A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Keno Online

Keno is a simple game of numbers; if you have no mental image of the game, just think of a lottery or a raffle to get an idea.

In a lottery game, you pick a set of numbers on a playslip and a special machine picks the winning numbers. If those numbers match yours, you are in for a big win. In principle, keno is the same. You pick a group of numbers of your choosing or make an automated random selection, place your bet, and await the result.

How much you win depends on how many numbers you get right and how much you wager. Let’s dive into the rules and check out the Keno setup.

In Keno, players typically choose 1-10 (or up to 40) numbers from a common pool of 80, though this can vary by game version. For example, in the image above, I have selected 9 numbers out of 40. This version of Keno also features multipliers, which I will cover later. For now, let’s focus on the basics.

The screen layout and interface resemble the one shown in the image above, with minor differences depending on the specific game.

In every Keno game, the initial view will usually display two sets of numbers: the complete list of numbers available to pick from and how many you want to choose. Many classic variants of the game have 36, 40, or 80 numbers, and you can select the ones you like directly on the grid.

The number of choices and the specific combination are entirely your decision. The more numbers you guess correctly, the bigger the final win.

You will notice that in many types of Keno, a multiplier value appears next to the list of numbers from 1 to 10. These multipliers apply to your bet size, and the more winning numbers you have, the bigger the multiplier. For example, when I play classic Keno by Spribe, the game pays out from 1x for three numbers, up to 100x for all 10. If you predict only two numbers (from 10), you won’t win anything.

But you can also win with one or two winning numbers if you select a total of 3, 4, or 5. So, for 10 numbers, you need three or more to win, but if you select four numbers, you get paid out even with just one number, although the multipliers are smaller when you have fewer (than 10) numbers.

Unlike some other casino games like baccarat, blackjack, or craps, Keno keeps it simple – you just pick your numbers and place your bet.

The Return to Player (RTP) for most Keno games usually hovers around 97% to 98%. This basically means that, theoretically, for every A$100 you bet, you can expect to get A$97 or A$98 back. Keep in mind, these returns are calculated over millions of bets, not just a few.

Your bet size is a big deal in Keno because it directly affects how much you could win. You’ll usually find betting limits somewhere between A$0.10 and A$100.

Payouts are directly linked to both how much you bet and how many numbers you get right. For example, in a classic Keno game:

• Match 3 numbers, and you’ll get 1x your bet back.
• Match 4 numbers, and you’ll get 1.50x your bet.
• Match 8 numbers, and you’re looking at 40x your bet.
• Match 9 numbers, and that’s 75x your bet.
• Hit all 10 numbers, you’ll score 100x your bet.

Keno is a game of pure chance, unlike poker or blackjack, which combine skill with luck. This makes it a high-risk game for significant wagers, which is why betting limits are typically low. Nevertheless, a few strategies can potentially boost your winnings, even though the odds of winning generally remain constant. Here are some tips:

• Pick more numbers: When you choose fewer numbers, for instance, between one and four, you often win even with just one number. However, the payout will be small and not really worth the effort. Over time, it’s wiser to pick between 6 and 10 numbers, where the prizes are significantly better, although you’ll need at least two or three to secure a win.
• Try different variants: Keno Bonus Number or Keno Super Chance add extra excitement to the game and features like buying extra numbers, having the game pick one more random number after each selection, or getting a bonus after each round. Don’t hesitate to try different variants.
• Play small: Keno is a high-risk game, but it offers significant payouts, even with small wagers. You don’t need to bet A$40 or A$50 per hand. I’ve personally seen returns at even odds or even higher – double or triple – than my initial A$0.20-A$1 bets. The appealing aspect of Keno is its generous payout structure relative to your stake, even if you’re only betting A$1 or less.
• New number picks don’t guarantee a win: Keno is all about numbers and random picks. However, you can wager on the same numbers each round, and it won’t change your chances of winning. Choosing different numbers in the hope of increasing your odds is a fallacy, but ultimately, it’s up to you how you select your numbers.

A final, important tip: avoid playing Keno when trying to clear a casino bonus, as it typically offers zero or very low wagering contributions.

Keno offers an entirely different experience from more intense games like pokies and roulette.

Its outcomes are determined by a random computer algorithm, adding a unique thrill to each wager, but leaving little room for strategising. In other words, you have zero control over the outcome.

Keno can be electrifying and highly enjoyable, but it’s crucial to approach it with moderation. It’s easy to lose track of time and overspend, so mindful play is key.