Keno is a lottery-style casino game that combines the excitement of picking lucky numbers with the convenience of instant results. With roots dating back over 2,000 years to ancient China, Keno has evolved into a popular casino staple offering relaxed gameplay, massive potential payouts, and simple rules anyone can understand in minutes. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about playing Keno, from basic mechanics to understanding odds and paytables.
What Is Keno?
Keno is a numbers game where players select between 1 and 20 numbers from a pool of 80 numbers (numbered 1 through 80). After all bets are placed, 20 numbers are randomly drawn. Players win based on how many of their chosen numbers match the drawn numbers, with payouts determined by a paytable that varies by casino and game type.
The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Unlike poker or blackjack, Keno requires no skill or strategy—you simply pick your numbers and hope they’re drawn. The potential for substantial wins from small stakes, combined with the leisure pace (especially in live Keno lounges), makes it popular amongst players seeking a relaxed gambling experience.
How to Play Keno
Basic Gameplay Steps
Obtain a Keno Ticket: In live Keno lounges, pick up a blank Keno ticket. Online, you’ll see a digital selection grid.
Select Your Numbers (Spots): Choose between 1 and 20 numbers from 1 to 80. The numbers you select are called “spots.” You might play a “6-spot” ticket (six numbers) or a “10-spot” ticket (ten numbers).
Decide Your Wager: Determine how much to bet. Minimum bets vary by casino, typically starting at £1-£5.
Submit Your Ticket: In live Keno, bring your ticket to a Keno writer or use self-service machines. Online, confirm your selections and wager.
Wait for the Draw: Twenty numbers are randomly selected. In live Keno, numbers appear on screens throughout the casino. Electronic/online versions display results immediately.
Check for Wins: Compare your selected numbers to the drawn numbers. Payouts are based on how many “catches” (matches) you achieve.
Collect Winnings: Winning tickets are paid according to the casino’s paytable. In live Keno, present your ticket before the next game begins (tickets expire quickly).
Play Again: Select new numbers for the next game or play the same numbers again using multi-race tickets.
Keno Number Selection
How Many Numbers Should You Pick?
The number of spots you select dramatically affects your odds and potential payouts:
1-4 Spots: Higher probability of catches but lower payouts. Good for conservative players seeking frequent small wins.
5-8 Spots: Balanced approach offering reasonable win frequency with moderate payouts. Most popular choice for recreational players.
9-12 Spots: Decreased win frequency but substantially higher payouts for solid catches. Requires patience and larger bankroll.
13-20 Spots: Very low win probability but massive potential payouts for strong catches. Highly volatile; suitable only for players comfortable with long losing streaks.
Quick Pick vs Personal Selection
Quick Pick: The computer randomly selects your numbers. Convenient and mathematically equivalent to choosing your own numbers.
Personal Selection: Choose your own numbers based on birthdays, lucky numbers, or personal preferences. While no mathematically better than Quick Pick, personal selection adds enjoyment for many players.
Reality Check: Since Keno is purely random, no number selection method affects your odds. Choose whichever method you find most enjoyable.
Understanding Keno Paytables
Paytables vary significantly between casinos, game variants, and even individual Keno machines. Always review the paytable before playing, as it determines your potential returns.
Sample 6-Spot Paytable
- Catch 3: 1:1 (break even or small win)
- Catch 4: 4:1
- Catch 5: 75:1
- Catch 6: 1,500:1
Sample 10-Spot Paytable
- Catch 0: Often pays (paradoxically, catching none of ten numbers is rare enough to pay)
- Catch 5: 2:1
- Catch 6: 20:1
- Catch 7: 140:1
- Catch 8: 1,000:1
- Catch 9: 4,500:1
- Catch 10: 100,000:1 (jackpot)
Paytable Variations
Different casinos offer varying payouts for the same catches. Compare paytables when possible, as better paytables reduce the house edge and increase your expected returns.
Key Factors:
- Minimum catches required to win
- Payout ratios for each catch level
- Presence of consolation prizes (like paying for catching zero numbers)
- Maximum jackpot amounts
Keno Odds and Probabilities
Understanding Keno probabilities helps set realistic expectations.
Odds by Number of Spots
1-Spot Ticket:
- Catch 1: 25% (1 in 4)
- House edge: Typically 25-30%
6-Spot Ticket:
- Catch 3: 12.98%
- Catch 4: 2.85%
- Catch 5: 0.31%
- Catch 6: 0.013% (1 in 7,753)
10-Spot Ticket:
- Catch 0: 4.58%
- Catch 5: 5.14%
- Catch 6: 1.15%
- Catch 7: 0.16%
- Catch 8: 0.014%
- Catch 9: 0.00061%
- Catch 10: 0.000011% (1 in 8,911,711)
House Edge in Keno
Keno typically has one of the highest house edges in the casino, ranging from 25% to 40% depending on the paytable and game variant. This high house edge reflects the game’s lottery-like structure and massive jackpot potential.
Comparison:
- Keno: 25-40%
- Slot machines: 2-15%
- Blackjack: 0.5-2%
- Roulette (European): 2.7%
The high house edge means Keno is entertainment, not a profitable gambling strategy. Expect to lose money over time and play within your means.
Types of Keno Games
Live Keno
Traditional Keno played in casino lounges or restaurants. Games run every few minutes, with results displayed on screens throughout the casino. Provides a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Advantages: Leisurely pace, social environment, time to plan next bets
Disadvantages: Slower gameplay, must collect winnings promptly, limited to casino hours
Video Keno
Electronic Keno machines that function similarly to slot machines. Games run continuously at your chosen pace.
Advantages: Play at your own speed, immediate results, available 24/7, lower minimums
Disadvantages: Faster pace can lead to quicker losses, solitary experience, potentially more addictive
Online Keno
Internet-based Keno accessible from computers or mobile devices. Offers convenience and variety.
Advantages: Play anywhere anytime, wide game selection, often better paytables, free-play options, bonuses available
Disadvantages: No social atmosphere, requires internet connection, may need to verify fairness credentials
Progressive Keno
Features accumulating jackpots that grow until someone wins. Requires specific catches (usually catching all selected numbers) to win the progressive jackpot.
Characteristics: Potential for massive payouts, typically requires higher bets, often features slightly worse base paytables
Power Keno
A variant where one of the twenty drawn numbers is randomly designated as the “Power Ball.” If this number matches one of your selections, all wins are multiplied (typically 4x).
Advantages: Potential for enhanced payouts
Disadvantages: Often requires higher bets or has adjusted base paytables
Super Keno
Similar to Power Keno, but the first drawn number (or last, depending on variant) serves as the multiplier number if it matches your selection.
Way Tickets and Combination Tickets
Advanced Keno tickets allowing you to group numbers and play multiple combinations simultaneously on one ticket.
Example: Mark two groups of three numbers each. You’re actually playing three separate bets—group one, group two, and the combined six-spot ticket.
Advantages: Covers multiple number combinations with one ticket
Disadvantages: More complex, costs multiply with each way, can be confusing for beginners
Keno Strategy and Tips
Accept the High House Edge
Keno’s house edge means it’s one of the worst games mathematically. Approach it as entertainment with low expectations for profit.
Choose Your Spot Count Wisely
4-8 Spots: Offers the best balance of reasonable hit frequency and acceptable payouts. Most recreational players find this range most enjoyable.
10-12 Spots: Higher variance with bigger potential wins but longer dry spells. Requires patience.
1-3 Spots: Very frequent hits but tiny payouts make this less exciting.
15-20 Spots: Extremely high variance. You’ll rarely win, but catches can pay massively.
Compare Paytables
Different casinos and even different machines within the same casino offer varying paytables. Always choose games with the best paytables available.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set Strict Limits: Decide beforehand how much you’ll spend. Stick to this limit regardless of results.
Bet Conservatively: With such high house edges, betting aggressively accelerates losses. Keep bets small relative to your bankroll.
Use Multi-Race Tickets Cautiously: While convenient, multi-race tickets commit you to multiple games. Ensure you’re comfortable with the total expenditure.
Don’t Fall for Number Selection Systems
No number selection strategy affects your odds. Hot and cold numbers, birthday dates, patterns—all are equally random. Pick numbers you enjoy without expecting any mathematical advantage.
Take Breaks
Keno’s repetitive nature and high house edge make extended sessions costly. Play occasionally for entertainment rather than marathon sessions.
Understand It’s Pure Luck
Unlike poker or blackjack, absolutely no skill element exists in Keno. Every draw is completely random and independent.
Common Keno Mistakes
Playing Too Many Games Too Quickly
Video and online Keno can play extremely fast. Slow down to avoid burning through your bankroll rapidly.
Chasing Losses
Increasing bets to recover losses is disastrous with Keno’s high house edge. Maintain consistent betting regardless of results.
Believing in “Due” Numbers
Numbers aren’t due to hit. Each draw is independent. Previous results don’t influence future outcomes.
Ignoring Paytables
Accepting inferior paytables costs money. Always compare options and choose the best available.
Playing Without a Budget
Keno’s high house edge demands strict bankroll limits. Never play with money you can’t afford to lose.
Expecting Consistent Wins
Keno’s mathematics guarantee long-term losses. Approach it as entertainment, not income.
Playing Max Spots for Bigger Jackpots
While 15-20 spot tickets offer massive jackpots, the probability of winning is astronomically low. You’ll likely never win enough to justify the investment.
Special Keno Features and Bets
Bonus Balls and Multipliers
Some Keno variants include special bonus balls or multipliers that enhance payouts when hit.
Bull’s Eye Keno
Designate one of your numbers as the “Bull’s Eye.” If that specific number is among the first drawn, you receive a bonus multiplier.
Heads or Tails
Side bets predicting whether more numbers will be drawn from the top half (1-40) or bottom half (41-80) of the board.
Tournament Keno
Compete against other players in timed Keno tournaments, with prizes for top performers.
Maximising Your Keno Experience
Play During Promotions
Some casinos offer enhanced paytables, multipliers, or bonuses during promotional periods. Take advantage of these opportunities.
Join Player Rewards Programmes
Keno play accrues loyalty points. While the high house edge makes Keno poor for comp generation, use player cards to earn whatever benefits are available.
Set Win Goals
Decide on a profit target that, if reached, signals it’s time to cash out. Don’t let greed eliminate your winnings.
Enjoy the Social Aspects
Live Keno lounges offer relaxed, social environments. Enjoy conversation, complimentary drinks, and the leisurely atmosphere.
Use Free Play Online
Many online casinos offer free Keno games. Practice without risking money to understand the game flow.
Keno Etiquette
Live Keno Lounges
- Submit tickets before the game closes
- Verify tickets immediately after the draw
- Collect winnings before the next game begins (expired tickets are worthless)
- Don’t disturb other players
- Keep noise at reasonable levels
- Tip Keno runners occasionally when they bring drinks or collect/submit tickets
- Be courteous to Keno writers
Video/Online Keno
- Don’t monopolise multiple machines during busy periods
- Be respectful in online chat functions
- Follow casino rules and terms
- Report technical issues promptly
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the house edge in Keno? Typically 25-40% depending on the paytable and game variant—among the highest in the casino.
Can I improve my odds at Keno? No. Keno is purely random. Number selection methods don’t affect outcomes. The only way to “improve” odds is choosing games with better paytables.
How many numbers should I pick? 4-8 spots offers the best balance of win frequency and payout potential for most players. Choice depends on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Do Quick Pick and personal selection have different odds? No. Both methods have identical mathematical odds. Choose whichever you find more enjoyable.
Are some numbers drawn more frequently? No. In fair Keno games, all numbers have equal probability. Perceived patterns are coincidental.
Can casinos rig Keno? Reputable, licensed casinos use certified random number generators or ball-drawing machines. Stick to regulated establishments to ensure fairness.
Is Keno a good way to win money? No. Keno’s high house edge makes it one of the worst gambling games mathematically. Play for entertainment, not profit.
How much should I bet on Keno? Bet amounts you can comfortably afford to lose. With high house edges, expect to lose money over time and budget accordingly.
Conclusion
Keno offers simple, leisurely gambling with the potential for substantial wins from small stakes. Its lottery-like structure appeals to players seeking straightforward entertainment without the complexity of strategy-based games. The high house edge and low probability of significant wins are trade-offs for this accessibility and jackpot potential.
The key to enjoying Keno responsibly is understanding and accepting its mathematics. With house edges ranging from 25-40%, Keno ranks among the casino’s most costly games long-term. Approach it as entertainment with monetary costs rather than an investment or money-making opportunity.
Choose games with better paytables when available, select spot counts matching your risk preferences (4-8 spots for most players), set strict budgets, and view Keno as occasional diversion rather than serious gambling. The relaxed pace and simple mechanics make it perfect for casual play whilst socialising, but the mathematics make extended serious play inadvisable.
Whether you’re playing in a comfortable Keno lounge, at a video machine, or online from home, remember that Keno is a game of pure chance with significant house advantage. Play for fun, bet within your means, and occasionally you might experience the thrill of a substantial hit.