Keno

Keno is a lottery style game that is found in nearly all land based casinos. You might even find this game in bars and restaurants in some casinos, so you can play along whilst you are having a drink, or enjoying your burger.

With its low profile, lottery style structure, Keno is the last game that you will ever think of playing at the casino – until you actually start playing it. The history of the game is somewhat vague, but it is assumed that Keno originated in China and even funded the construction of the Great Wall.

Due to its unimposing nature, Keno did not fare as well as some other games that came from the East, however, you will always find a quiet corner at a casino, packed with Keno players scribbling away on their little paper tickets. The reason is simple - the game may not be as cool as Baccarat or as intensive as Roulette but is it known to slowly get under your skin – once that happens, you may find yourself seriously hooked up and heading straight for the Keno lounge each time you visit a casino.

Basic rules of Keno

The objective of the game is to guess which of the numbers displayed on the board will be drawn. The players can select a maximum of 15 numbers from the 1 – 80 range and place their wager before the random number generator is initiated.

Once the players decide on the numbers, they will submit their tickets and chips to the cashier, who will in turn provide them with a ticket copy. The more numbers you manage to guess, the higher the payout – as simple as that.

Keno payouts

The payout table in Keno is organised according to spots or successful matches. The lowest payouts are awarded to 1-spot games, where the player managed to match only one number. If there was no matches at all, some casinos offer a bonus play. Ten spot games will bring the highest payouts, which can amount in hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Why play Keno?

If you have to ask, you clearly have not tried it. In case you are not convinced that the steady pace of the game will be engaging enough, the potential payout is sufficiently enticing to persuade any player to at least consider giving Keno a try.

Unfortunately, higher payout odds equal higher house edge – approximately 30% - but with a payout potential that Keno offers, some sacrifices have to me made.

Where can I play Keno?

Rumour has it that some land based casinos, especially Las Vegas Strip venues, are slowly eliminating their Live Keno offer, replacing it with Video Keno booths.

Live Keno is still not impossible to find and casinos such as Flamingo and Bellagio are keeping the tradition alive by providing their visitors with both of the Keno variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the house edge in Keno?

Keno carries one of the highest house edges in the casino, typically between 20% and 35% depending on the number of spots selected and the casino's specific pay table. The trade-off for this higher house edge is the potential for very large payouts – ten-spot games can deliver prizes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from small wagers.

Can I play Keno for real money online?

Yes, Keno is available for real money at online casinos and at many land-based venues. Online casinos typically offer video keno versions that are faster and more accessible than live keno lounges. Some Las Vegas casinos including the Flamingo and Bellagio continue to offer both live and video keno for players who prefer the traditional format.

How do you play Keno?

In Keno, players select up to 15 numbers from a grid of 1 to 80 and place a wager. The game's random number generator then draws a set of winning numbers. The more of your chosen numbers that match the drawn numbers, the higher your payout. After viewing the results, players can choose to keep the same numbers for the next draw or select a fresh set.

How many numbers should I pick in Keno?

The optimal number of Keno picks depends on the specific pay table and the type of payout you are targeting. Selecting fewer numbers (1 to 4 spots) gives better odds of matching all your picks but limits the top prize. Selecting more numbers (8 to 10 spots) reduces the probability of a full match but dramatically increases the potential jackpot when you do.

How does the Keno payout structure work?

Keno payouts are organised by the number of successfully matched spots. A one-spot match delivers the smallest prizes, while a ten-spot full match can yield the highest payouts in the game. The payout table varies between casinos and game variants, so it is always worth reviewing the specific pay table before starting a session.

What is the history of Keno?

Keno is believed to have originated in ancient China, where a similar lottery-style game is said to have helped fund the construction of the Great Wall. The game gradually spread westward and arrived in the United States via Chinese immigrants, eventually becoming a staple of American casinos – particularly in Las Vegas, where dedicated keno lounges remain a feature of many major properties.