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Everything You Need to Know About Keno: Rules, Strategies, and More

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Read Time: 9 minutes

Keno is a popular lottery-style game played in many casinos and online platforms. It combines elements of both chance and excitement, offering players the possibility of winning large payouts.

At online casinos like OnlineCasinoGames, Lucky Red Casino, and Wild Casino, keno is categorized as a specialty game, along with scratch cards and games like bingo and Plinko.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential aspects of Keno. These aspects include keno gameplay and rules, the odds of winning, strategies for maximizing your chances, and important tips to keep in mind when you play.

What Is Keno?

Keno is a game of chance, usually found in brick-and-mortar casinos or online gambling sites. It’s often likened to a lottery or bingo, but the game mechanics are slightly different.

Players must select numbers from a pool, with the goal to match as many of the chosen numbers with those drawn by the game. The more numbers you match, the bigger your winnings will be.

Typically, keno is played with a Keno card that has 80 numbers. Players select anywhere from 1 to 20 numbers on that card. After all players make their selections, the keno machine or draw system randomly selects 20 numbers. A player’s payout depends on how many of their chosen numbers match the numbers that are drawn.

How to Play Keno

Step 1: Select Your Numbers

When playing keno, the first step is to select your numbers. The Keno card consists of 80 numbers, and these numbers are usually arranged in a 10×8 grid.

Players can choose anywhere from 1 to 20 numbers. However, the number of choices you make may impact your potential winnings.

Generally, the more numbers you choose, the higher the payout will be for matching numbers. That said, the odds of hitting more numbers also decrease when you pick more numbers.

Step 2: Place Your Bet

After selecting your numbers, you will bet on how many numbers you want to play.

The betting amount can vary depending on the casino, but most casinos offer minimum and maximum bet limits. For example, Lucky Red Casino has a minimum keno bet of $0.01 and a maximum keno bet of $5.00.

Also, at some casinos, you may be able to play multiple games on a single ticket. Doing so can increase the overall size of your bets.

Step 3: Watch the Draw

Once all bets are placed, 20 numbers are randomly drawn. Depending on where you are, this is done either by a computer or by a mechanical or electronic Keno machine.

These numbers are drawn one by one, and as they are revealed, you will be able to see how many of your chosen numbers match the drawn numbers.

Step 4: Collect Your Payout

If any of the numbers you pick match up with the drawn numbers, you win.

The amount of your winnings depends on the number of numbers you matched, as well as the specific paytable for the game. The more numbers you match, the higher your payout. The largest payouts coming from matching all 20 numbers. The odds of this occurring are incredibly low, however.

Keno Payouts

Keno payout structure may vary depending on the casino or the specific variation of the game you’re playing.

However, the basic principle remains the same: the more numbers you match, the higher your payout.

What is the generalized paytable for a 20-number Keno game?

1 number matched: Minimal payout (usually the return of your bet or a small multiple).
2-4 numbers matched: Small to moderate payout.
5-9 numbers matched: Higher payout, but still within a smaller range.
10-14 numbers matched: Considerable payout.
15-19 numbers matched: Very large payout.
20 numbers matched: Jackpot payout, which can range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the casino’s rules and the size of your wager.

The odds of all 20 numbers matching are extremely low, but hitting fewer numbers can still produce significant rewards.

Before playing, always be sure to check the paytable. That way, you will understand the specific payouts beforehand for the numbers you select.

Keno Odds

Keno, like all casino games, is based on luck and the randomness of the number draws. The odds of winning at Keno largely depend on how many numbers you select and how many of your chosen numbers match up with the drawn numbers.

The odds of matching exactly a certain number of selections in a game where 20 numbers are drawn out of 80 are as follows:

1 number matched (if you select 1 number): 1 in 4
2 numbers matched (if you select 2 numbers): 1 in 16
5 numbers matched (if you select 5 numbers): 1 in 3,439
10 numbers matched (if you select 10 numbers): 1 in 8,911,711
15 numbers matched (if you select 15 numbers): 1 in 29,030,081
20 numbers matched (if you select 20 numbers): 1 in 3.5 quadrillion

As you can see, the odds of hitting all 20 numbers are astronomically low. So, if you do so, you will have beaten some serious odds.

However, by matching fewer numbers, you can increase your chances of winning. On the other hand, your payout will be smaller.

Strategies for Keno Success

While Keno is primarily a game of chance, players can employ some strategies to make the most of their betting experience.

Please keep in mind that there is no guaranteed way to win at Keno due to its random nature. However, employing at least a few of the following strategies may improve your chances of success.

Play Fewer Numbers

One popular strategy is to play fewer numbers. Yes, the potential payout is smaller if you do so. However, the odds of winning increase significantly.

For instance, if you play 1 or 2 numbers, you have a much higher chance of matching your selections compared to playing 15 or 20 numbers.

Focus on the Payouts

Before playing, always check the paytable.

Casinos may offer different payout structures, and depending on their rules, some games may have a higher or lower return. Ensure that the paytable reflects favorable odds based on the numbers you decide to choose.

Avoid “Hot” or “Cold” Numbers

Some Keno players believe in the idea of “hot” and “cold” numbers, with the thought that certain numbers are more likely to appear.

Hot numbers are those that have appeared frequently in recent draws. Cold numbers are those that haven’t appeared in a while.

While this is all down to superstition and has no impact whatsoever on the randomness of the draws, some players enjoy tracking these hot and cold numbers for fun. Remember to only do it in fun and not with the idea or expectation that it will influence whether or how much you win.

Play Consistently

Are you looking for a long-term keno strategy? Playing consistently can help you become familiar with the game’s nuances and payouts.

However, Keno is ultimately a game of chance. Therefore, playing the game regularly does not guarantee success.

That said, some players consider it beneficial to largely or completely stick to using the same numbers for each game. This is done with the belief that their selections will eventually come up.

Set a Budget

Keno can be a fast-paced game, so it can be very easy to get caught up in the excitement.

Setting a budget before you start playing can help you avoid spending more than you should.

So, before you play, decide how much you’re willing to wager. Stick to this limit, regardless of whether you win or lose.

Keno Variants

Keno Variations

As with other casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, there are several different variations of keno. Each keno variant offers unique twists on the traditional gameplay.

Some keno variants are more common in land-based casinos, while others are popular at online casinos such as Wild Casino. They offer six different keno games, much more than many other real money online casinos.

Here are some of the most popular variations:

Video Keno

Video Keno is typically played on a machine similar to a slot machine.

It works the same way as traditional keno, but players can play faster and often have access to bonus features. The machines are often located in casinos or available online.

Power Keno

Power Keno is a variant in which players can choose to activate a “power” feature. This feature multiplies the payouts for certain numbers. That often provides a greater chance for bigger wins.

However, the cost of playing Power Keno is generally higher due to the additional multiplier.

Way Keno

Way Keno gives players the ability to make multiple combinations of number selections.

For instance, if you choose six numbers, you can play them in several different combinations (e.g., playing groups of two or three numbers). That increases the total number of bets you are placing.

Keno Plus

Keno Plus is another variation where players can choose to add a multiplier to their bet. This multiplier may significantly increase your payouts if you win. That adds an extra layer of excitement to an already exciting game.

Three Key Keno Tips

Start Small: If you’re new to Keno, start with a small bet and fewer numbers to get a feel for the game. Exercising a cautious approach early on minimizes the risk while still offering the excitement of playing.
Know the Odds: Understand the odds of winning based on how many numbers you choose. Sure, it may be tempting to pick many numbers for larger payouts. But if you do that, you do so with the knowledge that the odds of winning decrease as you increase the number of selections.
Play for Fun: Remember that keno, like other casino games, is a game of chance. As a result, there is no surefire way to guarantee a win. Play keno for fun and enjoy the experience without expecting to hit a big, life-changing jackpot.

Conclusion

Keno is a fun and exciting game of chance that offers the thrill of a lottery-style game in a casino setting.

For new keno players, the simple rules and easy-to-understand gameplay make it accessible and enjoyable. For seasoned gamblers, the potential for big payouts keeps keno enticing.

Whether you are playing at a physical casino or enjoying a game online at one of the best online casinos for U.S. players, understanding the odds, selecting your numbers wisely, and following a few useful keno strategies can help you have a more rewarding experience no matter how much you win.

Finally, always remember to play responsibly and within your budget.