If you want to gamble without taking too much risk, keno is a great choice for you. Playing keno is like playing the lottery, but you have a better chance of winning. In keno, you pick numbers on a ticket, and you win money if some of your numbers are selected. It’s that simple! This easy-to-understand game is popular everywhere, from bars and casinos to online platforms. Keep reading to learn how to play and win at keno, the game of chance. Improve your keno skills and get ready to win big!
You’ve just finished reading our expert guide to playing keno. Are you ready to start winning with the best keno numbers for you? Your lucky numbers could come from special occasions or from the numbers that appear most often. Either way, you now have the skills to play keno at a top casino!
What is Keno?
Keno is a gambling game that feels like a lottery. You can play it at modern casinos or find it in some lotteries. In Keno, players bet by choosing numbers from 1 to 80. After everyone makes their choices, the game randomly picks 20 numbers (sometimes fewer). This can happen using a ball machine, like in lotteries and bingo, or a random number generator.
Each casino decides its own payouts, known as “paytables.” Players earn money based on how many numbers they chose, how many of those numbers match the drawn numbers, and how much they bet.
Keno paytables vary from casino to casino. Keno usually has a higher “house edge” compared to other games, which means the casino has a better chance of winning. The house edge can range from less than 4% to over 35% for online play, and between 20-40% in physical casinos. In comparison, most non-slot casino games have a house edge of under 5%.
Keno Card Explained
At the beginning of a keno game, you get a card with the numbers 1 to 80. You use this card to mark or circle the numbers you think will show up in the draw. Usually, you can mark up to 10 numbers, but some online keno games let you choose up to 15 or 20 numbers.
Three Keno Essentials
- Keno has 80 numbers: In real casinos, a machine called a “keno hopper” draws the numbered balls.
- Players pick their numbers: Most games allow you to choose between 1 and 15 numbers, but this can vary by game.
- Winning numbers: Your winnings depend on how many numbers you bet on and how many of your numbers match the draw.
What is a Keno Spot?
In keno, the numbers that players choose are called spots. Traditionally, players mark these spots using ink or crayon, similar to how they mark their cards in bingo. In video keno and online keno, players select their spots by clicking the mouse or tapping on their mobile devices.
Additionally, Spot Keno refers to the basic version of the game. This version does not have features like extra balls, multipliers, or special combinations.
How to Play Keno
Follow this guide to learn how to play keno.
1. Select Your Keno Card
A keno card shows up to 80 numbers.
2. Choose Your Numbers
Depending on the game, you can pick up to 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each keno draw. Each number you pick is called a “keno spot.”
3. Check the Payout Table
In online keno, the payout table appears after you select your numbers. It shows how much you can win if you match certain numbers. The more numbers you match, the bigger the payout. Some keno games also pay out if you match no numbers after selecting a certain amount.
4. Choose Your Bet Size
Decide if you want to play multiple games with the same numbers. You can also choose to increase your bet size if your winning spots get drawn.
5. The Game Begins
The drawn numbers will show up on your screen. You will also see hot and cold keno numbers—hot numbers have come up recently, while cold numbers have not.
6. Match a Number
If one of your selected numbers gets drawn, you “catch a spot.” The number of spots you catch determines how much you win.
Keno Odds Payouts
| How many numbers chosen | How many of them get drawn & Payout |
|---|---|
| One | One 1 to 1 |
| Two | One 1 to 1, two 9 to 1 |
| Three | One 1 to 1, two 2 to 1, three 16 to 1 |
| Four | One 0.5 to 1, two 2 to 1, three 6 to 1, four 12 to 1 |
| Five | One 0.5 to 1, two 1 to 1, three 3 to 1, four 15 to 1, five 50 to 1 |
| Six | One 0.5 to 1, two 1 to 1, three 2 to 1, four 3 to 1, five 30 to 1, six 75 to 1 |
| Seven | One 0.5 to 1, two 0.5 to 1, three 1 to 1, four 6 to 1, five 12 to 1, six 36 to 1, seven 100 to 1 |
| Eight | One 0.5 to 1, two 0.5 to 1, three 1 to 1, four 3 to 1, five 6 to 1, six 19 to 1, seven 90 to 1, eight 720 to 1 |
| Nine | One 0.5 to 1, two 0.5 to 1, three 1 to 1, four 2 to 1, five 4 to 1, six 8 to 1, seven 20 to 1, eight 80 to 1, nine 1200 to 1 |
| Ten | One 0, two 0.5 to 1, three 1 to 1, four 2 to 1, five 3 to 1, six 5 to 1, seven 10 to 1, eight 30 to 1, nine 600 to 1, ten 1800 to 1 |
Difference Between Keno and Bingo
In keno, players choose specific numbers to bet on. In bingo, players receive a card with random numbers. You don’t place bets in bingo. Instead, in keno, you select your numbers, sets, and think about the game’s odds.
Although both games involve a number card and a draw, keno requires more player participation and decision-making. New players often think keno is just like bingo, but keno strategy resembles picking lottery numbers more than playing bingo. In fact, bingo and keno are quite different from each other.
FAQs
How do you play keno and win?
To win in real money keno, match more numbers. The more numbers you match, the more cash you can win. Payouts can change a lot based on the type of game and the types of bets. Don’t try to win back your losses; it all depends on luck. Check out our guide on how to play keno for more details.
What are the odds of winning keno?
In a typical game with 80 balls and 20 drawn, you have a 1 in 4 chance of getting one number right. The odds and payouts in keno depend on how many numbers you choose. Visit our guide on how to play keno for more information.
How many numbers do you need to bet on to play keno?
Many players think that betting on four to eight numbers works best in keno. Each game might be different, but you can usually pick up to 10, 15, or 20 numbers. Also, some casinos may have minimum betting amounts.
Can you play keno online on your phone?
Yes, you can play keno on many mobile devices and tablets. Not all online casinos offer mobile keno, but many do. Many casino sites and apps provide easy ways to pick your keno numbers.
What are the best keno number combinations?
Winning in keno comes down to luck; there’s no strategy for finding the best number combinations. Each number from 1 to 80 has the same chance of appearing. However, some players like to follow ‘hot numbers’ that show up more often.
What is the best keno strategy?
No keno strategy can guarantee a win. Some players think picking between four and eight numbers is the key to success. But remember, every keno draw is random and unpredictable.
