A Beginner’s Guide to Keno: Rules, Instructions & Winning Strategy Tips
Introduction
Keno is a game I’ve seen a lot of people play at casinos, and I find it’s a pretty interesting from a lot of other casino games, being a mix of a lottery and bingo. You pick numbers, usually between 1 and 80, and then wait for the random numbers to be drawn to see if you’ve won.
It’s been around for a long time, with roots going back to ancient China around 2,000 years ago, hence why I consider it one of the oldest bingo games still in circulation. They say it even helped fund the construction of the Great Wall! It made its way to the US in the 19th century with Chinese immigrants, and it’s been a staple in casinos ever since. It’s a game of chance, but there are ways to play smarter, which I’ll get into later.
Quick Tip for Keno
Don’t pick too many numbers. The more numbers you choose, the harder it is to hit them all.
Rules for playing Keno
Playing Keno is pretty straightforward. You get a card with numbers from 1 to 80, and you pick up to 20 numbers. Then, the game draws 20 numbers randomly. Your goal is to have as many of your numbers match the drawn numbers as possible. The more matches you get, the more you win. The exact payouts can vary depending on where you’re playing, but they usually have a paytable you can check out. You can play multiple rounds, and some places let you play the same numbers for several draws.
Equipment and Setup for Keno
When you play Keno, you need a Keno card and a marker to pick your numbers. The card has 80 numbers on it, and you mark the ones you want to play. At a casino, there’s usually a Keno lounge where you can sit and watch the numbers get drawn on a screen. If you’re playing online, it’s all on your computer or mobile device.
How to Play Keno
Here’s how you get into the game:
- Grab a Keno card and a marker.
- Pick your numbers (up to 20, but I recommend fewer).
- Decide how much you want to bet per draw.
- Choose how many games you want to play with those numbers.
- Hand your card to a Keno runner or submit it online, and pay for your bet.
- Watch the draw and see if you’ve won!
Gameplay phases:
- Selection Phase: Pick your numbers.
- Betting Phase: Decide your wager and number of games.
- Drawing Phase: Watch the numbers get drawn.
- Payout Phase: Collect winnings if your numbers hit.
How to Win at Keno
Winning at Keno is mostly luck, but there are some things to keep in mind. The odds of hitting all 20 numbers are astronomically low, so don’t count on that. Instead, focus on hitting a few numbers. The house edge is pretty high in Keno, usually around 20-30%, so it’s not the best game for making money. But if you’re playing for fun, that’s okay!
Best Strategies for playing Keno game
There’s no surefire way to win at Keno since it’s a game of chance. But some strategies can help you play smarter. For example, playing fewer numbers can increase your chances of hitting them. Some people like to pick consecutive numbers, thinking they’re more likely to come up, but remember, every draw is random. It’s also smart to check the paytable and see which bets have the best odds of winning.
Variations
There are a few different ways to play Keno. Some casinos have “Power Keno” or “Super Keno,” where hitting a certain number can multiply your winnings. There’s also “Combination Keno,” where you can bet on groups of numbers. These variations can add some extra excitement to the game.
Scenarios
Let’s say you’re playing Keno, and you’ve picked 10 numbers, but only a couple of them come up. It’s not a total loss; you might still get a small payout. On the other hand, if you hit a bunch of your numbers, you could win big. The key is to manage your bankroll and not bet more than you can afford to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions about playing Keno game
- Q: How many numbers should I pick?
A: It’s up to you, but picking fewer numbers can increase your chances of hitting them. - Q: Can I use a strategy to win?
A: There’s no strategy that guarantees a win, but you can play smarter by understanding the odds and paytable. - Q: Is there a way to predict the numbers?
A: No, the numbers are drawn randomly, so there’s no way to predict them.
External Links
For more information on Keno, check out these resources:
A digital native around since the early days of online gaming communities around 2001. An early contributor to the cult gaming site ClanTemplates, Adam has spent years giving free gaming resources to the community. With BoardCards, Adam is most experienced and commonly writing the articles on Strategy multi-player games like Settlers of Catan and Avalon. His first introduction to board games was via Mancala, an Egyptian-origin stone game and one of the oldest known games still played worldwide. Contact me via email
