How to Play Keno

Keno is a lottery-type game that is similar to bingo in that how to play keno involves the drawing of numbers. Hence, players select their numbers on a keno card and place different types of bets. The odds reflect the probability of winning but with a house edge written into the payouts. So, this guide answers the question: ‘How does keno work?’

Play Keno Here

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Keno Basics

  • There are 80 numbers on a keno card and there is an online process in place to draw 20 numbers. However, in a bricks and mortar casino, there are numbered balls which are drawn randomly. Also , online keno uses a random number generator to select the numbers. Therefore, this tool selects balls or numbers that cannot be predicted with any certainty.
  • The keno outcome could possibly be predicted in hindsight but cannot be anticipated with guarantees before the implementation of the draw. The game usually involves selecting 1 to 15 numbers but there are variants that allows players to select more numbers, including up to 20. Then the payout odds are adjusted accordingly.
  • Winnings are based on a payout chart that takes into the account the number of selections in the bet and the number that match the draw. However, the odds do not represent a good bet but the chance for a large win offset those negatives and keno is used as a model for regional, organisational and national lotteries.

How do you play Keno?

Here is a step-by-step guide for how to play keno online:

  1. The objective of keno is to match your selections with drawn numbers on the keno card which displays 80 numbers in total
  2. When you begin to select numbers, the operator displays the payout table, which shows the potential winnings based on the selected numbers total.
  3. As you match more numbers successfully, the payout increases. Also, a variation of the game gives prizes for no correct numbers out of your selection.
  4. In some games you can see hot numbers which have recently appeared and cold numbers that have not appeared too often in recent draws.
  5. Every number appears before the draw and a successful chosen number is a catch or match.
  6. Selected numbers that appear in the draw are highlighted. The numbers are emphasised visually as the draw progresses.

These instructions to play keno online are easy to understand and implement. The simplicity of keno is one of the major attractions which complements the potential for a big prize from a small stake. The fundamentals of keno replicate the basics of lotteries and bingo. Another positive is the speed of the game which means players have many opportunities to implement how to play keno and win.

Types of Keno Bet

how to play kenoThere are several keno bets as part of this guide on how to play keno of which the following are most popular in games with 80 numbers or numbered balls:

Keno Bets: Straight Bets

A straight bet involves selecting numbers from the card with the payout depending on the tally of matches in the draw. It is the standard bet and the most popular with players of the online game. However, at some online casinos, you can bet on matching no numbers.

Keno Bets: Top or Bottom Bets

These are bets with two options: more numbers in the draw from 1 to 40 or more numbers in the draw from 41 to 80. However, players also have the option to wager on all the numbers coming from the same half, the top or bottom. Also, some casinos accept bets on the ‘Tie’.

Keno Bets: Odd or Even Bets

These wagers are similar to top or bottom bets. However, you are betting on more numbers being odd or even. Again, there is the option to bet on an equal total of odd or even numbers being drawn. You also have the options of the ‘Tie’ at selected casinos.

Keno Bets: Combination Bets

These bets complement straight wagers which casinos usually require for players to make combination bets. The objective is to correctly predict groups of numbers, usually 2 to 4. So, if each number is drawn, there is a bonus payout at odds set by the online casino.

The mechanics of how to play keno, determine that players receive an online ticket after completing the card for a game. They then can refer to the card as the draw takes place to see the highlighted numbers which indicate a correct prediction.

Keno Odds

Here are the odds when you put 20 selections on your keno card and match 1 to 20 numbers:

  • 1: 86.446/1
  • 2: 20.115/1
  • 3: 8.009/1
  • 4: 4.877/1
  • 5: 4.287/1
  • 6: 5.258/1
  • 7: 8.826/1
  • 8: 20.055/1
  • 9: 63.420/1
  • 10: 253.801/1
  • 11: 1,423.822/1
  • 12: 10,968.701/1
  • 13: 118,084.920/1
  • 14: 1,821,881.628/1
  • 15: 41,751,453.986/1
  • 16: 1,496,372,110.872/1
  • 17: 90,624,035,964.712/1
  • 18: 10,512,388,171,906.553/1
  • 19: 2,946,096,785,176,811.500/1
  • 20: 3,535,316,142,212,173,800.000/1

No player has correctly predicted 20 from 20 numbers and there are no official records of cards that are almost 100% correct. Hence, this is something to consider when you are looking how to play keno. The odds are astronomical and will soon exceed any payout limits. That is because they increase exponentially and quickly reach over 1 billion to one and much bigger.

The potential for a huge win is still enticing and that is why online keno is so popular. At any time a player somewhere could achieve this milestone of 20 from 20 picks. Therefore, this is an incentive to play all around the world. In following how to play keno, it is impossible to cheat but no doubt some players do try to beat the system because of the massive rewards.

Keno Percentage Payouts Comparison

Here is a comparison of the payout percentages with five leading providers of online keno. Please note that in all cases the payout for 1 match is 75% but there are variations for 2 to 10 or 15 matched numbers from a draw.

Playtech Keno

This established software provider’s payouts range from 92.09% for 2 matched picks to 92.55% for 10 correct numbers. However, their highest percentage is paid out on 3 numbers.

Real Time Gaming Keno

Real Time Gaming (RTG) deals with the bigger casinos. Their games’ 15 picks return from 84.18% to 84.42%, depending on the tally of matches with 11 picks offering the best payout.

NetEnt Keno

Also known as Net Entertainment, this operator’s returns are relatively high. Players make 10 picks for returns from 96.20% to 95.29% and the most value lies in 2 correct outcomes.

Odds On Keno

Odds On offer a 15 pick game with the payouts falling in the 92.09% to 95.19% range for 2 to 15 matches. Players receive the highest percentage return for 7 matches.

Aqua Online Keno

Players select 3 to 15 numbers with Aqua Online and receive good payout value. The returns go from 92.09% to 95.19% with 13 the correct picks for the highest return.

Strategy For Keno

Keno is a game of luck and the numbers are drawn randomly. The house will always have an edge which means over time the house will win. However, you can improve your chances by adopting the following elements of a strategy for how to play keno and win.

  • Play In Free Mode

Keno is easy to play but the odds and payouts take some getting to know. The game mechanics are not complex but it is still a good idea to play for free before risking real money. Most online casinos will allow you to play keno in demo mode and then graduate to cash games when you are comfortable with the rules and concepts.

  • Select 3, 4,5,6 or 7 Numbers

A look at the odds table associated with selecting up to 20 numbers is informative. The odds decrease for 2 though to 5 numbers and then begin to rise. That means the odds are lowest for numbers from 3 to and including 7. Obviously, the payouts reflect the odds but these five numbers offer the best chance of winning.

  • Purchase Multiple Tickets

You have a better chance of winning if you buy 20 tickets than just one. Syndicates can spread the cost of buying multiple tickets but also share the prize. However, the odds don’t change for an individual play and the payouts remain the same. Even so, buying a number of tickets increases the opportunities of having a win.

  • Repeat Numbers

There is a saying that ‘even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while’ that is appropriate for playing keno. If you select the same numbers for each game, you will eventually have a win. This could happen in the fullness of time and you might have accumulated an overall negative balance. Even so, repeating numbers is a good strategy for winning on keno.

  • Compare Payouts

There can be slight variations in payouts for winning bets. The differences are only minor and to all intents and purposes, operators offer the same value in the odds. However, you should compare payouts when you are trying to identify the best online casinos for keno on desktop and mobile devices.

  • Select Reputable Online Casinos

Unfortunately, there are some online casinos which are slow to make payouts. Others even refuse to make payments for winning bets on keno. There are plenty of reviews and blogs which pinpoint the online casinos to avoid. You should use this information to find reputable operators who you can trust to make prompt payments.

Glossary For How to Play Keno

 Here is a short Glossary of the key definitions in keno:

  • Autopick: Numbers are randomly selected from the card for a game of keno, providing a quick and simple method for making your picks.
  • Bet: The stake placed on a game of keno which can apply to one draw or a specified number of multiple draws and which determines the payout.
  • Catch: Numbers you predict that appear on the draw card and create winning games.
  • Draw: The selection process for the 20 numbers that are drawn in a round of keno.
  • Multiplier: The increase in payouts can as part of a bonus feature in a range from 1.5x to 5x.
  • Numbers: The options from which you make your selections from 80 choices on an online keno card.
  • Odds: A representation of the probability of getting matches in a keno draw.
  • Payout: The returns the online casino credits an account for matching numbers.
  • Quick pick: Similar to Autopick but made for a fast game.
  • Spot: A correct predicted number that appears on a keno card.

How to Play Keno Conclusion

The beauty of keno is its simplicity which images the ease of playing a lottery or bingo. With a basic function of picking numbers, keno offers the potential for a substantial win for a small stake. You should bear in mind that it is purely a game of chance. Also, the odds compare unfavourably with other casino table games, like roulette, blackjack baccarat and video poker. You can select the best keno online casinos and follow a strategy for how to play keno and win. However, there are no guarantees of a win. Even so, keno is a hugely popular draw-type game due to the possibility of a huge return despite the poor odds. Also, most recreational players are not aware of the low returns but individuals who tend to place combination bets may gravitate away from keno.  

author
Written by: Petricia Everly newcasinouk.com

Petricia Everly is an online writer who writes about the world of online gambling exclusively for NewCasinoUK.com. She is particularly interested in online slots, exploring the themes of identity, justice, and the power of luck in her work. Her writing style is unique, combining elements of realism, fantasy, and humour.

22/02/2023