Keno is a fun, lottery-style game where you pick numbers and hope they match the ones drawn. In this guide, we’ll cover how to play keno, explain bets and share useful tips.
How Keno Works
Keno cards contain four sections – the first of which is where you select the number of spots (numbers). Most keno games feature a selection between numbers 1 to 80. The third column refers to the number of consecutive games you wish to play.
You can usually pick between a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10 numbers (but some games allow up to 15-20). Higher selections increase your potential payouts. Then you can see how many of your selections match. Each keno game may have different payout structures, but most will provide a pay table.
How to Play Keno Online
With these steps, you’re ready to start playing keno:
- Select your keno card: Choose a card to begin.
- Choose your numbers: Pick the numbers you believe will appear in the draw or use the Quick Pick option to select random.
- Check the payout table: Review it to see how much you can win.
- Place your bet: Decide how much you want to wager. You can bet on a single game or multiple rounds. Make sure to only bet what you can afford to lose.
- Wait for the draw: Once the draw begins, 20 numbers will be randomly selected. The game will highlight any of your chosen numbers that match.
- Match your numbers: The more numbers you match, the higher your payout. If none match, some games offer a consolation prize.
Keno Bets
There are several types of bets you can place to suit your style. Playing with more cards gives the possibility to place more complex bets.
Straight Bet
Choose any numbers, usually about 10-15, and bet on them in a single game. It’s the simplest and most common type of bet.
Way Bet
Choose a group of numbers and split them into subgroups, in different ways. These ways don’t allow including repeated numbers.
Combination Bet
Select multiple groups of numbers, which can combine straight and way bets. They are all played together on one ticket.
Split Bet
Bet on several sets of numbers in one game. They are played separately in a game.
King Ticket Bet
Pick one King number. Add it to all your groups. It can also play separately.
Pro Tip:Starting with a Straight Bet. It’s low-risk and lets you focus on getting familiar with the game.
Keno Odds and Payouts
Here’s an illustrative table to give you an idea of the odds and payouts based on your bet. These are examples. Your results may vary depending on the rules.
| Numbers chosen | How many drawn | Odds | Payout | Payout for $1 Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | One | 1 in 3 | 1 to 1 | $1 |
| Two | One | 1 in 4 | 1 to 1 | $1 |
| Two | 1 in 16 | 9 to 1 | $9 | |
| Three | One | 1 in 4 | 1 to 1 | $1 |
| Two | 1 in 12 | 2 to 1 | $2 | |
| Three | 1 in 73 | 16 to 1 | $16 | |
| Four | One | 1 in 5 | 0.5 to 1 | $0.50 |
| Two | 1 in 12 | 2 to 1 | $2 | |
| Three | 1 in 43 | 6 to 1 | $6 | |
| Four | 1 in 327 | 12 to 1 | $12 | |
| Five | One | 1 in 5 | 0.5 to 1 | $0.50 |
| Two | 1 in 10 | 1 to 1 | $1 | |
| Three | 1 in 25 | 3 to 1 | $3 | |
| Four | 1 in 90 | 15 to 1 | $15 | |
| Five | 1 in 1550 | 50 to 1 | $50 |
How to Choose Keno Numbers
One popular approach is to focus on hot and cold numbers: hot numbers appear frequently, while cold numbers are drawn less often. Some players choose hot numbers, while others opt for cold numbers, expecting them to be “due”. Remember, keno is a game of chance. Its outcomes are determined by random number generators (RNGs).
Pro Tip:The best strategy is to start small—pick around 5 numbers and observe which ones tend to appear more frequently. For a more balanced approach, consider selecting a mix of both hot and cold numbers.
Another strategy is to pick consecutive numbers, as some players believe they can appear more often. The best advice? Stick to choosing 4 to 8 numbers—it’s the sweet spot for balancing odds and payouts.
Keno Variations
Read about the most popular keno variations below.
- Super Keno: Same as regular keno, but if you match the first ball drawn, your winnings are multiplied by four.
- Power Keno: If the player gets the 20th ball drawn, their winnings are multiplied by four.
- Video Keno: This version has bonus rounds and free spins, giving it more of a slot-machine feel.
- Jackpot Keno: This game is linked to progressive jackpots and can offer bigger prizes for matching more numbers.
- Live Dealer Keno: Featuring real-time draws streamed from a physical tombola, this variation adds the live casino vibe to your game.
Keno Strategies
While there are no foolproof strategies, certain methods are widely believed to diversify gameplay. They are based on common approaches used by players, though they come with no guarantees.
- Risk spreading: In multi-card keno, diversify your bets by selecting a group of six numbers and distributing them across multiple cards in varying combinations. If you choose numbers 2, 12, 23, 42, 50, and 70, you might mark 50, 42, 2, and 71 on one card; 2, 50, 42, and 23 on another; and 12, 2, 42, and 23 on a third.
- Double up: This method involves doubling your bet after each loss (Martingale system), but without reverting to the original bet upon a win. If you start with a $3 bet and lose, your next bet would be $6, then $12, and so on. Be aware of substantial losses.
Note:The risk-spreading strategy is advisable for beginners. It allows you to cover more number combinations without escalating your bets.
Top Ticks and Tricks to Play Keno Online
Keno is a game of pure chance. With over 3.5 quadrillion possible combinations for selecting 20 numbers from 80, the odds are steep. It’s important to remember that keno offers one of the highest house edges in the casino, ranging up to as high as 20%-40%. All it makes the game high-risk but high-reward. We recommend applying the actions below to play it:
- Opt for games with better payouts: Learn the paytable and select games with the highest payouts.
- Start with small bets: Begin by placing the minimum bet. It helps you get a feel for the game without risking too much upfront.
- Choose 4-8 numbers: Betting on too many numbers lowers your payout. Stick to selecting between four and eight numbers for the best balance of risk and reward.
- Manage your time and money: Set a budget for both your playing time and spending to avoid impulsive decisions.
- Play at reputable casinos: Always choose licensed casinos with solid payouts to ensure a secure and fair gaming experience.
As long as you remember the basics of the game, you can have fun and understand why so many people choose it.
