Keno is a game of chance that has been around for centuries and is a kind of mashup between lottery and bingo. The basics of this beloved game involve selecting 10-20 numbers from a pool of 1-80. Once selections and bets are made, 20 numbers are randomly drawn. If a player’s numbers match the ones drawn at random, they win according to the payout table associated with the game.
Players obviously do not need to draw all correct numbers to win either, they just need to be better than the rest. These are essentially the core principles of playing keno online as well.
Now that you know how to play keno online, let’s get into how this iconic game came into being.
The Origins and Evolution of Keno
Keno has a storied history that dates back to ancient China. According to one legend, Keno was invented to save a city under siege, and eventually its popularity helped fund the construction of the Great Wall of China. The game used sheets (tokens) with Chinese characters, often the first eighty from the Thousand Character Classic.
Keno made its way to the United States in the 19th century, brought by Chinese immigrants who worked on building the first transcontinental railroad. Originally known as “boc hop bu” or pigeon tickets, it was eventually Americanised to “keno” and spread across the country.
How to Play Keno Online
Playing Keno online offers the same excitement as traditional Keno, with added convenience and enhanced features. Instead of a physical draw, online Keno games use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine the winning numbers. This ensures fair play and unpredictability.
Online Keno games often feature superior graphics and engaging themes. One significant advantage of playing keno online is the ability to play anytime, anywhere. Players can quickly make selections, place bets, and see how much they won in seconds. Also, many online casinos, like Stake, offer huge bonuses and promotions with a 1% house edge that makes for fair and fun keno games.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing Keno online:
- Choose Numbers: Select the numbers on a Keno card, which consists of squares numbered 1-80. Each number is a “spot.”
- Check the Pay Table: Review the paytable to understand the potential payouts for matching a specific number of spots.
- Place Bets: Decide how much to wager and make the bet.
- Draw and Match: The game will randomly draw 20 numbers. If a player’s numbers match, they win according to the paytable.
- Collect the Winnings: Based on the number of matches, collect the payout and decide whether to play another round.
Types of Keno Games Online
Online Keno has many exciting variations with fresh and engaging gameplay:
- Power Keno: Win a 4x multiplier if the last drawn ball matches one their your picks.
- Mini Keno: Draws 10 balls from 40: a quicker game.
- Way Ticket Keno: Allows multiple games on a single ticket, similar to a lottery.
- Progressive Jackpot Keno: Offers massive jackpots for an additional side bet.
- Bonus Spot Keno: Awards a multiplier of 4x-10x if the first drawn ball matches your selection.
- Live Dealer Keno: Features real-life dealers drawing balls in real time.
The Basic Rules of Keno
The rules of Keno are simple:
- Select Numbers: Choose a set of numbers (spots) between 1 and 80.
- Place Your Bet: Decide how much to wager.
- Draw Numbers: 20 numbers are drawn at random.
- Match and Win: Match the drawn numbers to win according to the paytable.
The more numbers that are matched, the higher the payout. On average, the highest payouts are typically awarded to players who match eight to nine numbers, while most players will get anywhere between 3-5.
| Numbers Picked | Winnings (for 1.00 ticket) | Odds |
| 1 | 1 | 1 in 4 |
| 2 | 10 | 1 in 17 |
| 3 | 25 | 1 in 73 |
| 4 | 50 | 1 in 327 |
| 5 | 500 | 1 in 1,551 |
| 6 | 1,500.00 | 1 in 7,753 |
| 7 | 5,000.00 | 1 in 40,980 |
| 8 | 15,000.00 | 1 in 230,115 |
| 9 | 25,000.00 | 1 in 1,380,688 |
| 10 | 200,000.00 | 1 in 8,911,712 |
Different Types of Keno Bets
Players can make different types of bets in keno games online:
- Straight Tickets: A single set of chosen numbers.
- Way Tickets: Multiple sets of numbers grouped together.
- King Number Tickets: One number is added to all groupings, playing alone as well.
- Split Tickets: Combines more than one straight bet on a single ticket.
- Progressive Jackpots: Requires a side bet for a chance at a massive jackpot.
So, is Keno the Same as Bingo?
No! While both involve numbers, they differ significantly. In Keno, players select their numbers, whereas in Bingo, players use pre-printed cards. Keno games are faster and offer larger jackpots, particularly with progressive jackpots and bonus offers available online.
Strategies to Play Keno Online
While Keno is fundamentally a game of chance, there are a few strategies and tips players can use to potentially improve their odds. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Understand the Pay Table
Before playing, understand the pay table of the specific Keno game you are playing. Different games and casinos may have different payouts for the number of matches.
2. Manage that Bankroll
Set a budget for how much you are willing to spend on Keno and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away with the fast pace of the game, so maintaining a strict budget helps in avoiding unnecessary losses.
3. Select a Balanced Number of Spots
While picking more numbers increases the potential payout, it also decreases the probability of hitting a significant match. Conversely, picking too few numbers may not yield significant returns. A balanced approach is to choose between 4 to 8 numbers, which offers a reasonable chance of winning while still providing decent payouts.
4. Consistency in Number Selection
Some players prefer to stick with the same set of numbers for multiple games. While Keno results are random and previous outcomes do not affect future results, some players find it comforting and potentially lucky to stick with their favorite numbers.
5. Use Bonus Offers
Many online casinos offer bonuses and promotions that can enhance your bankroll. Look for Keno-specific bonuses or general casino bonuses that can be used on Keno. These can get players extra playing funds and increase their chances of winning.
6. Play at Reputable Casinos
Ensure that you play Keno at trusted and reputable online casinos. This guarantees fair play and reliable payouts. Reputable casinos like Stake use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure the randomness and fairness of each draw.
7. Consider Different Keno Variations
Experiment with different variations of Keno that might offer better odds or more enjoyable gameplay. For example:
- Power Keno: Offers a multiplier if the last ball drawn matches your pick.
- Mini Keno: Involves fewer numbers, potentially increasing your chances of winning smaller prizes.
- Progressive Jackpot Keno: Offers the potential for large payouts if you’re willing to place side bets.
8. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Game
Remember, at the end of it all: Keno is a game of chance. Outcomes are random, and there is no guaranteed strategy for winning. Play for enjoyment and view any winnings as a bonus rather than an expectation.
