iScratcher is a scratch-to-win iPhone game, mobile advertising platform

A company called Mobile Thunder introduced iScratcher, a free application that turns an iPhone/iPod touch into a scratch-to-win game card. The main idea is in getting a portion of mobile marketing dollars. In that sense, the company applied for a patent in an effort to protect its unique idea/use for marketing purposes.

Here’s how it works (from the press release):

Advertisers sponsor scratch-off games that display on mobile device screens. Players “scratch off” a game card by wiping the screen with a finger to reveal sponsor brand images and potential prizes such as cash, products, coupons, promotional codes, lottery results, or content. Using GPS technology, iScratcher will provide location-specific game odds, prizes and — with another tap of the finger — a map with directions to nearby stores where prizes can be instantly redeemed.

At the moment this is the iPhone/iPod Touch thing only, but I’ve no doubts Mobile Thunder will port its technology to other platforms in no time — they even say Android and BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) versions are in the queue.

I like the idea, as it promotes the win-win concept, with both advertisers and users getting something out of it. The only problem is whether it will reach the tipping point to scale. Without further benefits, I can’t see myself scratching for coupons on a daily basis. We’ll see. In the meantime, you can check out a dedicated website for more information.