Your Ultimate Guide to Online Keno

Discover the exciting world of online keno gaming with the ultimate guide to one of gaming’s most popular lottery-style games. Learn the ins and outs of online keno, starting with its rich history and ending with its countless variants. Pick up handy terms, study various strategies, and find the perfect keno game today. All this and more in this in-depth guide.

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Overview

Keno is one of the most popular lottery-style casino games for a reason. It is the perfect mix of simplicity and elegance, with a huge emphasis on punters deciding their own fate. While the game does not involve skill like poker, it does let you pick the numbers that rake in either huge wins or unpleasant losses.

The objective of each keno game is very simple: you pick a set of numbers and hope that they match randomly drawn ones. Numbers are drawn either by random number generators or by human hosts that use a conventional tombolo machine.

You do not need to invest a lot of effort into preparing for a game, as you need only choose between 1 and 20 numbers from a set of eligible ones. The latter can range from 1 to 80, with the count varying between keno games. This is also the time when you can decide how much you are willing to wager.

The gameplay is incredibly simple, with the main event being number drawing. Drawn numbers that match your selected ones are referred to as “hits”, with each one contributing to your winnings based on a predetermined paytable.

There are also nuances to online keno, such as the strategies that you can implement or various bonuses and promotions that you can claim. These differ from game to game and between game providers. We highly recommend that you explore your casino’s game library and pick a variant that aligns with your preferences. If you want to learn more about individual aspects of Keno, join us on this in-depth dive into the world of online keno.

Pros & Cons

Pros
You can play it anywhere
There are plenty of variants
There are plenty of bonuses
Cons
There are limited live games
There are no social interactions

History

Keno has a rich history that stretches back to Han Dynasty China. It is said that the game saved a city by helping finance the Great Wall of China. While the exact date of its inception is impossible to list, we can say that it appeared around 200 BC.

Chinese immigrants brought the timeless game of Keno across the Atlantic, where it found fertile ground in the United States. It was originally played with Chinese characters, which were later replaced by numbers for accessibility reasons.

The early 20th century saw a drastic increase in its popularity, with the game-breaking into the bar scene. It then swept through the US and gained the honorable title of "the Chinese Lottery".

The 1930s were crucial to the spread of Keno, as it became legalized in Nevada, along with most forms of gambling. Casinos quickly adopted this exciting game and boasted about the wins that it could accumulate. However, casinos were not the only ones cashing in on its popularity, as state-run lotteries saw its potential and started offering Keno to their patrons.

The invention of online casinos eventually led to Keno’s digitalization, which opened the door to countless Keno variants and themes. These can now be accessed from the comfort of your home at any time and from practically any smart device.

While it is impossible to predict the future of online keno, we can say that there will be a significant shift towards VR and AR gaming. As headsets become more affordable and developers start producing more games, we will see a sharp increase in VR and AR keno. Subscribe to our newsletter and make sure that you do not miss out on this enormous milestone.


Popular Terms

Online keno is rich with terms and phrases that are used to describe every nuance of the game. Some of these are pure jargon, while others border on slang. Check out the following breakdown of popular online keno terms to learn more.

  • Keno Board - A grid that you select numbers from. Selected numbers appear on your ticket.
  • Ticket - The numbers that you have selected for a single Keno game. These can be reused for subsequent games.
  • Spot - A selected number is known as a “spot”. Players can bet on multiple spots in every single game.
  • Quick Pick - An automatic number picker that is controlled by the computer. Numbers are selected entirely at random with absolutely no bias.
  • Paytable - A table showing potential payouts for various outcomes. More successful spots translate to more winnings.
  • Draw - The process of selecting winning numbers at random, either by an algorithm or by a live host.
  • Hit - If a selected number matches with a drawn number, it is called a “hit”.
  • Catch - Sometimes used interchangeably with “hit”, it refers to matching one or more selected numbers with the drawn numbers.
  • Multi-Race Keno - A game of keno where players select numbers for consecutive rounds and place bets on all of them at once.
  • Way Ticket - A ticket that allows punters to group selected numbers in various combinations or ways.
  • Hot Numbers - Numbers that have been drawn frequently and are believed to be “due” in upcoming games.
  • Cold Numbers - Numbers that have been drawn infrequently and are believed to not be “due” in upcoming games.
  • Caller - The person who announces drawn numbers in live keno games.

Rules

Enjoying an online casino game is based on being familiar with the gameplay mechanics and overall rules. We recommend that you explore these in-depth so that nothing surprises you during your gambling session. Check out the following breakdown of keno's gameplay loop to learn more.

  • Placing Bets - Everything starts with you choosing the amount that you are willing to wager. The size of your bet is completely customizable, but it does impact payouts and other reward systems.
  • Selecting Numbers - After you place a wager, you need to pick your numbers. The exact number differs from title to title, with the typical count being 1 to 20 on a grid or card that has numbers ranging from 1 to 80.
  • Confirming Your Selection - Confirming your selection is crucial to locking in your keno card and wager. This can usually be done with the “Play” or “Draw” button.
  • Drawing Numbers - Numbers are then drawn either by a random number generator or a human host. These are winning numbers, with 20 out of 80 usually being drawn. Each drawn number is displayed on the screen.
  • Checking for Matches - After all 20 numbers are drawn, the game automatically checks your keno card. Matches amount to winnings based on the paytable structure.
  • Collecting Winnings - Winnings are distributed among recipients automatically, with special accompanying celebratory messages. More matched numbers mean higher potential payouts.
  • Starting a New Round - Once a round ends, you can easily guarantee your participation in a new one by clicking the “Replay” or “Play Again” button and submitting the same numbers as before.

Strategy

Every punter is eventually tempted to test an online keno strategy or system that promises to increase the odds of winning or winning amounts. While these strategies can never guarantee wins, they can help you feel as if you are in control of the action. Check out the following strategies to learn more:

  • Select the Right Number of Spots - The idea is simple: the more numbers that you choose on your Keno card, the higher your potential winnings. However, this is balanced by lower chances of hitting all numbers and a considerable monetary investment.
  • Mix High and Low Numbers - Some punters stick to high numbers, while others swear by low ones. We recommend that you mix these two camps and find a pleasant middle ground to stand on. This balanced approach increases your chances of hitting some numbers.
  • Use Multi-Race Cards - Online casinos often feature multi-race Keno cards that let you play the same numbers in consecutive games. The likelihood of a certain number hitting in any given game is the same, so using this feature can save a great deal of time.
  • Play Progressive Keno Carefully - Landing progressive keno jackpots is incredibly exciting, but pursuing them can be stressful. You will need to place specific wagers and land-specific combinations, which can easily melt away at your bankroll. One solid strategy is, therefore, to only pursue a progressive jackpot once per gaming session.
  • Manage Your Winnings - A great strategy to follow for responsible gambling is to withdraw some of your profits after each session, especially winning streaks. These winnings can always be redeposited later down the line.

Tips

Everyone wants to maximize their online gambling experience regardless of which game they flock to. We want you to have the best possible online keno experience with the help of these handy tips:

Getting Started

Jumping into the exciting world of online keno is something unforgettable that every punter should do at least once. However, there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. Check out the following steps and get started the right way today.

1 Understand the Rules

It is vital that you are familiar with the rules of traditional keno. These rules are the baseline of various variants and offshoots that offer unmatched levels of fun. Note that bonuses and other promotions also come with rules, so you ought to know those as well.

2 Pick a Reputable Casino

Never join an unlicensed and unregulated online casino. Stick to licensed, regulated, and audited venues that excel at providing the best possible gambling experience to punters from all walks of life. You can find the best ones featured on our list of recommended online keno venues.

3 Set a Budget

Make sure to set a bankroll in advance so that you never overextend when playing online keno. Your allocated funds should be enough to cover your wagering, minimum bonus deposits, and wagering requirements.

4 Pick the Right Variant

Keno games differ in odds, payouts, and game mechanics. Make sure that you like what you see and that it aligns with your personal preferences. Moreover, make sure that the minimum wagers align with your bankroll.

5 Keno games differ in odds, payouts, and game mechanics. Make sure that you like what you see and that it aligns with your personal preferences. Moreover, make sure that the minimum wagers align with your bankroll.

It is always smart to explore your chosen online keno variant in free or demo mode. This will help you see the gameplay mechanics in real-time and see how the game reacts to various wagers and actions.

Terminology

Keno draws in enormous crowds of thrilled punters on a daily level. Each of these has a different linguistic background, which enriches the game with various slang and jargon. Being familiar with these is crucial to a pleasant gambling experience, which is why we highly recommend that you consult the following keno glossary.

Keno Glossary

Keno Game Types

You can find a plethora of exciting keno variants in your favorite online casinos and gambling sites. Each variant has unique game mechanics and quirks that make it worth your effort. What is more, playing different keno games keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. Consult the following breakdown and find the perfect Keno game for your next gambling session.

Classic Keno

This is your standard version of Keno that has punters selecting a set number of spots, ranging between 1 and 20, from a pool of 80. Choosing numbers and betting is followed by a random draw that decides everyone’s fate.

Super Keno

A higher payout take on Classic Keno that has punters competing for more significant winnings for specific combinations of numbers. The game features multipliers that significantly increase your winnings if you pick the right numbers.

Power Keno

A keno variant that is very close to Super Keno, with the added benefit of a power number. If the power number appears and matches a selected spot, your winnings get multiplied. Other game mechanics generally stay the same.

Way Keno

A keno variant that gives players the option to group selected numbers into combinations or “ways”. Each way is practically a separate bet, which increases your chances of winning. Note that the higher cost of playing is balanced by more payout opportunities.

Combination Keno

This incredible variant allows you to combine various Keno tickets into one, which allows you to select multiple sets of numbers on a single ticket. Note that this can be a highly cost-effective way to pursue several combinations at once.

Video Keno

It's a digital version of your normal brick-and-mortar keno game. It has been polished over more than two decades of constant development by various leading casino software providers, which is why you can expect incredible graphics and crisp audio effects. There are also various quality-of-life improvements, such as autoplay and quick picks.

Progressive Keno

An exciting keno variant that features a progressive jackpot that increases with every placed wager. Its win conditions depend on the game variant at hand, with most requiring you to land specific numbers.

Live Keno

The most atmospheric form of online keno combines the comfort of online gaming with the excitement of a live dealer or host. The drawing is conventional, with an actual host leading the action. It is an incredibly interactive and engaging experience that everyone should partake in at least once.

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FAQ

Yes, you can enjoy various online keno games completely for free. These are usually displayed in the demo games category of your online casino game library. Note that you cannot win real money when playing for free.

Yes, you sure can! There are various smartphone and tablet solutions for online casino gaming venues, some of which come in the form of dedicated apps that run directly on your chosen Android or iOS device.

Yes, there are! You can find a plethora of exciting bonuses and promotions that cover online keno. Some of these are generally welcome and deposit bonuses, while others are keno-specific promotions.

Yes, there are plenty! Online casinos love offering games that fit every playstyle and gaming genre, which is why you will find plenty of exciting high-limit keno games at any online gaming venue.

Yes, there are! Low-limit games are the perfect entry-level titles for punters who want to experience keno without risking their financial well-being. Note that all of the gameplay and mechanics are the same as in conventional keno.

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