Keno is a simple game that feels like a mix of bingo and the lottery. Although easy to play, Keno is just as exciting as many other betting games. Its simplicity makes it a popular option in many live and online casinos. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keno player, the odds of winning are all the same for everyone.
Even though the word “keno” originates from French and Latin, the game itself has Chinese roots. The legend has it that money raised from keno helped fund the construction of the Great Wall of China.
Keno might not be an overly complicated game with lots of rules, but there are still some basics that you need to know before you engage in playing. In this guide we will explain the general principles of how to play keno, from picking the numbers to understanding payouts and anything in between.
What is Keno and How Does it Work?
Keno is like a cross between bingo and the lottery. Your goal is to predict which numbers will be drawn from a set pool, usually between 1 and 80.. Before the game begins, players mark the numbers they think would win on a special card, called “ticket”. After that the numbers are drawn, either from a ball machine if you are playing in person, or a random number generator if it is an online game.
The players who guessed the numbers correctly can expect a payout. The more numbers you marked match the numbers that came out, the bigger your outcome will be. While this sounds pretty straightforward, playing keno comes with a number of rules that you should remember. Let’s take a look at them!
The Rules of Keno
Understanding how keno works will help you set up realistic expectations and enjoy the game.
At the start of the game, you’ll receive a card (or screen) with numbers from 1 to 80. You choose the numbers you think will be drawn—typically up to 10, though some games allow 15 or 20 picks.
Once that is done, the draw will start. Whether you are playing in a physical venue or online, the winning numbers are drawn completely randomly. After all, keno is a game of chance, so there is no reliable technique to predict these numbers. Bear this in mind when you start to play.
How to Play Keno: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the basic rules, let’s dive into a step by step guide of keno for beginners.
- Get your keno card or take a look at the screen with the numbers.
- Mark the numbers that in your opinion will come up in the next draw. Don’t feel that you have to choose the maximum allowed number of picks (more on that later).
- Familiarize yourself with the odds and paytable and decide on the amount you are willing to bet.
- Place your wager.
- Press any confirmation button that will appear on screen if you are playing online.
- The draw will start. Wait for the winning numbers to come out.
- Check the results against your card. Be careful and make sure you don’t miss anything because the more numbers on your card coincide with the winning draw, the higher your payout.
- Repeat the cycle if you want to play another round.
Understanding Keno Payouts and Odds
Understanding payouts and odds is an essential part of how to play keno. It helps you set realistic expectations and manage your budget effectively. The more numbers you pick, the better your chances of matching, but it also lowers the payout percentage.
Casinos usually have varying payout systems and odds. This information is displayed on the screen and is called a paytable. Three main principles to remember here are the following:
- The more numbers you choose, the higher is the chance to guess the winning numbers.
- At the same time, a higher number of picked numbers lowers your payout percentage.
- The more numbers you manage to guess correctly, the higher your winnings will be.
Here’s a quick look at the odds for matching numbers in a typical keno game. The more numbers you pick, the harder it is to match all of them, but the payout grows if you do!
| Chosen numbers | Drawn numbers | Odds |
| 1 | 20 | 1 in 3 |
| 2 | 20 | 1 in 73 |
| 3 | 20 | 1 in 1,551 |
| 4 | 20 | 1 in 327 |
| 5 | 20 | 1 in 15,504 |
| 6 | 20 | 1 in 3,876,176 |
| 7 | 20 | 1 in 100,384,863 |
| 8 | 20 | 1 in 2,509,199,568 |
| 9 | 20 | 1 in 62,755,936,980 |
| 10 | 20 | 1 in 15,622,709,107,293 |
As to the payouts, they vary per casino, so always make sure to check this information before you start playing. If you aren’t sure how to read odds, here you will find our comprehensive guide on how betting odds work.
Basic Tips and Strategies for Playing Keno
Before we dive into this topic, remember that keno game tips aren’t aimed at building an unbeatable strategy to always win but rather at creating an enjoyable experience and practicing responsible gaming.
- Set a budget: view keno as a game, not a way to earn money. That’s why you should set a limited budget that won’t affect your financial standing and not overdraw it.
- Choose a reasonable number of picks: while a higher number of picks gives you a better chance at hitting the winning numbers, it also lowers your payout percentage and affects the amount of your bet. Think how many numbers you can pick to stay within your budget.
- Know your limit: as any game, keno is designed to have fun. Only play a limited amount of time and don’t aim at winning back the money you may have lost in the previous rounds.
- Remember it is a game of chance: there are no guarantees in keno. All numbers are drawn randomly, correspondingly, there is no way to build a strategy that will help you predict the numbers correctly.
Where to Play Keno Online and In-Person
Since keno rose in popularity, it has been available in a vast number of in-house and online casinos. You can choose an option that suits your personality and preferences better.
All the basic rules in real life and online keno are the same, so you can also switch between the two. Online casinos will often offer bonuses and more betting options to make the game more interesting, so don’t forget to check those out too.
FAQ
What is keno, and how do you play it?
Keno is a game that combines elements of bingo and lottery. You can find it in many real life and online casinos. Check out our guide above to learn the rules.
How many numbers should I pick in keno?
You can pick as few as just one number. The upper limit may vary depending on where you play. Typically, players are allowed to pick up to ten numbers, however, some casinos allow as many as 15 or even 20 picks.
What are the odds of winning in keno?
The odds vary depending on how many numbers you pick from the allowed limit. Casinos provide the odds and payouts information in pay tables, so make sure to study them before you play.
How are keno payouts calculated?
Keno payout calculations vary depending on individual casinos. The more numbers you guess in one draw, the higher your payout will be. However, the more numbers you choose from the allowed limit, the lower your payout will go. Always study pay tables with payout information offered by casinos. Your wager also affects the amount of your payout.
Is keno available in all casinos?
You can find keno in a lot of real life and online casinos. Always check information on the availability of the game and the variants they offer.
Getting Started with Keno
Now that you know how to play keno, you can enjoy the game. Just make sure to remember that it is a game of chance that offers no guaranteed outcomes.
Be sure to practice responsible gaming, always play within your limited budget, take your time to familiarize yourself with odds and payouts, and view keno as a casual entertainment rather than a way to make money.
If you would like to learn how to play other casino games, we offer comprehensive guides on games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and many others.
Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org