The "overall odds" printed on the back of a card (e.g., 1 in 3.45) include "break-even" prizes where you only win your money back. To find better tickets, look for the following: Check PA Lottery Scratch-Offs - Prizes Remaining
How to Strategically Buy Scratch-Off Tickets Winning a scratch-off is never guaranteed, as they are ultimately games of chance designed to generate revenue for state lotteries. However, by shifting your approach from random guessing to data-driven selection, you can significantly improve your mathematical probability of hitting a prize. 1. Research "Real" Odds, Not Just Printed Ones how to buy winning scratch off tickets