Keno Rules

Keno is a unique and easy game that's very similar to playing your local lottery. If you have experience playing the lotto, it shouldn't be too hard to pick up the game of Keno as well. Similar to the lotto as well as bingo, Keno is relatively straightforward, easy to understand, and indeed comes in a number of varieties.

Each player receives a ticket (the Keno board) with a total of 80 numbers printed on it, and the object of the game is to predict as many of the 20 numbers that are selected each round as possible. This 'balldraw' generally occurs at the "keno booth" but can be determined by one of four devices:

1. Traditional “Rabbit Ear” blower
2. "AKV": Automated blower in which the balls are encoded, read by a computer, then sent to a computerized keno system for processing
3. Random Number Generator: An electronic number selection device approved by gaming authorities
4. “Hand Cage”: A spinning the metal ball cage which rolls the numbers into a slot where they are validated by a person

Online, the computer, incidentally, selects these numbers randomly, and the player can choose to bet on anywhere between 1 and 10 numbers that he or she believes will come up.

When a player's number matches a number chosen at random, it's called a "Hit." The payoff in a game of Keno depends on whether you choose "Bet $1," "Bet $3," or "Bet $5." (The maximum bet in most online casinos is $5). Other important determining factors include: how many numbers you select each game (between 1 and 10) and, of course, how many of these numbers become "Hits."

You start by designating the numbers you want on the Keno board. You are usually also given the option to have the computer select a random 10 numbers for you, if you prefer. This should be a button labeled "Automatic Deal 10 Numbers" or something along those lines. When you have picked a number, it turns green. If you want to de-select a number, just click on it again. You'll see your potential payoff in one corner of the screen as you choose your numbers.

After you've decided how many numbers you wish to play, it's time to choose whether you want to bet $1, $3, or $5. Click on the appropriate button and you'll see your potential payoff this time adjusting accordingly in the corner of your screen.

Next you can choose how many games of Keno you'd like to play by clicking on either "Play One," "Play Five," or "Play Ten." After each game of Keno, you can see your results on the left side of your screen. You can click on each game to get detailed information on each game you play. To keep playing the same numbers in a new game, click on "Repeat Bet."

Lottery versions of keno are now employed in many National Lotteries in different countries across the globe. The games have different formulas, of course, depending on the desired price breakdown and the frequency of the game. In other words, the 'game' (lottery) or rather, the time between draws, can last days, weeks, or just minutes. The drawn numbers are typically published on TV for the slow games and on monitors at the point of sale for the fast games (these can be found in bars, gambling halls, and even in some convenience stores (this is popular, in particular, in the US). A video keno machine sometimes has a greater customer edge than a traditional keno game, in fact. However, because live keno payouts are configurable by the host, some live keno paytables hold percentages match or are even lower than those for video keno machines, which almost always have fixed paytables.

Important Keno Points and Tips

Selecting the Ideal Bet - Choose your bet wisely. Even if you have a lower bankroll, it may be advisable to opt for $5 or greater bets as opposed to $1 bets as the earnings of the $1 bet may be insignificant over the long run.
Selecting the right number of spots - If you're looking to stay in the game longer, choosing the right number of spots is very important (depending of course on the payout ration). The greater the number of spots selected, the greater the chance that at least some of your numbers will be drawn. This does not necessarily mean that choosing maximum spots increases your chances of winning as this will require more “hits” before you can win anything.
Game of luck - Remember, keno numbers are randomly selected, so it is really impossible to predict the outcome of any round. Sometimes, this works in your favor - however, it can just as easily tip the other way as well. In such a random game, you never know where your luck may be!