Keno is a lottery-style gambling game that is often found in both land-based and online casinos. It is not a slot game but rather a game of chance where players select numbers and hope that those numbers match the randomly drawn numbers. Here’s an overview of how Keno typically works:
Keno Game:
Objective: The objective of Keno is to select a set of numbers, typically between 1 and 80, and hope that as many of those numbers as possible match the numbers drawn by the game.
Gameplay:
- Number Selection: Players choose a set of numbers from a pool, usually marked on a Keno ticket or screen. The number of selected spots can vary, and players may choose anywhere from a few to a maximum allowed amount.
- Placing Bets: Players place their bets by selecting the amount they want to wager on the chosen numbers.
- Draw: The game randomly selects a set of numbers, usually using a ball machine similar to those used in lotteries. The number of drawn balls corresponds to the number of spots selected by the player.
- Winning: Payouts are based on the number of matches between the player’s selected numbers and the drawn numbers. The more matches, the higher the potential payout.
Bet Types:
- Straight Ticket: Players choose a set number of spots, and winnings are based on the number of matches.
- Way Ticket: Players can bet on multiple groups of numbers on the same ticket. This allows for more combinations and increased chances of winning.
- Combination Ticket: Players can combine multiple straight bets on a single ticket.
Payouts: Payouts in Keno vary depending on factors such as the number of spots selected, the amount wagered, and the number of matches. Typically, the more numbers matched, the higher the payout.
House Edge: The house edge in Keno tends to be higher compared to some other casino games, reflecting its nature as a lottery-style game.
Online Keno:
In online casinos, Keno is often presented as a digital version of the game. Players can choose their numbers using a graphical interface, and the drawing is done using random number generators (RNGs). Online versions may offer additional features and variations of the game.
It’s essential for players to understand the rules and potential payouts before playing Keno, as it is primarily a game of luck with no strategy involved in number selection. As with any casino game, it’s advisable to play responsibly and be aware of the odds and house edge.
A Beginner’s Guide to Keno: Betting, Tips, & More
If you want to gamble without risking too much, keno is the perfect game for you. Playing keno is similar to the lottery (though it offers much higher chances of winning). To play keno, you select numbers on a ticket and you get paid if a combination of your numbers are chosen. That’s it! Because of its simple strategy, this game is universally beloved and offered in plenty of places: bars, casinos, even online. So keep reading. In this article, we’ll offer you a simple play-by-play of the game itself and the best advice on how to walk away richer than when you started.
Things You Should Know
- To begin a keno game, fill out a keno card by betting on numbers (or keno spots) that you think will be randomly selected. Try to guess as many out of 10 as possible.
- Buy “way” keno cards if you want to bet on groups of numbers as well as individual spots. If you match multiple numbers in your group, you earn more money.
- To increase your jackpot, bet on additional bonus numbers. Bonus numbers cost additional money to wager, but offer a higher payout percentage if selected.
- Join keno games with lots of people. The payout for each game is determined by the number of players.
Mastering the Basics
- 1Acquire a keno card. To play keno, fill out a card with the various numbers you want to place your bets on. Cards are generally found at specified keno lounges in casinos. If you’re playing online, a keno card will automatically be shown on your screen after you log into a game. The numbers on the card (1 through 80) match the numbers on the balls in the aerated keno machine.[1]
- Some casinos may use a randomized computer to select winning keno numbers instead of drawing balls from a machine. All online keno games use this method as well.
- Certain lotteries have different versions of keno cards. Some have special bonus or “jackpot” cards available, in addition to their regular cards. Ask if more than one type of keno card is available.
2
Select your keno numbers and mark them on your keno card. Once you’ve gotten a keno card, begin writing down or filling out the numbers you wish to bet on. Each number you select is called a keno spot. Your keno card is arranged with 8 rows and 10 columns of keno spots. The card will specify how many numbers you’re allowed to choose.[2]
- Some cards will allow you to choose anywhere from 1 to 10 numbers, while others will say anything up to 20 is okay. The ticket costs the same amount either way, so it’s in your best interest to choose as many different numbers as possible.
- Some cards will have a “quick pick” section where you can have a computer randomize your selections for you. Your odds of winning remain the same regardless of how you choose to fill out your numbers.
- Some keno results boards will display “hot numbers” and “cold numbers.” Hot numbers are numbers that are selected often, while cold numbers are numbers that haven’t appeared recently. Don’t fall for the trap of using these numbers to determine your choices! Since the system is random, every number has an equal opportunity of being selected, regardless of previous results.
- 3Choose your betting amount and how many games you want to play. Each keno card offers you the choice to play multiple games with the same numbers. In addition, you can multiply your betting amount to increase your winning total if your spots are selected. (For example, you can bet $2 instead of $1 to receive double the payout, $3 to receive triple, and so on.) Make your decisions and indicate your choices on your keno card.[3]
- If you bet $1 on your selected numbers and want to play 7 games, that’ll cost $7. If you double your bet, it’ll cost $14, and so on. However, you cannot vary your betting amounts on the same card. (For example, you couldn’t select 7 games, bet $1 on the first, $4 on the second, $3 on the third, etc.)
- You can wager as little as $1 on a single bet and usually up to $20. However, the betting amount varies on the location hosting the keno game.
- Start betting small and set a predetermined budget before playing any keno games. You’ll have more fun if you play responsibly.