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Online Keno is a popular lottery-style casino game that is easy to learn and play. In this guide, we’ll show you how to play it, what the payouts and bet types are and how to increase your chances of winning.
What is Keno
In Keno, you pick numbers and hope they match ones drawn randomly. Depending on how many you got right, you get a payout which is calculated based on the paytable of a specific game.
This casino game is purely based on luck and there are no strategies involved.
Introducing the Essentials
Before we show you how to play Keno, let’s introduce you to the essentials of the game.
The Keno Card
Keno is played with a grid of numbers, usually from 1 to 80. This is called a Keno card.
Players select specific numbers (or “spots”), place bets, and then hope their chosen numbers match those randomly drawn to win prizes.
Payouts
Players will win based on how many numbers they guessed correctly. The more numbers match the ones drawn by the casino, the bigger the payout will be.
Payouts are based on the game’s paytable. With fewer selected numbers, the odds of winning are higher and more selected numbers will give better payouts against lower odds.
A paytable appears as soon as numbers are selected by the player.
In Keno, not every match guarantees a payout. The minimum number of matches required to receive any payout depends on the number of spots you've chosen.
How to Play Keno Online Step-by-step Guide:
Choose your bet: Select the amount you want to bet by adjusting the bet size or denomination. This can usually be done by clicking on the appropriate buttons.
Select your numbers: You can usually select between 10 and 15 or 20 numbers from the Keno grid. The available numbers are typically displayed as 1 to 40 or 1 to 80.
Some Keno games allow you to select a specific number of spots, while others have a fixed number of spots you must pick.
The selected numbers are typically highlighted or marked in some way.
You can also use an "Auto Pick" or "Quick Pick" option to have the computer randomly select your numbers.
Check the payout table: Once you've made your selections, a payout table will appear on the screen. This table outlines the payouts, based on the number of matches you receive.
More matches mean higher payouts yet when you select more numbers, you might need a greater number of matches to win.
Set the number of rounds and start the game: Decide how many rounds you want to play with the same selected numbers. You can usually choose to play a single round or multiple rounds with the same numbers by clicking on designated buttons, such as “Play One” or “Play 5.”
Watch the draw: A set of 20 numbers are drawn randomly from the pool of 80 numbers. These drawn numbers will appear on the screen as they are selected, either on your card or in another field next to it.
Check for wins: After the draw, the game will automatically compare the numbers you selected with the drawn numbers. If you match enough numbers to win, your winnings will be calculated based on the paytable.
Repeat or cash out: You can choose to play another round with the same numbers or adjust your bet and numbers for the next game. If you're ready to cash out, go to the cashier section of the online casino and request a withdrawal.
Keno Bet Types
Depending on the game, there are several bet types you can choose from, each with varying odds and potential payouts.
Straight Bet: You select a set of numbers and if all your chosen numbers match the drawn numbers, you win.
Split Bet: You divide your chosen numbers into two groups, betting that both groups will match some of the drawn numbers.
Way Bet: This allows you to choose multiple sets of numbers on a single ticket, increasing your chances of winning by covering various combinations.
Combination Bet: You select a group of numbers and bet on all possible combinations within that group, offering more opportunities to win.
King Bet: You choose one number as your "king" and combine it with other numbers, increasing the chances of hitting at least one winning combination.
Multi-Race Bet: You can place bets on the same set of numbers for multiple Keno games in a row, potentially winning in each game.
Top/Bottom Bet: You split the Keno board into two sections (top and bottom) and bet that more of your numbers will appear in one section than the other.
Quick Pick: The computer randomly selects your numbers for you, making it a quick and easy way to play.
Exacta Bet: You predict the exact order in which two specified numbers will be drawn.
Superfecta Bet: You predict the exact order in which four specified numbers will be drawn.
Understanding Keno Odds
Keno odds are determined by the number of spots selected and the number of matches made. The more spots you pick, the harder it is to match them all, or most of them, so the odds of winning decrease.
Fewer spots offer better odds but lower potential payouts. Like all odds systems, it's a trade-off between risk and reward.
Keno Tips and Strategies
As Keno is a game of chance, it’s nearly impossible to predict the winning numbers. However, adopting basic strategies can enhance your overall odds of winning.
Take a look at our 4 tips below to learn how to play Keno more effectively.
Select a balanced mix of numbers (high to low) on your card.
As you have a broad range of numbers at your disposal, a balanced selection of high to low numbers diversifies your chances of matching the drawn numbers.
Select fewer numbers.
Choose fewer spots to increase the odds of matching them, leading to more frequent but smaller wins.
Play multiple rounds with the same numbers.
Playing multiple rounds with your selected spots improves your overall chances of winning, as it increases the opportunities to hit winning combinations.
Manage your bankroll.
Set a budget and stick to it, ensuring you can enjoy more rounds without risking significant losses.
How to Play Keno FAQ
How do you win at Keno?
To win at Keno, select numbers and hope they match those randomly drawn. The more matches you get, the more you win, with payouts based on your bet and the casino's paytable.
What Are the Best Numbers to Pick in Keno?
There are no "best" numbers in Keno; it's a game of chance. Choose numbers that are meaningful to you or select a balanced mix of high to low numbers to diversify your chances of matching numbers.
Is Online Keno Fair?
Yes, online Keno games use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that numbers are drawn randomly. Plus, when you play Keno online at a licensed and regulated online casino, the games are tested for fairness to guarantee equity.
Can I Play Keno on Mobile Devices?
Yes, most online casinos offer mobile-friendly Keno games that you can play on smartphones and tablets via their apps or mobile websites.
Can I Play Keno for Free Online?
Many online casinos offer free Keno games for practice. You can play without risking real money to learn the game.
What is the difference between Keno and Bingo?
Keno and Bingo are both lottery-style games that involve selecting numbers and waiting for them to be called. However, their gameplay and objectives are different. Keno involves selecting numbers and matching them to random draws, while Bingo players mark numbers on cards to complete specific patterns called out in sequential order.
