Keno is the casino equivalent of a lottery, blending luck with anticipation. Keno is based on pure chance but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to approach it more strategically, extend your playing time, and increase your chances of hitting a big payout.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you understand the world of online casino keno strategy and how you can boost your odds.
How to play keno
Keno is a lottery-style game that has been enjoyed for centuries and is now a staple at all of the best online casinos. The rules are simple, and the potential payouts can be massive. Here are the simple steps on how to play keno:
- Select your keno card: The card will display up to 80 numbers, also known as ‘keno spots.’
- Pick your numbers: Select between 1 and 20 numbers you want to play. On some platforms, the ‘Quick Pick’ option can randomly select them for you.
- Review the payout table: After choosing your numbers, the payout multiplier becomes visible next to the card. It displays how much you stand to win for matching certain numbers.
- Choose your wager: Enter the amount you want to bet. This is typically the total bet due to be wagered, not a denomination per number.
- Start the draw: Review your selections and then initiate the draw. This will automatically play out in full.
- Match numbers: As the draw is made, numbers are marked off randomly. Winning numbers are highlighted by a sound effect and glowing markers to signify a match. In keno slang, this is called ‘catching a spot.’
Keno game variations
Like many other traditional casino games, keno has evolved over time, with numerous variations offering different gameplay experiences, rules, grid sizes, and features. While traditional keno still uses an 8×10 grid with numbers 1–80, many online and modern versions have introduced unique twists. Here are some of the more notable ones.
Mini Keno: This version features a smaller grid of 40, where 10 balls are drawn instead of 20. Due to its reduced number pool, the game typically offers smaller payouts than the standard keno but provides much faster gameplay.
4-card Keno: This 80-number variant lets you play up to four cards with different numbers simultaneously. By spreading bets across cards, 4-card keno strategy comes into play, where you diversify your numbers to maximize the chance of hitting winning combinations.
Jackpot Keno: Some keno variations feature a progressive jackpot that grows with each game until a player hits a specific combination and wins it all. You typically need to match a specific set of numbers (e.g., all 10 numbers in a 10-spot game) or enter a bonus game.
Bonus Keno: Online keno games may include exciting bonus features, often triggered by revealing three or more scatter symbols. They can give you instant cash wins or free entry into additional bonus games with boosted multipliers.
What to know about keno strategy
It’s important to approach video keno strategy with a clear understanding of the game’s mechanics and limitations. Always keep in mind that keno is inherently a game of chance, with a higher house edge compared to classic table games like blackjack or roulette.
In most online keno games, the house edge hovers around 25%, though it can climb as high as 40% depending on the variation and paytable.
Although this means the odds are stacked against you in the long run, it doesn’t mean you won’t catch a large number of spots during your individual game session and win big.
One of the key attractions of keno is its potential for big wins from small stakes. Unlike most table games, where higher bets are required for meaningful payouts, keno enables you to play multiple rounds with minimal wagers. This gives you more opportunities to test strategies and number combinations over the long term without breaking the bank.
However, it’s crucial to remember that no strategy can overcome the game’s built-in house edge. Instead, the goal should be to manage your bankroll effectively and play smartly to extend your gameplay and increase your chances of hitting a rewarding combination.
What is the best strategy for keno?
Your focus when playing keno should be on playing smart and maximizing your enjoyment while minimizing losses. Here’s a breakdown of the top strategies to consider:
Optimal number selection
Choosing the right number of spots in keno is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make, as it directly impacts both your odds of winning and potential payouts. While it might seem tempting to go all-in and pick as many numbers as possible, that isn’t always the smartest move. The best range is typically between 4 and 8 numbers, and here’s why.When you select fewer numbers, such as 1–3, your chances of matching all of them are higher compared to selecting a larger set of numbers. However, the payouts are often minimal. Let’s look at some examples, although the returns may differ depending on your specific game.
Matching 1/3 numbers pays 1x your bet, 2/3 numbers pays 2x, and matching all 3 gives you 50x. So, while hitting a full house offers a great win potential, the returns for matching just 1 or 2 are so small that they rarely justify the risk.
On the other hand, selecting more numbers can give you a jackpot win, but it significantly lowers the returns even if multiple numbers are matched. For instance, matching 5 out of 10 numbers might only pay 3x your bet. You would get 3,500x your bet for a full match, but the odds of this happening are very low.
That’s why choosing 4 to 8 numbers is the way to go, as this range offers you a reasonable chance of hitting enough matches to secure a profit while keeping the potential returns meaningful. Here’s an example to help you out.
Say you matched 4 out of 7 numbers; the keno game might pay you 3x your bet. If you’re lucky enough to match 5 out of 7, you could get 12x your bet, which improves the risk vs. reward scenario.
Find keno games with higher payouts
Not all keno games are created equal. Since they are developed by different software providers, some may offer enhanced paytables than others. Prioritize games that offer higher payouts for the number of spots you prefer.Also, look out for versions with rewarding features like bonus rounds, wild numbers, boosted multipliers, and progressive jackpots that can boost your overall returns.
Recognize keno results are random
It’s essential to understand that keno is a game of pure chance. Past results do not influence future outcomes, and each draw is independent. Many players fall into the trap of tracking “hot” or “cold” numbers, but this is a myth.While there’s no harm in sticking to a set of lucky numbers, remember that the results are entirely random, and no pattern or system can predict them. Online keno games use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and unpredictability.
Play keno at a reputable online casino
If you’re looking for better odds, online keno is generally the way to go. Compared to land-based casinos or gaming arcades, it offers a lower house edge on the whole. You can also play for smaller amounts at online keno, which enables you to stretch your bankroll further.The best online casinos also let you play at your own pace, with auto-pick and multi-race play options. With multi-race, you can select the same numbers over a series of consecutive rounds without having to click those numbers over again. These advantages make online keno a more player-friendly option overall.
Bankroll management
One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of keno strategy is bankroll management. Its fast-paced and engaging nature makes it easy to lose track of spending. To stay in control, decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start playing and stick to it.Furthermore, if you’re on a losing streak, avoid the temptation to increase your bets in hopes of recouping your losses. Remember to stick to smaller stakes to extend your gameplay and enjoy the experience without risking too much.
What are the odds of winning at keno?
Keno is a game of chance, and the probability of winning varies depending on how many numbers you choose. To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down the odds using a Pick 5 example, where a player selects five numbers and hopes to match three, four, or five of them.
| Catch | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
| 0 | 0 | 5461512 | 0.227184 | 0.000000 |
| 1 | 0 | 9752700 | 0.405686 | 0.000000 |
| 2 | 0 | 6501800 | 0.270457 | 0.000000 |
| 3 | 1x | 2017800 | 0.083935 | 0.083935 |
| 4 | 10x | 290700 | 0.012092 | 0.120923 |
| 5 | 800x | 15504 | 0.000645 | 0.515940 |
| Total | 24040016 | 1.000000 | 0.720798 |
| Total probability of winning: Catching 3 numbers: 8.39% Catching 4 numbers: 1.21% Catching 5 numbers: 0.065% Total winning probability: 9.66% |
What this means is that, on average, you have a 9.66% chance of winning something in a Pick 5 keno game. While this might seem low, it’s important to remember that keno is designed to be a high-variance game with the potential for big payouts.
Furthermore, the highest payout (800x) occurs when you catch all five numbers, but this is extremely rare, happening only 0.065% of the time. Catching four numbers pays 10x, with a probability of 1.21%, while catching 3 numbers pays 1x, with an 8.39% probability.
The RTP for this Pick 5 keno game is 72.06%, which is way lower than many other casino games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. So, if you’re seeking frequent wins, this might not be the game for you, as the high variance means that you might have to endure lengthy dry spells while hoping for occasional big payouts.
Can you increase your odds of winning at keno?
No, there’s no certain way to increase your odds of winning at keno, but you can apply some strategies to your gameplay to lengthen your playing sessions. Do so for long enough, and a big jackpot win may be on the cards!
What are the biggest wins on keno?
The highest possible winnings in keno come from matching the maximum number of spots, which is typically 10 in most games. With 20 numbers being drawn, all 10 of your selections must match to hit the top payout. However, the exact prize varies by game.
For example, in Keno Multiplay (Play Rogue), hitting all 10 numbers awards 3,500x your bet, while in Luck of the Bonus Keno (Grand Vision Gaming), the same result only pays 2,500x.
However, despite the higher jackpot in Keno Multiplay, its lower-tier payouts aren’t as generous — for instance, matching 8 numbers only returns 400x, which is far lower than the 600x found in Luck of the Bonus Keno.
Therefore, while some games may offer larger jackpot wins, others provide better mid-tier payouts. This may be more favorable depending on your playstyle and risk tolerance.
Conclusion
Keno is an exciting game of chance that offers simple gameplay and a chance to win big rewards. While you can’t increase your odds in a mathematical sense, you can make choices that contribute to a more memorable experience and keep you in the game for longer.
Remember to choose the right number of spots, find games with high payouts, and practice proper bankroll management. Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins and avoid chasing losses.
