Keno for Beginners: How to Play Keno Online

Keno is a super quick and easy game that looks like a lottery mixed with bingo. People love it because it's easy to learn the rules of the game and actually fun to play. Basically, you pick some numbers and then cross your fingers to make sure that they match the ones randomly drawn. What makes Keno stand out is that you get to choose your own numbers, which adds a little extra excitement.

You can play Keno pretty much anywhere — in classic land-based casinos, at lottery spots, or online through websites and apps that let you jump right in from your phone or laptop.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to play Keno, break down the basic rules, explain how payouts work, and share some tips to help you get started without stressing.

What Is Keno?

Keno is a straightforward number-picking game. You choose anywhere from 1 to 20 numbers out of a total pool of 80. Once you lock in your picks, the game randomly draws 20 numbers, and your goal here is to match as many as possible — the more matches, the bigger the win.

There are two main ways to play: the classic version uses a physical machine (like a lottery ball blower), while online Keno relies on a Random Number Generator (RNG) to keep things fair and unpredictable. Either way, it's all about luck and the thrill of seeing your numbers hit. Your payout will depend on the number of matches.

Pro tip: It's important to manage your bankroll because Keno outcomes are unpredictable. Decide on a spending limit and follow it. To maintain control and make Keno fun, treat it like a pastime rather than a means of making quick money.

How to Play Keno: The Rules & How a Keno Game Works

The rules of Keno are straightforward if you wonder, 'How does Keno work?'. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Select your numbers: You will have a virtual Keno card available containing numbers from 1 to 80. You will need to pick between 1 and 10 numbers (which is considered standard), but sometimes you'll have the choice to choose up to 20 in online versions.
2. Place your bet: Here, you decide how much you would like to wager for the round.
3. Start the game: Once the process of choosing numbers and wagering bets is complete, you can initiate the draw.
4. Wait for the results: The game will draw 20 random numbers. Your payout will depend on how many chosen numbers are the same as the drawn ones.

Additionally, you can play several rounds back-to-back with just a few clicks on the majority of online Keno sites.

Online Keno Games

Often, online casinos offer a wide range of Keno games. While the visual design, themes, and features may vary, the Keno rules generally stay the same. Some platforms spice things up with animated drawings, advanced multiplier features, and sound effects. Here are some details of the types of Keno games:

Fans of slots and lottery games will love online Keno since it delivers fast rounds and the excitement of every draw.

Understanding Keno Odds

Overall, Keno is mostly luck-based. However, knowing the odds can help you set your expectations right and even plan your strategy. First of all, the odds in Keno depend on how many numbers you pick. Here's what you need to know:

• If you have the option to pick more numbers, you have more chances of hitting some matches.
• But with a larger number of numbers, your payout per match decreases.

So let's say you pick 5 numbers out of 80, and the game randomly draws 20 numbers. The odds of matching a certain number are as follows:

In essence, the more matches there are, the larger the prize, but the lower the odds, which is considered a traditional "high risk, high reward" setup.

Payouts for Online Keno

Different casinos offer varying payout rates and rules, while some versions of Keno include additional features like multipliers and bonus features, which can significantly boost your winnings. We strongly recommend checking the game's paytable and features before starting to play.

Keno payouts depend on how many numbers you choose and how many of those numbers match the drawn results. After each round is completed, 20 drawn numbers are compared with your picks to determine your winnings. The more matches you have, the bigger the payout. A standard Keno payout table with 10 chosen numbers may look like this:

Please note that actual payouts can be different from one casino to another. Once the draw is over, most casino platforms will automatically show how many matches you get.

Although Keno isn't as popular as poker or slots, it's a favorite among players because it's very simple, fast, and you have a chance to hit the jackpot. Online Keno provides both new and experienced gamblers with an exciting experience, whether they wish to play for fun or money.

FAQs

How do you play Keno?

First, you choose your lucky numbers — sometimes the casino will let you choose from 1 to 20. Then, place your bet and wait while 20 random numbers are drawn. If your picks match enough of them, you win — how much depends on how many you got right.

How many numbers can I choose in Keno?

This can vary depending on the casino and the version of the game you're playing. Often, you'll be able to pick between 1 and 10 numbers — but some online versions may give you the option to choose up to 15 or even 20.

Are there different versions of Keno?

Sure! There are quite a few versions out there. You've got classics like regular Keno, plus variations like Power Keno, Super Keno, and tons of themed online versions. The bonuses and payouts might change depending on the game, but the core rules pretty much stay the same.

How do you play Keno step by step?

1. Choose how many numbers you want to play
2. Try to guess your numbers
3. Decide on your bet
4. Start the draw and wait for the results

Is Keno skill or luck?

Keno mostly relies on luck. However, it's always a good idea to learn the game's basic rules and think about strategies you can employ.

Why is the game called Keno?

Back in the day, the game started with just five numbers, so the name "Keno" probably comes from a French or Latin word meaning "five." Even though Keno originally came from China, it's the West that shaped it into the game we know today.