How to play keno

What is keno?

Keno is a lottery-style game originating from China. Keno rules are very similar to games like Lotto. It involves picking numbers and hoping they match some of the numbers drawn at random.

Keno card explained

At the start of a keno game, you'll receive a card that displays the numbers 1 to 80. You use the keno card to mark or circle the numbers that you believe will appear during the draw. Traditionally, you can mark up to 10 numbers, though some online keno games will allow up to 15 or 20 numbers.

Three keno essentials

• 1
  Keno has 80 numbers: In real casinos, a machine called a 'keno hopper' draws the numbered balls.
• 2
  Players pick their numbers: Most games let you pick between 1 and 15 numbers, though this can differ per game.
• 3
  Winning numbers: Your winnings will be based on the amount of numbers bet and how many of your numbers match the draw. 

What is a keno spot?

The numbers picked by players are known as the spots. Traditionally, players mark these with ink or a crayon (like a bingo dabber). In video keno, and keno online, players select keno spots by clicking the mouse or by tapping on mobile.

A little confusingly, Spot Keno is also the name given to the classic, simple version of the game. It has no quirks like additional balls, multipliers, or combinations.

• 1

  Select your keno card

  A keno card will typically show up to 80 numbers.

• 2

  Choose your numbers

  Depending on the game, players select up to 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each keno draw takes place. An individual number is called a 'keno spot'.

• 3

  Check the payout table

  In online keno, the payout table will appear once you've chosen your numbers. This shows how much you could win if you match certain numbers. The more matching keno numbers, the greater the payout. Many keno variants also reward matching zero numbers when players pick above a certain amount.

• 4

  Choose your bet size

  You'll be able to decide if you want to play multiple games with the same selection of numbers. Plus, you can choose to multiply your bet size if your winning spots are selected.

• 5

  The game begins

  Any drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. You'll often be shown hot and cold keno numbers too – hot numbers have appeared recently, cold numbers have not.

• 6

  Match a number

  The term 'catching a spot' is used if a number you've selected is drawn. The number of spots that you catch will determine how much you win.

How to pick keno numbers

Most players believe that choosing four to eight numbers is the best keno strategy. This range can give attractive payout odds and feels less risky than selecting one number alone. The more numbers you pick, the higher your chance of matching a winner is. But just remember, the payout multiplier will decrease as your amount of numbers increases.

When it comes to choosing numbers, you have two choices for how to play keno:

• Choose each individual number manually
• Opt for a random automated selection of numbers

• 1

  Choose your numbers

  Players choose their numbers and how much they want to bet.

• 2

  Add any side bets

  Some games offer side bets like multipliers to boost your winnings. At this stage, players can click the option to play any multiplier or other side bet available.

• 3

  Draw numbers

  The draw begins. The player’s selected numbers start to appear on the screen.

• 4

  Collect your winnings

  This depends on how many matches a player gets.

• 5

  Play again

  Players can repeat the process by using the same set of numbers, selecting a new set of numbers, or allowing the game to pick numbers at random.

What is the difference between keno and bingo?

In keno, players can choose specific numbers to wager on. In Bingo, players are given a card with a random selection of numbers. You don't 'place bets' in Bingo either, whereas in keno you need to choose your numbers, and sets, and consider the odds of the game.

Although the games are similar in their number card and the draw, keno involves more player participation and decision-making. Players new to keno often assume that it’s very similar to bingo. In fact, keno strategy has a lot more in common with picking lottery numbers than bingo. Bingo and keno are almost opposite to each other.