A scratch-off ticket is a type of lottery ticket that features a concealed area covered by a thin layer of opaque material. Players use a coin or their fingernail to scratch off this layer, revealing symbols or numbers underneath. If the revealed symbols or numbers match specific winning combinations, the player wins a prize. These tickets are popular because they offer instant results, allowing players to find out if they have won immediately after scratching. They come in various themes and price points, with different odds of winning, making them accessible to a wide range of players.