The lottery has always been a fascinating mix of chance, hope, and, for some, strategy. For most players, it’s a fun gamble, but when viewed through the lens of mathematics, lottery tickets are typically a poor investment. However, in certain cases, understanding the odds and leveraging publicly available data can help you make more informed decisions.
The California Lottery, like other state lotteries, is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with Scratchers being one of its most popular offerings. Every day, countless players invest in these games, hoping to uncover a life-changing prize. But how do you know if you’re playing a game that offers better odds or a more favorable return on investment?
At BitsAndOdds.com, we’ve taken a scientific approach to this question. Using publicly available data from the California State Lottery, we analyze the odds of winning, the return on investment, and other key metrics for every active scratcher game. Our goal is to provide a clear, unbiased perspective that allows players to understand which games offer the most value.
Why Trust Our Analysis?
Our approach is rooted in data. The California Lottery regularly updates information about the number of remaining prizes and tickets sold for each scratcher. By comparing this data across all games, we calculate:
- Winning probabilities: How likely you are to win based on updated ticket and prize counts.
- Expected returns: A mathematical estimate of what you can expect to get back, on average, for every dollar spent.
These calculations are based on sound statistical principles and are updated daily to reflect the most recent data. While we can’t guarantee results—after all, it’s still a lottery—our analysis can give you a much clearer picture of where your money might go further.
A Note of Caution
It’s important to remember that these estimates are just that—mathematical estimates. The lottery is still a game of chance, and no amount of analysis can ensure a win. Play responsibly, and never spend more than you’re willing to lose.
All California Scratchers
Last updated on: January 14, 2025
Highest Winning Probability Now: Royal Riches
Highest Return Now: $10,000,000 Super Bonus
| Scratcher Game | Ticket Price | Winning Probability | Expected Return | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Launch | Now | Change | At Launch | Now | Change | |||
| $10,000,000 Super Bonus | $30 | 33.46% | 31.44% | -6.05% | $23.13 (77.11%) | $23.20 (77.34%) | 0.30% | |
| Royal Riches | $30 | 36.87% | 35.54% | -3.61% | $23.88 (79.58%) | $23.15 (77.18%) | -3.02% | |
| 200X | $30 | 36.87% | 32.68% | -11.37% | $23.86 (79.53%) | $23.00 (76.67%) | -3.61% | |
| Crossword Xtreme | $30 | 26.79% | 21.49% | -19.81% | $21.01 (70.04%) | $19.04 (63.48%) | -9.36% | |
| 2025 | $25 | 30.51% | 28.57% | -6.35% | $19.47 (77.89%) | $18.03 (72.13%) | -7.39% | |
| 100X | $20 | 33.37% | 33.96% | 1.75% | $15.44 (77.22%) | $15.58 (77.92%) | 0.91% | |
| Lucky 7's Multiplier | $20 | 17.29% | 11.58% | -33.01% | $13.96 (69.79%) | $15.49 (77.45%) | 10.97% | |
| Win $100 or $200 | $20 | 12.68% | 12.66% | -0.09% | $15.26 (76.32%) | $15.28 (76.42%) | 0.14% | |
| $100 or $200! | $20 | 12.68% | 12.65% | -0.19% | $15.26 (76.32%) | $15.28 (76.38%) | 0.09% | |
| 100X | $20 | 33.37% | 32.93% | -1.31% | $15.44 (77.22%) | $15.22 (76.09%) | -1.47% | |
| Maximum Millions | $20 | 23.31% | 21.55% | -7.55% | $13.92 (69.58%) | $13.86 (69.29%) | -0.42% | |
| Year of Fortune | $20 | 23.31% | 23.60% | 1.23% | $13.94 (69.68%) | $13.86 (69.29%) | -0.57% | |
| California State Riches | $20 | 20.17% | 19.44% | -3.63% | $13.68 (68.42%) | $13.63 (68.16%) | -0.37% | |
| Millionaire Maker | $20 | 25.38% | 24.13% | -4.92% | $13.68 (68.39%) | $13.43 (67.14%) | -1.82% | |
| Instant Prize Crossword | $20 | 19.01% | 18.79% | -1.14% | $13.18 (65.88%) | $12.68 (63.41%) | -3.74% | |
| Instant Prize Crossword | $20 | 18.98% | 17.83% | -6.10% | $13.17 (65.87%) | $12.40 (62.02%) | -5.84% | |
| $50 or $100 | $10 | 12.37% | 12.38% | 0.11% | $7.33 (73.26%) | $7.34 (73.44%) | 0.26% | |
| Red Hot Cash | $10 | 27.87% | 26.07% | -6.47% | $7.39 (73.88%) | $7.01 (70.08%) | -5.14% | |
| Single Double Triple | $10 | 25.23% | 24.87% | -1.42% | $7.00 (70.02%) | $6.96 (69.63%) | -0.56% | |
| 1,000 Loaded | $10 | 24.12% | 23.92% | -0.82% | $6.85 (68.52%) | $6.90 (69.02%) | 0.72% | |
| $1 Million Ultimate Cash! | $10 | 24.27% | 24.48% | 0.85% | $6.84 (68.40%) | $6.76 (67.61%) | -1.15% | |
| Winter Magic Multiplier | $10 | 27.87% | 25.94% | -6.93% | $7.39 (73.90%) | $6.69 (66.91%) | -9.46% | |
| Power 10's | $10 | 25.23% | 24.66% | -2.27% | $7.00 (70.02%) | $6.63 (66.27%) | -5.35% | |
| LOTERIA GRANDE | $10 | 22.57% | 21.69% | -3.89% | $6.84 (68.43%) | $6.48 (64.79%) | -5.32% | |
| $100 Million Mega Cash | $10 | 24.18% | 23.50% | -2.81% | $6.55 (65.51%) | $6.44 (64.41%) | -1.68% | |
| Triple Red 777 | $10 | 24.33% | 21.93% | -9.84% | $6.61 (66.09%) | $5.99 (59.89%) | -9.38% | |
| Multiplier Craze | $10 | 16.35% | 15.98% | -2.22% | $6.07 (60.71%) | $5.64 (56.41%) | -7.09% | |
| Mystery Crossword | $10 | 12.89% | 10.17% | -21.14% | $6.17 (61.72%) | $5.10 (50.96%) | -17.43% | |
| LOTERIA™ Extra! | $5 | 18.54% | 23.39% | 26.21% | $3.07 (61.36%) | $3.24 (64.84%) | 5.67% | |
| Ms PAC-MAN | $5 | 19.12% | 19.40% | 1.44% | $3.15 (63.08%) | $3.14 (62.77%) | -0.49% | |
| The Big Spin | $5 | 18.78% | 18.54% | -1.28% | $3.15 (63.06%) | $3.14 (62.76%) | -0.47% | |
| Winner Winner Chicken Dinner | $5 | 13.50% | 13.77% | 1.97% | $3.10 (61.95%) | $3.07 (61.45%) | -0.81% | |
| High 5 | $5 | 19.19% | 18.17% | -5.34% | $3.15 (63.01%) | $3.06 (61.20%) | -2.86% | |
| LOTERIA™ Extra! | $5 | 18.54% | 18.27% | -1.44% | $3.07 (61.36%) | $3.02 (60.44%) | -1.51% | |
| MEGA Crossword | $5 | 17.37% | 17.59% | 1.29% | $2.99 (59.87%) | $3.00 (60.00%) | 0.21% | |
| Lucky 7 | $5 | 19.95% | 19.04% | -4.55% | $3.09 (61.89%) | $2.95 (59.03%) | -4.63% | |
| 20X The Cash | $5 | 19.12% | 17.32% | -9.43% | $3.16 (63.12%) | $2.95 (58.97%) | -6.57% | |
| Peppermint Payout | $5 | 13.50% | 12.83% | -4.96% | $3.10 (61.97%) | $2.93 (58.52%) | -5.57% | |
| Red Hot Poker | $5 | 18.81% | 17.74% | -5.72% | $3.05 (61.03%) | $2.89 (57.79%) | -5.32% | |
| MEGA Crossword | $5 | 17.37% | 16.59% | -4.54% | $2.99 (59.84%) | $2.89 (57.77%) | -3.46% | |
| Tripling Bonus Crossword | $3 | 24.03% | 25.53% | 6.21% | $1.79 (59.60%) | $1.83 (61.06%) | 2.45% | |
| Toad-ally Awesome Crossword | $3 | 24.00% | 23.93% | -0.29% | $1.79 (59.52%) | $1.76 (58.80%) | -1.20% | |
| Prize Box Bingo | $3 | 19.67% | 21.29% | 8.27% | $1.70 (56.77%) | $1.74 (58.02%) | 2.20% | |
| Frosty Fun Crossword | $3 | 25.43% | 25.42% | -0.02% | $1.73 (57.57%) | $1.71 (56.98%) | -1.03% | |
| KA POW | $3 | 16.79% | 16.35% | -2.63% | $1.70 (56.76%) | $1.64 (54.71%) | -3.60% | |
| LOTERIA™ | $3 | 16.80% | 16.05% | -4.44% | $1.70 (56.75%) | $1.57 (52.33%) | -7.79% | |
| Set For Life | $2 | 12.53% | 11.33% | -9.55% | $1.14 (57.14%) | $1.35 (67.44%) | 18.01% | |
| Ms PAC-MAN | $2 | 15.21% | 15.26% | 0.37% | $1.19 (59.47%) | $1.18 (59.00%) | -0.79% | |
| Double Match | $2 | 15.59% | 15.65% | 0.41% | $1.19 (59.26%) | $1.18 (58.80%) | -0.78% | |
| Dominoes | $2 | 14.41% | 14.84% | 3.02% | $1.12 (56.14%) | $1.13 (56.71%) | 1.02% | |
| Top Dog Top Cat | $2 | 14.02% | 14.28% | 1.79% | $1.12 (55.78%) | $1.13 (56.33%) | 0.99% | |
| Pumpkin Patch Cash | $2 | 14.03% | 13.99% | -0.24% | $1.12 (55.79%) | $1.11 (55.47%) | -0.57% | |
| Pinball Payout | $2 | 14.60% | 14.87% | 1.85% | $1.10 (54.80%) | $1.10 (54.88%) | 0.16% | |
| Beach Bucks | $2 | 14.60% | 14.74% | 1.00% | $1.09 (54.73%) | $1.09 (54.41%) | -0.59% | |
| Lucky 333 | $1 | 11.23% | 12.62% | 12.35% | $0.54 (53.62%) | $0.57 (56.90%) | 6.11% | |
| Year of the Snake | $1 | 11.37% | 12.04% | 5.87% | $0.55 (55.10%) | $0.57 (56.78%) | 3.07% | |
| The Lucky Spot! | $1 | 11.75% | 12.78% | 8.81% | $0.55 (54.64%) | $0.57 (56.77%) | 3.90% | |
| Taco Tripler | $1 | 11.20% | 13.54% | 20.83% | $0.53 (53.28%) | $0.56 (55.54%) | 4.24% | |
| Merry Wishes | $1 | 12.23% | 12.77% | 4.39% | $0.54 (54.49%) | $0.55 (54.59%) | 0.18% | |
| Crossword Express | $1 | 10.74% | 11.27% | 4.91% | $0.53 (53.14%) | $0.53 (53.06%) | -0.16% | |