Instant ticket: Also known as an instant game, scratch off ticket, scratch card, etc. These tickets are bought and played by scratching off the latex over the play area. Winning tickets can be redeemed without waiting for a drawing to be held.
Used or SC: Losing instant tickets are usually discarded by the non-collector. Picking up discarded tickets and trading with other lotologists can build a collection for the cost of postage. Some collectors buy their tickets and carefully scratch off the least amount of latex to determine if the ticket is a winner. These tickets are called collector scratched tickets and are highly desirable compared to the non-collector scratched tickets.
Mint, Unused, or MT: A mint ticket is collected and never played. Whether it is a winner or a loser is not known. That uncertainty of maybe being a winner is too tempting for some collectors. Collecting mint tickets can be expensive but it is argued by some collectors to be a better investment as there will be less mint tickets surviving then scratched tickets.
Sample/Void or SV: A sample/void ticket is an unused ticket that has been voided and has no gaming use. These tickets are used for promotional purposes and are given to retailers for display and to demonstrate a game. They usually have SAMPLE or VOID printed on the back of the ticket. Many countries outside of the United States use the term specimen rather than sample/void.
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