How To Play Keno Online
Keno is a lottery-style game popular in land-based casinos and bars across the US. It’s as simple as picking your lucky numbers, placing a bet, and waiting for the draw. If your numbers match, you win.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to play Keno, the rules, and some basic strategies to boost your chances of winning. You’ll also discover the best online casinos for Keno in the US. Let’s roll into it!
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What Is Keno? – Quick Recap
Keno is a popular game of chance similar to a lottery, where you can win a large amount from a small bet.
This game started in China over 2000 years ago, originally called baige piao or “white pigeon ticket.” Nowadays, you can play Keno in retail and online casinos, and some state lotteries.
To play, you choose numbers from 1 to 80, submit your ticket with a wager, and wait for the draw. Payouts depend on how many of your picks match the drawn numbers and the house paytable.
Most Keno games are now automated, making them quick and easy for casinos to run.
Keno Card Basics
When you start a Keno game, you’ll get a card with numbers 1 to 80. Here’s how to use it:
Select Your Numbers:
On the Keno card, mark the numbers you believe will be drawn. You can usually choose between 1 and 15 numbers, though some games allow up to 20.Submit Your Card:
Once you’ve picked your numbers, submit your card to place your bet. In an online game, this is usually done with a click.Wait for the Draw:
The game will then draw 20 random numbers. If your picks match the drawn numbers, you win.
When are Keno Drawings?
Land-based casinos and bars schedule Keno drawings in even intervals throughout the day. There are usually 10-15 opportunities to play every hour. Online, you can reuse your numbers quickly and start a new round with the click of a button.
Manual Picks vs. Automatic Picks in Keno
When playing Keno online, you have two options for selecting your numbers: manual picks and automatic picks.
Here’s how they differ:
Manual Picks
You select each number yourself from 1 to 80. This option lets you pick numbers that have personal significance or that you believe are lucky.
Manual picks give you complete control over your choices. You can use strategies, like picking numbers based on past draws or using patterns.
Automatic Picks (Quick Pick)
With automatic picks, the system randomly selects your numbers for you. This is also known as the Quick Pick option.
Automatic picks are faster and more convenient. This option is ideal if you’re in a hurry or don’t have specific numbers in mind.
How to Play Keno
If you’re seeking one of the simplest games to play in a casino, you can’t go past Keno. It’s very easy to play, and once you’ve received your draw ticket, you can sit back and relax while the action unfolds on a screen in front of you.
Next, we’ll look at how to play Keno from start to finish. There’s not much to it, so you’ll know your way around the game in just a few quick steps.
Select Your Keno Game
Find the Keno game in the Specialties or Casual Games section of your online casino.Review Payouts and Bets
Check the game’s paytable to understand the payouts and bet options. This will help you know how much you can win based on your wager and the numbers you choose.Pick Your Numbers
Choose your lucky numbers from 1 to 80. You can select as many or as few as you like, but most people pick between 10 and 20 numbers.Place Your Bet
Decide on the amount you want to bet. Enter your wager and confirm your bet.Use Quick Pick (Optional)
If you prefer, you can use the quick pick feature to have numbers selected randomly for you. This can save time and add an element of surprise.Start the Draw
Click the button to start the draw. The game will randomly select 20 numbers.Check the Results
Compare the drawn numbers with your picks. If enough of your numbers match, you win. The more matches you have, the bigger your prize.Collect Your Winnings
If you win, your prize will be automatically added to your account balance. You can use your winnings to play more games or withdraw them, depending on the casino’s policies.
If you want to try your luck, check our guide to real money online Keno for the best casinos to play.
Keno Tickets and Bets
Online Keno games usually use straight tickets, but in brick-and-mortar casinos, there are a few ways to place bets. Here’s how you can make your game more interesting:
Straight Tickets
Most people play Keno with straight bets. You pick a single set of numbers and enter the next drawing. Bets usually start at $1.Way Tickets
With way betting, you use multiple combinations of your selected numbers. For example, you can play two sets of 3 spots separately and together as a set of 6, making three bets in total.King Number Tickets
A king number is a single number placed in a group. You can add it to ways and combinations or bet on it alone in a single-spot game.
Split Tickets
This is like playing two tickets at once. You pick your numbers and group them or divide them by a line. Each group gets its own wager.Combination Tickets
Spot combinations can overlap to create more bets. You might choose 20 spots and divide them in different ways for multiple bets.Progressive Jackpot Games
Similar to progressive jackpot slots, these games have a prize pool that grows as people play. You might need to place a side bet for a chance to win the big prize.
What is the Best Keno Strategy?
The best Keno strategy is to play the number of spots with the best odds of winning. It’s a game of chance, so there’s no skill you can apply to lower the house edge.
Some people believe they will have better odds of winning if they apply strategies like picking cold numbers, the bottom 40, or spots they think will show up more frequently.
The truth is you can’t really follow a pattern in Keno. Each draw is unique and resets the probability of any single ball coming up.
Here’s what I’ve learned works well:
Mix Your Numbers
I pick a mix of high and low, odd and even numbers. This balanced approach can sometimes yield better results than choosing numbers in a specific range or pattern.
Combine Strategies
I sometimes combine different strategies, like using a mix of my favorite numbers and Quick Picks. This keeps the game exciting and adds an element of surprise.
Play Fewer Numbers
Choosing fewer numbers can sometimes be beneficial. While the payouts are smaller, the chances of hitting a win are higher. I find a balance that works for me, usually picking between 4 to 8 numbers.
Manage Your Bankroll
Setting a budget and sticking to it is crucial. I decide how much I’m willing to spend before I start playing and never go over that amount. It keeps the game fun and stress-free.
Avoid Chasing Losses
If I’m not winning, I avoid increasing my bets to chase losses. Instead, I stick to my budget and enjoy the game for what it is – a chance to have fun.
Practice Responsible Gambling
I always gamble responsibly and know when to walk away. If I’m spending more than I planned or chasing losses, I take a break.
Understanding Your Odds
Your odds of getting a payout change depending on the number of spots you play. To use this Keno strategy, you’ll need to look closely at the payouts.
Choosing the maximum amount of numbers isn’t always ideal. When you pick more numbers, you need to match more for a minimum payout.
Here’s an example to show how your odds change with different numbers of spots:
- 8 Spots vs. 9 Spots: In both cases, you need to hit at least four numbers for a payout. But with 9 spots, you have a better chance since you have more options to match.
Based on the payout table, the recommended strategy is to choose four, seven, or nine numbers. This strategy offers the best odds for hitting the minimum matches at each level.
| Spots Selected | Min Matches to Win | Odds of Hitting |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 in 4 |
| 2 | 2 | 1 in 17 |
| 3 | 2 | 1 in 8 |
| 4 | 2 | 1 in 5 |
| 5 | 3 | 1 in 12 |
| 6 | 3 | 1 in 8 |
| 7 | 3 | 1 in 6 |
| 8 | 4 | 1 in 13 |
| 9 | 4 | 1 in 9 |
| 10 | 5 | 1 in 20 |
Min. matches needed for a payout may vary from game to game.
To better understand how payouts work and improve your chances, check out our detailed Keno odds and payouts guide.
Play Online Keno for Free
Play Keno for free before playing for real money. This game is available at DuckyLuck. Depending on how many spots you select, the paytable and minimum matches you need to win change.
Keno Glossary
To play live or online Keno, you need to know the common terms and slang. Here’s a list to help you understand the game better:
Ball Game
Refers to Keno games using small white balls labeled from 1 to 80 to determine winning numbers. This is the most popular form in casinos.Draw
A round in Keno where 20 numbers are selected randomly, usually by a computer. It can also refer to each individual number drawn.Draw Sheet
A record of winning numbers from previous draws, available in paper form or on display monitors.Field
Numbers on a Keno ticket that players mark but don’t circle. It can also refer to all 80 numbers on a board.Handle
The total amount of money wagered in a particular round of Keno.Net Win
The amount a player wins minus their initial wager.Pattern
The shape formed by marked numbers on a ticket. Some players create patterns for superstitious reasons.Quick Pick
A computer-generated random selection of numbers for the player’s ticket.Race
A slang term for a single Keno draw.Random Number Generator
A computer program used in video and online Keno to determine random winning numbers. The RNG ensures results are random and not influenced by previous draws or player actions.Video Keno
A type of Keno played on a computer terminal with draws on demand. Players select numbers and place wagers via a touch screen. It often has lower bet limits and better value for wins.
You’re Ready to Play Keno
Keno is easy to play and requires no special skills. It’s all about luck and picking numbers that feel right to you. This game is popular in US casinos and bars, and you can even play Keno online from anywhere.
If you’re ready to play, I recommend starting with a small bet and a few numbers until you get the hang of it. Give it a try and see if your lucky numbers hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most popular questions about playing Keno online.
What are some popular Keno bets?
One popular bet in Keno is to play 6 numbers. You usually win back your wager if you hit 3 out of 6 numbers. Hitting more than 3 increases your winnings significantly. You can wager $1, $3, $5, or more, depending on the operator’s limits.
You can also make combination bets with multiple sets of numbers, sectional bets, color-based bets, king bets, and more. As you learn Keno, try different bet types to see what you prefer.
What is the Keno house edge?
Keno has a high house edge, between 25% and 29%, making it less favorable for players. However, the game is exciting and offers the chance to win large amounts from small bets.
Video Keno and online Keno often have better odds, with a house edge between 5% and 10%. If you want to play Keno, these are better options.
What is the difference between live and video Keno?
In video Keno, you can bet smaller amounts and play at a faster pace. You make your selections and see the results immediately without waiting for a main draw. Payouts in video Keno may differ slightly, often offering better odds and a lower house edge.
What is the red and black or red and green game in Keno?
Some online Keno games offer a red and black (or green) game as an additional bet option. This doubles the draw in a round. There’s no extra benefit other than wagering twice as much for the same chances of winning.
Is online Keno better than playing live Keno at a land-based casino?
Online Keno often has lower betting limits, faster play, and a lower house edge (5% to 10%) compared to land-based casinos. It’s generally a better option for players.
