Let's talk about Keno! It's a lottery-style game that's featured in most modern casinos. Whether you've just heard about it or are already a seasoned player, this Keno odds guide can be very useful. And if you're up to trying it yourself, check out some of the best keno online casinos where you can play right from home.
Unlike modern casino games like roulette, Keno is extremely old. It was at least 2,000 years old and originated in China. Its name and ticket format may have changed over the years, but the game itself remains the same.
Still, will knowing its history improve your odds of winning? Probably not. But understanding the rules and how probability works is essential. Let’s start with the basics — soon, you’ll be well-versed in Keno odds and ready to try your luck!
Keno Explained
Tickets or cards are needed by players in this bingo- or lottery-style game. Numbers from 1 to 80 are printed in squares on the cards. You select your desired numbers (the number limits vary based on which game type).
Once you've picked your numbers — hopefully using your understanding of Keno odds — it's time to take your ticket and make your bet. The Keno paytable tells you how much you'll win based on how many numbers you catch.
Your Keno winning odds are determined by how many of your numbers match the numbers drawn. Generally, the fewer numbers you pick, the better chance you have of hitting all of them. For example, 8 out of 8 numbers predicted pays more than 8 out of 15 predicted.
Keno: Land-Based or Online
As with all games of gambling, there are both land-based and internet-based forms of Keno. Just as slot machine or blackjack odds vary, your Keno odds vary on different sites due to the various result-generation methods.
The main difference is the house edge — the casino's built-in profit margin, generally a percentage of the player's stake.
Online games carry better Keno odds because the house edge is more favorable in online games than in land-based games. The house edge is as much as 30–35% at land casinos, but online Keno games can have a house edge as little as 5%.
If you're doing it for the entertainment value, fear not — you can have that online too! While nothing quite replaces real casino ambiance, virtual reality gets you close, with great odds in the comfort of your own home. You can even use live chat to try out the social aspect of Keno with other players. It's not the same, but it's an addition to the fun!
How to Play Keno – Step-by-Step
Let's go through the rules first, then talk about how they apply to Keno odds. Here's the general process:
- Choose your Keno game and decide how many numbers (spots) from 1 to 10 you want to play.
- Choose your lucky numbers from 1 to 80 (the same number you decided in step 1).
- Mark your bet size on the ticket (you can also mark multiple consecutive games).
- Optional: Select the "bonus add-on" feature if available to multiply your winnings for an extra bet.
- Hand in your betting slip and get your official Keno ticket.
- Wait for 20 numbers to be drawn — maybe the Keno gods will smile upon you!
- After all numbers have been drawn, count how many of your numbers hit.
Keno Terms You Should Know
To better understand the odds, here are a few key Keno terms:
- Spots – The numbers you choose.
- Hot Numbers – Numbers frequently drawn in recent games.
- Cold Numbers – Numbers not drawn recently.
- Match/Catch – When a drawn number is one of those on your ticket.
- Catch-All – When all the numbers you picked are drawn.
- Catch Zero – When none of the numbers you picked match the draw; some casinos even pay out for this.
- Aggregate Limit – The maximum payout for a single game of Keno.
Keno Odds for a Typical Game
Wondering how to calculate your chances of winning at Keno? We're going to break it down. While luck plays a huge role, there are some figures you can understand.
One Number
There are casinos that permit you to choose a single number. In that case, the odds of hitting it in the 20 numbers drawn are 1 in 4.
Two Numbers
With two numbers selected, the odds of hitting both are 1 in 17.
Three Numbers
If you select three numbers, your odds are:
- 1 in 73 of hitting all three.
- 1 in 8 of hitting at least two.
Four Numbers
If you pick four numbers:
- 1 in 327 of hitting all four.
- 1 in 24 of hitting three of them.
- 1 in 5 of hitting two.
Five Numbers
Go big or go home! (Unless you're home playing online — ha!) That's how it breaks down:
- 1 in 1,551 for all five numbers.
- 1 in 83 for four matches.
- 1 in 12 for three matches.
Six numbers: 1 in 7,752
Seven numbers: 1 in 40,979
Eight numbers: 1 in 230,114
Nine numbers: 1 in 1,380,688
Ten numbers: 1 in 8,911,711