Keno is a game that’s been enjoyed by players for many centuries, and is also one of the many online casino games that players can experience online. Players who want to know more about this game or how it works can read on to learn more about how to play keno online.
What is Keno?
According to Britannica, keno is a game that originated in China and could be more than 2,000 years old. It was originally known as paige piao, which wasn’t only the predecessor of keno, but also of lotto and bingo.
Keno made its way to the United States in the 1840s. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that it started to become popular outside of the Chinese communities that brought it to the country. This increasingly popular version of the game was called Chinese lottery and featured numbers instead of Chinese characters. It was also around this time that it started to become known as keno.
One of a growing number of popular online casino games, at a glance, keno appears similar to bingo. It involves a card with rows of numbers and requires the player to choose 10 (or sometimes 20, depending on the version of keno being played) of those numbers. A draw then takes place in which 20 numbers are chosen at random. The player then wins depending on how many numbers matched and how much the player wagered.
The Appeal of Keno
Keno might be similar to other bingo or lottery-style games of chance, but it has formed its own audience separate from these kinds of games. Here are the likely reasons why keno is so appealing:
- It’s easy to pick up and play: The rules are simple, making this a game that’s easy to play for newcomers and experienced players.
- Rounds are fixed at 20 numbers: Unlike bingo, which only ends once a player wins, keno ends once 20 numbers have been chosen. This means that players have a better idea of how long each game will take.
- Range of betting options: Depending on the version of keno, players typically have access to a wide range of betting options, making it suitable for players with varying bankrolls.
How to Play Keno
While the rules of a keno game may vary from title to title, here are the basic steps players need to follow to take part in a typical keno game:
- Choose a keno game variant: There are many different keno variants from which players can choose. Players can browse through the available titles on their preferred online casino and decide which game they’re interested in.
- Pick the numbers they think will win: Players can then choose one to 10 numbers from the 80 available options. Depending on the game, players could also choose up to 20 numbers (also known as keno spots) or have the game choose their numbers for them at random. Also, some versions of the game allow players to play with more than one card each round.
- Decide on their wager and number of rounds: Keno games typically provide a range of betting options suitable for various bankrolls. It is important to review the specific game to determine the available wagering choices. Many keno games also offer the option to play multiple consecutive rounds using the same set of numbers. The desired number of rounds can be selected, and the chosen numbers will automatically apply to each of those rounds.
- Wait for the results of the draw: Once players have locked in their numbers and the number of rounds they want to wager on, all they need to do is wait for the results of each game. During each round, 20 numbers are drawn at random. Depending on the type of keno game, the way these numbers are chosen will vary. For example, a lottery-style number-picking machine is used for live dealer keno games, while a random number generator (RNG) is used for digital versions of keno.
- Collect any payouts: If players land matching numbers, they will receive payouts based on the keno game’s paytable. The more matching numbers players land, the higher their payout will be. However, some games may offer prizes under different conditions, such as landing zero numbers once a player has chosen a certain number of keno spots.
Again, don’t forget that some keno variants may have their own keno rules, so players must check how each game works. This will ensure they don’t miss any important information when they learn how to play keno online for real money.
Can Keno Be Played Online?
Yes, despite starting as a traditional casino game, many online casinos offer a variety of online keno titles for players to choose from. Some of these titles include:
- Coin Collector Keno
- Keno Multiplay
- Lightning Box Keno
- Lucky 8 Keno
- Power Keno
Keno Strategy and Tips
Players who are looking for keno strategies or keno tips to help them win at keno should keep in mind that keno is a game of pure chance. This means that there are no choices or actions they can take to influence their odds of winning. This is especially true due to keno’s high house edge, which can average between 25% and 29%, according to the Wizard of Odds article “What is the House Edge?”
The only strategy keno players should keep in mind is responsible casino bankroll management. This will allow them to get the most out of their bankroll, which in turn leads to more games and potentially more fun and possible wins.
