Iowa Scratchers Report — July 2026: Best Games, Trends & Strategies
Iowa scratch-off players have 72 active games to choose from in July 2026, led by 500X at -21.4% ROI. This month’s highlights: 3 new games launched.
Data period: July 2026 · 72 active games analyzed · Updated from official Iowa Lottery data
At a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Games | 72 |
| Positive ROI Games | 0 |
| Average ROI (All Games) | -77.6% |
| Best Game | 500X ($50) at -21.4% ROI |
| Games to Avoid (All Top Prizes Gone) | 0 games |
| New Releases | 3 games |
| Prize Claim Deadline | 1 year |
| State Tax on Winnings | 5% state tax |
Key Takeaway: Iowa’s average ROI of -77.6% is below the national average of about -37%. Check our live Iowa rankings for daily-updated data.
Top 10 Best Value Games
These Iowa scratch-off games offer the highest Return on Investment (ROI) based on remaining prizes.
| # | Game | Price | ROI | EV | Top Prize | Top Left |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 500X | $50 | -21.4% | $39.30 | $500,000 | 7 |
| 2 | High Roller Blackjack Blowout | $20 | -24.0% | $15.21 | $500 | 8638 |
| 3 | $300,000 JACKPOT | $30 | -50.2% | $14.95 | $300,000 | 5 |
| 4 | Silver Streak | $10 | -51.9% | $4.81 | $100,000 | 1 |
| 5 | Top Dollar | $30 | -54.6% | $13.63 | $250,000 | 7 |
| 6 | Lucky 7 Bonus | $20 | -55.7% | $8.87 | $250,000 | 4 |
| 7 | Crazy Wild Ca$h | $10 | -59.2% | $4.08 | $50,000 | 13 |
| 8 | Hit $250 | $10 | -60.5% | $3.95 | $500 | 158 |
| 9 | Ultimate Winnings | $20 | -60.8% | $7.85 | $100,000 | 19 |
| 10 | $50 and $100 Frenzy | $5 | -61.1% | $1.95 | $100 | 1503 |
500X leads Iowa at -21.4% ROI on a $50 ticket. While no game in the state currently offers positive ROI, the top tier (above -20% ROI) represents significantly better value than the average game.
Top Prize Watch List
These games have 3 or fewer top prizes remaining worth $100,000+. When claimed, expect a measurable value drop.
| Game | Price | Top Prize | Remaining | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Red Crossword | $30 | $300,000 | 2 | -78.7% |
| Silver Streak | $10 | $100,000 | 1 | -51.9% |
| X the Money | $10 | $100,000 | 1 | -70.3% |
| MONEY | $10 | $100,000 | 2 | -75.2% |
| Golden Riches | $10 | $100,000 | 3 | -76.6% |
| JURASSIC WORLD | $10 | $100,000 | 2 | -77.0% |
| SCRABBLE™ Crossword Game | $10 | $100,000 | 3 | -84.5% |
2 games are down to a single top prize. These could see significant value drops at any moment.
New Releases This Month
| Game | Price | ROI | Top Prize | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 Cash Bonus | $10 | -75.2% | $100,000 | 0 |
| Mega Bucks | $5 | -78.9% | $50,000 | 0 |
| 3 Ways To Win! | $2 | -89.8% | $10,000 | 0 |
The best new release is $100,000 Cash Bonus at -75.2% ROI. All prizes are intact on these new games.
Price Tier Breakdown
| Price Tier | Games | Avg ROI | Best Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | 1 | -21.4% | 500X (-21.4%) |
| $30 | 3 | -61.2% | $300,000 JACKPOT (-50.2%) |
| $20 | 6 | -55.7% | High Roller Blackjack Blowout (-24.0%) |
| $10 | 16 | -70.4% | Silver Streak (-51.9%) |
| $5 | 17 | -79.6% | $50 and $100 Frenzy (-61.1%) |
| $3 | 11 | -86.1% | Lucky Stars (-80.1%) |
| $2 | 12 | -89.2% | $100 Stacked (-84.2%) |
| $1 | 6 | -91.2% | $50 Frenzy (-84.6%) |
As with most states, higher-priced tickets tend to return a better percentage. See our guide on how price affects return rates.
How to Use This Data
- Check live rankings before buying: Visit our Iowa Scratch-Off Rankings page for real-time data updated daily
- Focus on the top tier: Games in the top 5 offer significantly better value than the state average
- Watch the Top Prize Watch List: Games with 1 remaining top prize can drop in value overnight
- Try the combo strategy: Two cheaper tickets often beat one expensive one
Related Resources
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. All data is sourced from official state lottery websites and is updated regularly, but we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. Lottery games are games of chance, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Please play responsibly and never spend more than you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
