How to Play Keno: Keno Rules & How Does it Work
If you had to name the most underrated Casino game, what would it be?
Many players would say it’s Keno.
Keno is a Casino game where players have to choose 1 to 10 numbers from the given table of numbers ranging from 1 to 80; much like Bingo.
The numbers are then drawn and depending on how many of them you got right, you get a payout.
How to Play Keno: The Rules & How Does it Work?
Traditionally Keno is played with balls imprinted with numbers. All of them put in a circular transparent container where they spin around until 20 of them are drawn.
However, the draw procedure and unique features often vary at different online Casino platforms.
After the players pick their numbers, the Casino software “calls” 20 random numbers which determine the winners.
The payouts in Keno depend on how many numbers marked on the player's card match the ones that have been drawn by the Casino.
The more numbers match, the bigger is the payout.
Keno payouts vary throughout different platforms, so you should get familiar with the particular Keno game paytable before you start playing.
How to Start a Game of Casino Keno
At the beginning of the Keno game, you receive a card or see a table which displays all 80 numbers from 1 to 80.
Place your bet by selecting the numbers you believe will come up during the draw.
Although the common Keno practice is that the players are allowed to mark 1 to 10 numbers on their cards, some online Casino platforms allow up to 15 or even 20 numbers to be marked.
Different platforms also have different betting and payout structures, so take the time to determine the rules and odds at each online Casino before you start wagering.
In order to make playing Keno more interesting, most of the online Casinos offer fun game graphics and animations.
For example, when you play Monkey Keno, instead of the usual setting and drawing, the monkeys are throwing numbered coconuts on the table.
When it comes to KenoLab, you see a chemistry lab-like setting showing Keno table, payouts, and your winnings.
No matter which Keno platform you choose, the rules stay the same. Only the design, bet amount range, and payouts differ.
If you're a lottery or Bingo fan who likes games of chance like Slots, Roulette, or Bingo, you should give Keno a try.
Ultimate Keno Strategy: How to Get Better Chances to Win at Keno
Before you consider any Keno strategy, remember this:
The sequence of numbers that are drawn in Keno is totally random. So, most strategies will give you equal chances of winning. You cannot really affect the odds of the game too much.
But you should choose your own playing style based on what you find comfortable: varied bets, the amount of Keno numbers chosen, etc.
There are a total of 3,535,316,142,212,174,320 possible combinations when drawing twenty out of eighty numbered Keno balls.
Although the number sequence doesn’t matter, the chances of hitting the right numbers are quite low.
But this doesn’t prevent you from creating your own game style.
Here's an example:
Some players tend to bet on numbers that were not drawn yet hoping they would come up eventually. Those are often called cold numbers.
Others wager on numbers that had recently came up or came up most times - the hot numbers.
Although neither of these strategies seems more likely, interesting trends and patterns are common when it comes to randomly drawn numbers.
Most players simply have their favorite or just lucky numbers and their combinations which they bet on.
Others like to wager on successive numbers or numbers in pairs such as 7 and 8 or 24 and 25 as numbers in Keno often seem to come in successive order.
However, none of these techniques carry mathematical advantages over each other. They are more playing styles, rather than strategies.
In Keno the number sequence is random and players have no influence on the outcome of the game.
But it doesn’t mean you cannot follow some Keno tips and tricks...
Keno Tips and Tricks to Beat the House!
Since winning Keno is entirely based on your luck, there is little you can do to influence the outcome of the game.
But depending on how you manage your bankroll you can make winning more likely.
How?
When it comes to bankroll management, there are three basic principles to follow that will make sure you bet safely and avoid spending more than you planned:
- Don't deposit more than you're willing to lose.
- Take advantage of the latest Casino bonuses.
- Make consistent bets: don't try to compensate for losses with bigger bets.
How to Play Keno Games at Online Casinos
There are plenty of Keno games online for you to choose from.
Consider your bankroll and choose a Keno game that offers bets within your desired range. Practice playing different variants to see the differences in payouts.
Fortunately, you can do so completely for free: it’s possible to try demo versions of the games first before you play Keno for real money!
| Keno | Kenotronic | Monkey Keno | Keno Kick Off | Keno Lab | Jackpot Keno | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network: | 1x2 Gaming | 1x2 Gaming | Quickfire | 1x2 Gaming | 1x2 Gaming | 1x2 Gaming |
| Best For: | Beginners | Beginners | Fans of Animated Games | Football Fans | Chemistry Fans | High-Rollers |
| Min/Max Bet: | 0.05/20 | 0.05/20 | 0.1/10 | 0.05/20 | 0.05/20 | 0.01/36 |
| Numbers to Select: | 1-15 | 1-15 | 1-15 | 1-10 | 1-15 | 1-15 |
| Special Features: | Random Selection, Turbo Play | Random Selection, Turbo Play | Hot and Cold Numbers | Random Selection, Turbo Play | Random Selection, Turbo Play | Random Selection, Turbo Play |
| Real Money Play: | Play for Real | Play for Real | Play for Real | Play for Real | Play for Real | Play for Real |
| Demo Play: | Play For Free | Play For Free | Play For Free | Play For Free | Play For Free | Play For Free |
Best Sites to Play Keno Online
For players based in the US, online Keno for real money is available to play only in regulated States such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey.
If you're looking to get started playing Keno right now, then we recommend FanDuel Casino or PokerStars Casino.
For players based outside of the US, there are many options for playing Keno, including these three: 888casino, bet365 Casino and PokerStars Casino.
How To Play Keno & How Does it Work FAQs
What is Keno?
Keno is a casino game that is similar to a lottery. Players choose numbers ranging from 1 through to (usually) 80. After all players in the game have selected their numbers, then 20 numbers are drawn randomly. This is done using a machine similar to bingo or a lottery or a random number generator. You win by matching as many numbers as possible, and your payout will depend on the wager you made.
How can I find free online Keno games?
You can find a number of websites that will allow you to play Keno for free so that you can learn the game without risking any money. Check out our guide to the best Free Online Games.
Can you win at Keno?
Yes, you can win at Keno if the numbers you select match those drawn randomly.
What is the house edge in Keno?
The house edge for Keno can vary, depending on the casino. The edge can range from 5% to 40%, with online casino games usually having a bigger house edge.
How much can you win at Keno?
This depends on many factors, including the house edge of the casino, the amount you wager, and how many numbers you match.
Is Keno skill or luck?
Keno is largely a game of luck, with the probability of certain numbers being picked a significant factor in winning. The more numbers a player selects, the bigger chance of matching a number.
Why is the game called Keno?
Although the game itself has French and Latin roots, the original version is said to have originated in China. The originalname was loosely translated as 'pigeon tickets' or pak-ah-pu in Western spelling. By the time the game had crossed the Pacific to the US in the 19th century, it had evolved to boc hop bu and puck-apu, which were then Anglicised to Keno not long after.
