How to Play Keno – Simple Guide to Keno Rules

By

Lindsey Jones

Lindsey Jones Sports Editor

Lindsey is a passionate writer dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise about online gambling, in particular online casinos. She makes an effort to provide readers with articles that are informative and easy to understand. Lindsey joined Sports Talk Philly in 2023, having previously written for sites such as Basketball Insiders, Augusta Free Press and Business 2 Community.

All posts by Lindsey Jones

Sports Editor

Updated 09 Oct 2024

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Keno is a casino game of luck and seems to be one of the most underrated games available. No mathematical strategies have been proven to help a player win at keno, which is similar to Bingo. It is based on the random drawing of numbers and covering the corresponding numbers on your keno tickets.

In this guide, we reveal all there is to know about the game. You will learn how to play keno, the odds and payouts, the best number combinations, and where to play keno.

How to Play Keno

Once you understand the rules of keno, playing the game is straightforward and simple. We have created a few short steps to follow, and your game should run smoothly if you follow these steps.

1. Receive your keno card – In casinos, keno cards are usually found in specific keno lounges. The numbers on the card/ticket you receive will match the numbers in the aerated keno machine.
2.  Select your keno numbers of choice and mark them on your card – You will now start filling out the numbers you wish to bet on. Each of the numbers you select is called a keno spot. Your card will be arranged with 8 rows and 10 keno spots. The card will specify how many numbers you are allowed to choose, depending on the variant of the game you are playing.
3. Choose your betting amount and how many games you wish to play – Each keno card offers you the option of playing multiple games with the same chosen numbers. You also have the option of multiplying your betting amount to increase your winning total if your spots are selected. You will make your decisions and indicate your choices of your keno card.
4. Hand your keno card in – Once you have selected your numbers, hand your card to an official who will factor your numbers into the next game played. You will receive an electronic copy of your keno card, so you can follow the game as the numbers are called out.
5. Wait for the keno machine to determine your results – Look out for the electronic boards placed around the venue you are playing at for the results of the game to be shown. Match the numbers on the screen displayed to the numbers on your ticket. If you have a match, you win. How much money you will win will depend on the numbers chosen as well as how much you wagered.
6. Declare your winnings – If you have a winning number, call a keno worker over to receive your payout. Select an electronic keno card to verify your matches and receive your payout.

What is Keno?

Keno originated in China and is a lottery-style game offered by many of the best online casinos. The rules of keno are very similar to the lottery rules. Players need to select a certain number of numbers, normally between 1 and 15, from 1 to 80 on the keno ticket. The ticket has 8 rows each with 10 numbers in it. 20 numbered balls will randomly be selected from a machine and players bet that the balls drawn will match their chosen numbers.

Keno is a game of chance as there is no way of telling which balls will be randomly drawn.

Keno Rules

One of the easiest games to play, keno is great for players just starting out their gambling journey. You can play keno in Pennsylvania at the best online casinos. It is easy to get the hang of and start playing for real money right away. Although it is a simple game without many detailed keno rules, we have come up with a short list of important factors for you to remember and follow in order to understand and play the game properly. If you remember these few points, you shouldn’t have any hassles.

1. A keno card/ticket has numbers 1 to 80 that appear on it.
2. Depending on where you are playing from, players will select between 1 and 15, sometimes 20 numbers of their choice.
3. There will be 20 numbers randomly drawn from a pool of all 80 numbers.
4. The object of the game is for players to select which numbers they think will be drawn. This is what you will bet on, and it is done before the numbers are drawn.
5. After the draw you will receive your winnings based on the numbers drawn and your numbers selected.

How to Play Keno Online

Once you have the hang of playing keno, you won’t have any problems when learning how to play keno online. Playing keno online and at the best offshore casinos is very much the same as playing at a brick-and-mortar casino.

The main difference is that instead of physically buying your keno card, once you log on to the online casino and select the keno game of your choice, the keno card will appear on your screen. You will select your numbers the same way but have the option of picking your own or having the computer randomly pick for you. Then, place your bets using the numbers at the bottom.

You will start the round by simply clicking ‘Play’ and ‘Draw.’ Random Number Generator (RNG) is used to draw the numbered balls. Check your results, receive your winnings, and decide whether you want to play again.

Different Keno Bets

When playing keno, you can make a few different bet types. Make sure you understand these different bet types, and you shouldn’t have any problems.

How to Check Keno Tickets

Depending on where you are playing from will determine how you check your keno tickets. If you are playing at a land-based casino, there will generally be screens up in a keno lounge where all ticket numbers will be displayed. You will check for your corresponding ticket number. The keno numbers drawn will be displayed on the screen for your convenience so you can see if you have any winning numbers or combinations.

If you are not playing at a land-based casino, there are different ways you can check your ticket. Depending on where you get the ticket from. Some places will put the results online for you to check, or you can go to the place where you purchased the ticket, and they will check for you.

If you are playing at an online casino, the numbers will be shown automatically. All online casinos will be a little different and have their own way for you to check your keno ticket. Make sure you are familiar with how you are meant to check your ticket before you start playing the game.

How to Win at Keno

Winning at keno comes down to predominantly luck, but you can add a small element of skill for even better results. The few tips we are going to provide you are simple yet effective and can go a long way. It is important to remember that all keno numbers are drawn by a Random Number Generator (RNG), so there are no patterns that you will be able to spot or certain keno strategies that will help you. If you incorporate the tips listed below into your keno games, you will minimize your losses and boost your chances of winning.

1. Play at reliable and reputable sites: Only play keno at online casinos that are safe and hold the relevant licenses. Check this before you get started.
2. Check the keno payouts: Look for keno games with a lower house edge and bigger keno payout. You want to choose the games with the best possible payouts.
3. Know the odds of winning: Keep these in mind when placing your bets. You do not want to bet on too many or too few numbers.
4. Understand the important keno terms: Familiarizing yourself with the key keno terms is important for smooth gameplay.
5. Practice for free: Try out free keno games before you bet for real money. This way, you will get a good feeling of how things work.
6. Take advantage of bonuses: Many online gambling sites will offer generous online casino bonuses for keno. Use these extra funds to your advantage and hopefully boost your winnings.
7. Take your time when betting: Do not rush your bets; take your time and make sure you are certain about your bets.
8. Use a strategy when placing your bets: This will help you set a goal for yourself to obtain the best values for your bets.
9. Take advantage of multi-race cards: This will help you track your winnings and your losses more easily. It will also save you time and create a more smooth running experience.
10. Play responsibly: Before beginning always set yourself a balance. Stick to this limit. When playing keno, you can bet small and still win big. Always practice responsible gambling.

Keno Payouts

When playing online keno, everything is done automatically. Keno payouts can range anywhere from 1x to 200,000x your bet depending on how many numbers you match. It is also important to take note that not all keno games will have the same payouts. Below we have created an example payout chart based on a $1 bet per game, with 80 numbers in total and a maximum pick of 10 numbers.

Keno Odds

Keno odds are very straightforward. The odds are based on the amount of numbers selected by the player and how many of these are matched. The more numbers you select, the better your odds are of catching them. These odds will also determine the prizes. Most keno games use 80 numbered balls to determine results, and every “spot” you choose on your card that gets matched is a “catch.” In a typical round, only 20 balls get drawn. Therefore, each spot has 1 in 4 odds, or a 25% chance, of showing up in a drawing.

Here is a keno odds example:

• Player A chooses nine numbers – the odds of matching 5 numbers are 1 in 31.

• Player B chooses seven numbers – the odds of matching 5 numbers are 1 in 116.

• Player C chooses five numbers – the odds of matching 5 numbers are 1 in 1,551.

How Many Numbers Are in Keno?

Keno has 80 numbers. A virtual machine that is called a hopper randomly draws 20 numbers. In a land-based casino, a machine will draw numbered balls, the balls drawn are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), so there is no way to know which balls will be drawn. Players will pick their numbers, the number of numbers they choose will vary depending on the keno game they are playing. It is usually between 1 and 15/20 numbers. Depending on the amount of numbers bet and how many numbers match the draw, the game calculates the players winnings as the balls come out.

How Many Numbers Do You Need to Win Keno?

Depending on the amount of numbers you choose as well as how many numbers you match with the drawn numbers will determine what your winnings will be. You can match anywhere from one to 15/20 numbers depending on the game you are playing. We have discussed the possible odds and payouts for different scenarios of the game above.

What Numbers Hit the Most in Keno?

It is vital to know and remember that every number in a game of keno has the same chance of being drawn. The numbers and numbered balls are all drawn randomly, so nobody will have an upper hand when playing keno. There are, however, many experts who have done analysis and statistical research on keno and the numbers that have been drawn over a long period of time. It emerged that there are a few best-rated numbers out of the 80 possible keno numbers.

Below we have created a table showing the most common 10 numbers drawn in keno and the percentage they have been drawn. This may help you in deciding on your next set of numbers for your next game of keno.

Where to Play Keno – Top Online Keno Casinos

Now that you have read our informative guide on how to play keno, you should be ready to start playing the best keno games. Whether your lucky numbers are based on a special occasion or the most commonly drawn numbers outlined in this guide, you now have all the information and tips required to begin playing for real money. If you’re interested in more privacy-focused options, consider trying a no KYC casino, where you can play keno without the need for extensive identity verification.

The next step is to sign up to play keno at a top-ranked online casino and receive a generous welcome bonus to help you on your way. A wide variety of keno games are available at these casinos, such as traditional keno, 40 ball keno, video keno, keno megapays, and keno fortunes, and each platform has been independently vetted by our team of casino gambling experts.

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How Does Keno Work FAQs