How to Play Keno

You may have seen keno listed in online casino game libraries, but what exactly is it? Keno is a lottery-style gambling game found at many online casinos in the US. It is believed to have French roots by name, but its origin is Chinese. It was invented to raise money to defend a city during the Chu-Han Contention. And apparently, it was later used to fund some of the construction of the Great Wall of China. 

Nowadays, it’s mainly played for fun. If you’re interested in keno but have never played before, here’s our guide on how to play keno. We cover what it is, how you can win, and all of the rules. 

Basic Keno Rules

The good news is that playing keno is really simple. Every beginner will be able to understand the basic rules and how to play keno online within minutes.

This lottery-style game begins with a keno card or ticket. On the card are all of the numbers from 1 to 80. Before the game begins, players choose their numbers–the ones they think will win. You mark them on the card and can choose any number, but 20 is the maximum allowed. 

As the game starts, 20 numbers are picked at random. When all 20 have been chosen, you’ll receive a payout according to how many you predicted correctly. You might have played 10 numbers, but 8 were correct. You will be paid accordingly, but if you’d have guessed all 10, you’d have won more.

How to Play Keno Online

The keno rules are simple, and so anyone can play, provided they’re old enough and are legally allowed to in their jurisdiction. 

Here’s how to play:

1. Pick Your Numbers

Choose the numbers you want to play with. Players tend to choose between 1 and 20 spots (the name for numbers) from the 80. Mark the selections by clicking or tapping the screen. 

2. Decide on your wager

Decide how much you want to spend on the game. This could be anything from $1, but some online casinos might have higher minimums. Sometimes, you can choose to play more than one game with your selected numbers. If you do, this is called a “multi-race” ticket.

3. The Draw

A keno draw means 20 numbers are selected at random from the 80. In online casinos, this is done using a random number generator (RNG). When the numbers are being drawn, watch your screen to see if your numbers match the drawn ones.

4. Payouts

The winnings are decided by how many spots you’ve picked and how many numbers you’ve matched (called “catches”) and how much you wagered.

Each casino and keno game has a unique payout table. This will outline the different combinations and potential winnings. Make sure you look at the payout table before you play so that you understand the structure of Keno payouts. Your winnings are credited automatically. 

Example Round

Here’s an example of how a game of keno could unfold:

• Choose numbers: You pick 10 numbers from 1 to 80. In this example, you choose 4, 8, 13, 19, 22, 31, 44, 55, 67, and 73. 

• Place a bet: You wager $1 on your selection. 

• Draw: The game randomly draws 20 numbers. The drawn numbers include: 3, 4, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 30, 31, 35, 40, 44, 47, 50, 55, 60, 67, 72, and 80.

• Match: You matched 9 out of your 10 numbers. 

• Payout: According to the paytable for your chosen number of spots (10-spot game), matching 9 might earn you $500.

Each keno game is different, and it depends on the online casino and the casino game software provider they partnered with.

Difference Between Keno and Bingo

There are several differences between keno and bingo. Firstly, keno is a game that’s played solo. It’s still a lottery-style game but isn’t a social activity. Bingo, on the other hand, tends to be more social and is played with others in real time.

In keno, the number range is 1 to 80, while in bingo, it might be 1 to 75 or 90, depending on the variant played. For keno, only 20 random numbers are drawn. In bingo, numbers continue to be drawn until someone forms a winning pattern. These include a line or a full house. This doesn’t exist in keno; it’s simply about matching numbers. 

A final difference between the two is that in keno, you pick your own numbers. In bingo, you usually get a pre-filled card instead. 

Keno Tips

Keno isn’t a strategy game, but there are still things you can do to get more out of the game. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Chasing losses. Just like all online casino games, it is easy to say to yourself, “I’ll just play one more game.” Before long, you’re hours into it and have spent more than you intended to. Chasing losses should be avoided–you should set a budget and stick to it. Keno moves fast, so don’t be tempted by how quick it is to play.

• Picking too many numbers. It might feel like choosing the maximum amount of numbers means you’re more likely to win, but the payouts tend not to reflect this. If you stick to between 4 and 8 numbers, you’ll be balancing the risk and reward much better.

• Always choosing the same numbers. While people often believe they have lucky numbers, every draw is random. If you stick to the same numbers, it doesn’t mean that your odds increase over time. The odds will always be the same, no matter which numbers you pick.

• Ignoring the paytable. The paytable is important. Not all games will pay out the same. Before choosing your numbers and wagering, review the paytable to determine which combinations will yield the highest payouts. Check whether the game rewards you more for hitting fewer numbers or more.

• Not checking for bonuses. Some keno variants have multiplier elements, bonus balls, or side bets. These can improve your payouts. If these are low-cost and fit into your existing budget, it might be worth trying them. 

• Skipping variants. Don’t just find one game of keno and stick to it. Different online keno games have slightly different features, odds, and rules. Try a few out to see which one suits you.

• Playing too quickly. Keno is quick. It’s easy to speed your way through your budget. Take a break between each round, and don’t treat the game as a race.

• Forget to track your spending. It’s easy to lose track if you’re playing small amounts. Use the available casino tools, or a simple notepad, to track how much you have spent and won.

There is no guaranteed way to win when playing keno, but playing with a level head can help. When you understand the probabilities and the nuances of each variant, it can also make it more fun. 

Different Keno Variants at Online Casinos

There are several different keno variants available at the best US online casinos. Here are some of the ones you may come across:

Classic Keno+

This is the standard version. Most players are familiar with this. It’s the game we’ve described where you choose between 1 and 15 (sometimes up to 20) numbers out of 80. Then 20 are drawn at random. The payouts awarded depend on how many of your picks match the numbers drawn and the number you initially chose.

Power Keno

This variant introduces a multiplier twist. If the 20th number (the last ball drawn) is one of your chosen numbers, you will have your winnings multiplied. This is often by 4x. It adds a little more excitement to the end of the round.

Dragon Power Keno

During this variant, there will be a “bonus spot” assigned at random before the draw. If this is one of your chosen numbers and it gets drawn, you’ll get a significant payout increase.

Lucky 8 Keno

Lucky 8 Keno retains the core elements of standard keno. You choose numbers and hope they draw. The main twist is that if the number 8 is drawn, there are special bonuses or multipliers. There are sometimes progressive jackpots too. 

Bison Keno

This is a themed variation of keno. It keeps the core rules but adds features linked to a Wild West theme. There may be bonuses, multipliers, or progressive jackpot elements. There are often bison-related animations. 

Egyptian Magic 

This mixes keno with Egyptian mythology and slot-style features. The twist is that there are bonus and bonus games featuring special symbols, such as pyramids, ankhs, and scarabs. The bonus game often means choosing artifacts for mystery prizes.

Each variant is a little different, so it’s worth trying several before playing with real money. Many online casinos offer demo play, allowing you to try out different options and find the one that best suits your playing pace and preferences. Remember, however, to always check the rules and paytable before placing your bets, so there are no surprises.

Responsible Gambling

As with any gambling game, you should always bear in mind how to play responsibly before you begin. Keno can be fast-paced, making it easy to get carried away and think, “Oh, I’ll just have one more game.” Then, before you know it, you’ve spent over your bankroll. 

Firstly, set up a budget and stick to it. Either write down how much you’ve spent (and won) as you go or use the casino’s built-in loss limit or deposit limit tools.

It’s also important to be aware of what problem gambling looks like before you begin. Then, it’s easier to recognize the signs in yourself should you fall down that route. Aim for a positive experience from the start, and use the casino’s self-assessment questionnaire frequently to keep an eye on your playing habits. You can find out more about responsible gambling and the tools available in our responsible gambling section. Alternatively, there is further information available at the International Center for Responsible Gaming or the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), a US-specific organization.