adage holds true, no news is good news.
How to Download Scratch Carnival App for iOS & Android
Looking to tap into the dominant mobile gaming sector, Virtual Gaming Worlds has made Scratch Carnival an app-only product. This is a curious decision, in our opinion, because many players like to test out the websites before jumping over to the app. That said, as things stand, you need to download the Scratch Carnival app to both sign-up and play.
Scratch Carnival iOS App
To download and install the Scratch Carnival app for iOS devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, you can go to Scratch Carnival’s website to get the download link, or you can search directly in the App Store.
For iOS users, it’s recommended that the operating system is iOS 11.0 or later. When you are on the download page, simply log into your Apple account and hit the button to install the Scratch Carnival app.
Scratch Carnival Android App
The process to download the Android Scratch Carnival app is virtually the same. Players can visit the website to get the required link. It is also possible to look in the Play Store. We prefer the first option because you know that it’s the right app if you are directed from the official site.
In terms of system requirements, devices running Android 6.0 are compatible. When you’re ready, hit the download button, and the app will automatically be installed with a shortcut icon added to your home screen.
App Registration
With the app installed on your device, you’re ready to set up your account.
- Open the Scratch Carnival app.
- You’ll be greeted by the registration page.
- Next, you can click on Register and complete the sign-up form, or you can sign-up through your existing Facebook or Apple accounts.
- Choose your preferred method and follow the app’s on-screen prompts to complete the process.
- You’ll be automatically logged into your new account where you can claim your first batch of free Gold Coins and Sweeps Tickets.
As a reminder, you must be 18 years or over to register an account with Scratch Carnival. Also, players in the state of Washington are prohibited from signing up and using this app.
Scratch Carnival Promo Codes
| 🎰Scratch Carnival | |
|---|---|
| 📜Scratch Carnival Casino Promo Code | No code Required |
| 🎁No Deposit Bonus | 25,000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Tickets |
| 💲First Purchase Bonus | 8,700 Gold Coins + 7 Sweeps Tickets for $2.99 |
| 🇺🇸 Availability | 18+, Not available in Washington |
| 🤑Other Promotions | Sweeps Draw Raffles |
Sweepstakes casino promo codes are a popular way for operators to provide exclusive bonuses. Typically, promo codes are used for registration and welcome bonuses, but some sites also use them for regular offers too.
Players don’t need any Scratch Carnival promo codes to claim the bonuses on this app, which aids its user-friendly, straightforward approach. Usually, promotions are offered via Facebook, and it’s simply a matter of clicking a link to participate.
Before deciding if Scratch Carnival is the right social casino for you, we recommend reviewing the Pulsz promo code so that you can compare the offers and see which one has the best player value.
Scratch Carnival Bonus for New Players
Naturally, one of the key ingredients of this Scratch Carnival review is the new player welcome bonus. Although this is subject to change from time to time, the primary offer for new players is 25,000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Tickets.
Moreover, players can also snap up extra Gold Coins and Sweeps Tickets by linking their social media accounts to the Scratch Carnival mobile app.
When comparing this offer with the best online casino welcome bonuses from other operators, it’s fair to say that Scratch Carnival is competitive. Added to that, the odds of winning on some of the scratch games are as low as 3:1, which gives players a good chance of building up their balance, with a bit of luck, of course.
Scratch Carnival Free Daily Rewards and Promotions
The daily rewards are what keep players actively engaged with the app. However, unlike other social casinos that offer fixed-amount daily bonuses, at Scratch Carnival, you receive a scratch card.
When you log in, the Daily Gold Coin Bonus Scratch graphic pops up on your home screen. You click to scratch it to see how many Gold Coins you’ve won for that day. In addition to the GC, you always get 2 free Sweeps Tickets daily.
Social media, in particular Facebook, is one of the main drivers for Scratch Carnival sweepstakes promotions. Among the most common offers are boosted odds on scratch games, special offers on Gold Coin packages, and information about upcoming sweeps raffles.
Scratch Carnival Mobile App Layout & Features
The website is nothing more than a placeholder to provide a little insight into the platform and give links to the mobile app, which you need to download to play.
The colorful design of the app gives it a friendly feel, and because it’s not overloaded with multiple gaming categories, navigation is delightfully straightforward. When you’re logged in, both of your balances for Gold Coins and Sweeps Tickets are displayed at the top of the page, and if you scroll down, you can view the featured games.
At the bottom of the app, there are hot buttons for Games, Store, (Sweeps) Draws, Social, and Challenges. There’s also an expandable menu – the three bars icon – that has links to promotions, payments, and support.
The thumbnails of the games highlight the bet amount, making it quick and easy to find a suitable scratch card to play. If you prefer simple, user-friendly apps, Scratch Carnival will be right up your street.
Scratch Carnival Games
In the days of social casinos boasting 300+ games, the options at Scratch Carnival are somewhat lightweight.
Scratch Cards
There are 20+ scratchers available that can be played with Gold Coins or Sweeps Tickets. Each title has a different theme and the sharp graphics and animations add to their appeal. Some of the most popular titles include:
- Kitty Uproar
- Vikings of the North
- Golden Oz
- Cupid’s Fortune
- Doctor Voltage
In the lobby, the thumbnail tells players the cost of each scratch game. When you click through to the scratch card, there is an information button with details on the potential jackpot, how to play, and the chances of winning.
An intriguing game is Bubble Bounty. This is a word puzzle that players must solve while also popping bubbles throughout to win prizes. We enjoyed the skill element of this title, and it’s different from regular scratchers.
Sweeps Draws
Scratch Carnival holds two weekly raffles – one on Wednesdays and the other on Sundays. The Wednesday jackpot is a generous $20,000, which can be won by multiple players. The Sunday jackpot is $1,000, but only one player picks up this pot.
Collectibles
Scratch Carnival collectibles are a way to add more value to playing with Gold Coins. In a nutshell, these are mini graphics – like an on-platform NFTs – that players collect as they play different scratch cards.
The collectibles come in different sets, such as flowers, hearts, and puppies. Players are able to trade in duplicate cards, and they can redeem full sets of collectibles for more Gold Coins.
Are Scratch Carnival Games Fair?
With sweepstakes casinos not as heavily regulated as real money gambling sites, there are always questions about whether the games are fair.
This is an easy question to answer for Scratch Carnival. Its owners have a solid track record in this industry with sites like Global Poker, Chumba, and LuckyLand. Essentially, if the games were not fair at Scratch Carnival, it would tarnish Virtual Gaming Worlds’ reputation and have a detrimental effect on its other successful brands.
Based on that, our conclusion is that players can be assured the gaming experience is fair. Of course, the house holds the advantage, but customers also get some good payouts.
In-App Purchase Methods
As sweeps rules dictate, no purchase is required to play Scratch Carnival’s games. However, if you run out of coins and you want to top up your balance, it’s easy to make a purchase by clicking on the Store icon at the bottom of the app.
The accepted payment methods are:
- Credit cards
- ACH e-Checks
Players can buy Gold Coins or purchase bundle packages that include Gold Coins and free Sweeps Tickets. Here’s a breakdown of the packages that are available.
| 💵Purchase Cost | 🟡Gold Coins | 📜Free Sweeps Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| $1.99 | 8,400 | 0 |
| $2.99 | 12,700 | 7 |
| $4.99 | 25,400 | 12 |
| $9.99 | 63,500 | 25 |
| $19.99 | 139,700 | 55 |
| $49.99 | 508,000 | 150 |
| $99.99 | 1,079,500 | 315 |
Redemptions at Scratch Carnival App
When you hit a winner – either with Gold Coins or Sweeps Tickets – your balance is automatically updated. For Sweeps Tickets, players can redeem them in increments, starting from as little as $5.
When you make a redemption using your Sweeps Tickets balance, you must choose the type of gift card you want. Among the options are:
- Amazon
- Home Depot
- Applebee’s
- Best Buy
- Starbucks
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Uber Eats
The gift cards come in digital format. They are emailed directly to the address that is linked to your account. Redemptions from raffles are via bank transfer. For this, players usually have to verify their identity by sending a form of ID and a proof of address document.
Customer Support & Contacts
All-in-all, the customer support options fall below expectations considering this is a VGW brand. The FAQ section wasn’t functioning when we tested the app, and no live chat was available.
The primary method for contacting support is through email (support@scratchcarnival.com). Alternatively, you can try to post a message on the company’s Facebook page, as that is the social media platform most actively used.
Verdict From Our Scratch Carnival App Review
Scratch Carnival is a fun idea, but it’s looking at a niche target market. Ultimately, if you like online scratchers, it’s worth a look. However, if you prefer a more diverse gaming experience, then we suggest other sites like Pulsz and Stake.us.
Still, there are some good sweepstakes promotions offered, and with 2 free Sweeps Tickets each day, we like the value aspect of this site.
FAQ’s
How to get sweeps coins on Scratch Carnival?
There are several methods for getting sweeps coins, which are called Sweeps Tickets on the Scratch app. The first is through logging into the app each day and claiming your login bonus, which bags you 2 Sweeps Tickets.
Other ways of getting more free Sweeps Tickets are through social media giveaways and by claiming a redemption code by post. Also, free Sweeps Tickets are included with Gold Coin purchases.
What games can I play on the Scratch Carnival app?
At Scratch Carnival, you can play a variety of exclusive scratch card games that have been developed in-house. You'll also find word games that present a more challenging style of play.
What are gold coins on the Scratch Carnival?
Gold Coins are one of the in-game currencies at Scratch Carnival. These coins allow you to play scratch off games for fun. You cannot win real prizes or gift cards using these Gold Coins.
Can I win real money at Scratch Carnival?
It is possible to win real money at Scratch Carnival through its Sweeps Draw Raffles. These are like mini lotteries with one ticket winning the entire prize pot.
When first launched, Scratch Carnival held weekly $1,000 raffles. However, it's now introduced extra event-based draws with bigger prizes on offer.
What prizes can I win at the Scratch Carnival app?
There are two types of prizes players can win. Winnings from the scratch offs are instantly credited to your account balance, which you can redeem in the form of digital gift cards in increments of $5, $10, $20, and $50.
The gift cards can be used at a variety of pay points, including Home Depot, Applebee's, and Amazon. Players can also win cash prizes from the Sweeps Draw Raffles. These can be cashed out by ACH.
How to get the Scratch Carnival app?
You can get links for the Scratch Carnival apps (Android and iOS) from the website. Alternatively, you can search in the Google Play Store or the App Store for the respective applications.