Well I just checked the Scratch-it lotteries rules run by the state of New South Wales. Yep - I was right. They just sell the tickets until they are all sold and they have no obligation to disclose if the major prizes have been won. They do show recent winners on their website but this is not publicised. First time Ive seen it bc I went looking for the info.
In the case of the games in various states where the remaining tickets are withdrawn after the big prize, I'm wondering how the government can be sure to make a profit. Let's say the big prize goes off early. They wouldn't have sold enough tickets to make it pay. Doesn't seem logical.
Here is the extract from the rules -
"(e) During the period in which the Licensee: The licensee is the State of (New South Wales)
(i) offers for sale Tickets in an Instant Lottery; or
(ii) accepts entries in a Promotional Instant Lottery;
some or all of the Prizes in the approved Prize structure may already have been
won when a Player:
(iii) purchases a Ticket in an Instant Lottery; or
(iv) enters a Promotional Instant Lottery;
leaving the balance of Prizes still available to be won by Players, or no Prizes, as
the case may be, at the time of their respective purchase or entry.
(f) There shall be no obligation or liability imposed upon the Licensee whatsoever to
advise or otherwise inform prospective Players in an Instant Lottery or
Promotional Instant Lottery of the number or nature of Prizes still available, or if
any Prizes are still available, to be won by them at the time of their proposed
purchase of a Ticket in an Instant Lottery or entry in a Promotional Instant
Lottery, as the case may be."
Oh well - confirms my decision not to play.