Online Keno Guide

A Complete Online Keno Guide

Keno is a lottery-like game mostly played in modern casinos and offered as a game in some state lotteries. It’s a game of chance that involves players placing wagers and picking numbers that win if they correspond to the drawn numbers.

The Internet has brought a revolution to the gaming industry, which has birthed online/video keno games to meet the demand of today’s players.

If you’ve never played or seen keno before, you’ll learn all you need to know about the game in this guide. We cover the game history, basics, and how to play, and strategies to help you win.

What is Online Keno?

A online keno game is the computerized version of the traditional keno. Similar to video slots and free online video poker, video keno is a stand-alone game for a single player. Instead of waiting for a draw, you can simply hit the play button to start the game.

It makes the game fast-paced. The keno games you find online can be referred to as video keno since they operate similarly to the video keno machines. The major difference is the mode of drawing the numbers.

Instead of using actual balls, these machines use a Random Number Generator (RNG). It randomly selects 20 numbers in a draw, and as the numbers are drawn, their corresponding positions on the screen light up. online Keno functions the same way, though the RNG software is on the casino’s server and not on your system.

Aside from the advantage of playing whenever you like, you’ll also enjoy the better returns than video keno offers. That’s because the casino doesn’t require additional staff to operate the draws, which keeps the costs down and increases the payouts.

The History of Online Keno

We can’t dig into the history of video keno without mentioning the existence of the traditional keno. The traditional game originated over 3,000 years ago in China.

The Hans dynasty emperor, Cheung Leung, invented the game to keep his crown and fund his army. He ruled a city that was under attack and lacked money. Instead of taxing the residents directly, Leung decided to invent the game and use his foreclosure power.

The funds raised through keno were used to construct the prestigious and famous Great Wall of China.

But, the keno we know today is different from the existing version at that time. During that time, the numbers we now use to place bets were represented by Chinese symbols. The game grid consisted of 120 characters, categorized into groups of 8.

Any player who could guess a combination or a whole subdivision won the game. Hence, they had fewer chances of winning than in the current keno version.

The passage of keno from the East to America didn’t go unnoticed. Several sources report that the game arrived in Canada in the 1800s through the immigration of Chinese immigrant workers. They exported the game while constructing the future railroad tracks in Canada.

At the time, people called it the “Chinese Lottery”. Thereafter, keno evolved greatly to accommodate the new audience. The Chinese symbols were replaced with numbers, and the grids were decreased to 80 squares as players could only win by predicting on a line.

It later acquired its current name keno, a wrong way to pronounce the French word “quine” (a group of five). Gambling houses in Nevada introduced keno in 1933, replacing the numbers on each ticket with the names of horses to avoid conflicting with state laws guiding lotteries.

In 1951, the laws were amended, allowing the return of numbers to the game. Keno was later modified for play on Internet-enabled devices, thanks to the invention of Internet gaming. Players now enjoy video keno in almost all casinos in America, South Africa, Australia, East Asia, and South America.

Live Keno Vs. Online Keno

Before proceeding to introduce the best strategy to win at video keno, let’s discuss the difference between video keno and live keno and which one you should opt for to increase your chances of winning big.

Differences Between Online Keno and Live Keno

In a live keno game, you can’t participate in more than 12 games per hour. Each player must write his/her ticket. They also get some time to finish their rounds, which reduces the number of rounds you’re allowed to play.

The fewer games you play, the lower your chances of profiting. Hence, live keno games tend to decrease your chances of winning massive jackpots. Players who are not patient enough can lose their enthusiasm while expecting the next draw.

However, video keno games allow players to play at their own pace. You can enjoy the game up to 10 times per minute (60 times per hour), which implies 60 chances to become a millionaire.

Players can adjust their game strategy and pick their odds by grinding towards small but frequent payouts or aiming for big prizes. Even if you don’t hit a huge payout, ending the game with some extra money implies that you have what it takes to win a video keno game, and it’s just a matter of time before you hit a larger amount.

What’s the Difference Between Video Keno, Online Keno, and Land-based Keno?

Every online keno game is based on a video keno machine, which is also available in several brick-and-mortar gambling companies. Both video keno and online keno machines are mostly built by the same developer, hence the similarities.

The gameplay on traditional keno involves the use of a ball machine similar to that of keno crayons betting slips, lotteries, and bingo. Apart from the apparent difference in ambiance, traditional keno games tend to have terrible pay tables—one of the reasons it doesn’t have a good reputation among experienced gamblers.

In online keno or video keno, the house has between 4% to 15% edge over players, which is similar to what you’ll find on most slots. But the house edge in a traditional keno game (such as in Laughlin) can be up to 50%. Ensure to avoid such games at all costs. A low house edge in traditional keno games (such as in Vegas Strip) tends to fall between 20% to 35%.

Variants of Video Keno Games

Online/Video keno games are divided into two classes:

Unorthodox Video Keno Game

These games borrow some elements from slots, including free play and bonus rounds. They also have crispier sound effects and more sophisticated graphics.

However, their structure makes it very challenging to determine the house edge. Examples include Last Blast Keno and Ancient Thunder.

Classic Video Keno Game

These games follow the basic keno rules, and they vary in terms of how many balls are drawn, how many spots players can pick, and pay tables. Modifying these variables can greatly affect your odds, though the calculation behind the outcomes and the game flow remains constant.

Types of Video Keno Bets

Straight Tickets

This bet has a specific amount of chosen numbers. Some or all of your selected numbers must hit to win, depending on the amount you choose. The ticket features just one selection of numbers.

King Number Tickets

This bet has one number (called king number) added to your other groups of numbers. The king number stands as one spot. For instance, if your ticket has two 4-spot bets, and you pick a king number, you’d have four separate groupings.

Way Tickets

This ticket can feature different number selections. You can select different number amounts and different groupings. For instance, you can choose two different groups of four numbers and another group consisting of all the eight numbers.

There’s no limit to the quantity of selections a player can make. A popular ticket has (190-way) offers 190 chances to win.

Combination Tickets

As the name implies, a combination ticket combines multiple different group types. You can choose to have king bets, straight bets, way bets, etc., combined in one ticket. You’ll pay for each combination chosen.

Split Tickets

A split bet features a combination of multiple straight bets. Its play and payout are similar to that of a straight bet. Most people avoid playing a split ticket since they’re not allowed to select a number twice. You can’t choose the same number on any two straight bets.

Playing Video Keno

Before learning how to play, you need to know and understand what a video keno game screen looks like. Different websites usually design the screen in different ways to distinguish it from competitors. While the sounds and graphics might vary, the basic elements you’ll see on the screen are similar.

The Video Keno Screen

The screen displays individual spaces with the numbers 1 to 80 (in rows of 10). There’ll also likely be a simulation of 20 balls that’ll bounce out after you’ve made your bet, picked your numbers, and started playing.

While the screen might look as if the bouncing action determines the winning numbers, the results are actually determined through a random number generator (RNG) software once you press the “play” button.

You’ll find your action buttons at the bottom of your screen. There’s a space that displays the bet amount, and you’ll find buttons on the side that enable you to lower or raise your bet amount.

You’ll also see another space that displays your bankroll size. The number will drop by your bet amount as soon as you begin a round. If the round ends in your favor, your returns will be added to the bankroll.

You’ll also find a “play” button at the bottom middle of your screen. Finally, you’ll see a paytable that shows your expected payout based on the number of “hits” you have and how many numbers you selected.

How to Play

Video keno is very simple to play. It’s a game of numbers. Here are the basic steps to know to enjoy the game:

Before learning how to play, you need to know and understand what a video keno game screen looks like. Different websites usually design the screen in different ways to distinguish it from competitors. While the sounds and graphics might vary, the basic elements you’ll see on the screen are similar.

The Video Keno Screen

The screen displays individual spaces with the numbers 1 to 80 (in rows of 10). There’ll also likely be a simulation of 20 balls that’ll bounce out after you’ve made your bet, picked your numbers, and started playing.

While the screen might look as if the bouncing action determines the winning numbers, the results are actually determined through a random number generator (RNG) software once you press the “play” button.

You’ll find your action buttons at the bottom of your screen. There’s a space that displays the bet amount, and you’ll find buttons on the side that enable you to lower or raise your bet amount.

You’ll also see another space that displays your bankroll size. The number will drop by your bet amount as soon as you begin a round. If the round ends in your favor, your returns will be added to the bankroll.

You’ll also find a “play” button at the bottom middle of your screen. Finally, you’ll see a paytable that shows your expected payout based on the number of “hits” you have and how many numbers you selected.

Choose Your Bet

The casino you choose might place limits on your bet amount in each round. The quantity of numbers you select isn’t related to your bet amount.

For instance, if you’re looking to place a $1 bet on one round, you won’t spend more than that if you play a few numbers or choose more.

Each bet has a bearing on the amount you’ll make. For instance, a $3 bet with a result where the paytable displays 5 to 1 will earn you $15 in return ($5 x $3 = $15).

Select Your Numbers

Keno has two versions. One version (the most popular) allows players to select between –10 numbers per round. Other versions allow you to choose between 1–15 numbers per round.

Click on various numbers to choose your bet. The number of bets you select is up to you. The objective is to have as “hits” as possible on the numbers you choose. Your potential return on a round rises as you select more numbers.

Note that you may find other rarer online keno versions in casinos. These games might allow you to select varying quantities of numbers than the above-mentioned versions. However, the 1–15 and –10 versions are the most popular.

Activate Play

After deciding on your chosen numbers and your bet, you can select the “play” button. The game will start immediately, and you’ll see the 20 digital balls bouncing all over your screen and landing in different numerical spaces. You’ll get a “hit” if any of these balls land in one of your selected numerical spaces.

The more the hits, the more chances of winning. The paytable usually displays how much a player can win, depending on the number of hits.

Collect the Winnings

If you’re lucky to get the right quantity of numbers to hit a payout, your credit increases. You can either withdraw your winnings or continue playing with the credits.

Tips for Beginners

Here are some tips you need to note while looking for the best casino to play video keno.

Look for Tickets with Special Features

Many casinos offer promotions on specific kinds of bets or during draws. They could offer higher payouts or discounted wagers.

For instance, if you bet on a bottom or top 40 ticket, you’ll get either the bottom 40 or the entire top 40 numbers chosen on your ticket. While these could vary between the casinos, always opt for better incentives instead of a straight video keno bet.

Look for a Video Keno with a Progressive Jackpot

One of the most exciting aspects of video keno is the chance to win a massive jackpot. Regular payouts are also fairly large, but progressive jackpots are more remunerative. They offer that same payout structure (non-progressive), so you risk losing nothing by opting for an opportunity to win the huge prize.

Shop for the Best Payouts

Video keno games have variable payouts. A game can feature different payouts for similar number groups than another. Many machines can even have different payouts on similar games. In other words, you could be paying a different amount on the same game as another player next to you.

That’s why you need to check the payouts before playing video keno. Casinos may offer different payouts and wager costs. Shopping for the best payouts is always worth the effort.

Select Games with Bonus Features

When playing video keno, select a game that comes with bonus features. The odds are as good as that of a standard game due to the random drawing of numbers. However, some might offer very low payouts. Ensure to check that you’re still getting a fair payout.

If the payouts are still well structured, you might be lucky to enjoy free bonus spins, wild numbers, and other extras without any additional cost. These features can also increase the fun while playing your video keno.

Video Keno Strategies

There’s no perfect strategy to win at video keno, but that shouldn’t stop players from searching for any possible advantage. The following are some strategies you can try when next you play, though we can’t guarantee any wins with them.

Play for Free

When starting, you can play video keno to enable you to understand the rules. Even after mastering the best tips to winning in video keno, it’s advisable to practice first. Besides, it helps you further get a good grasp of this game and ensure you don’t pick your numbers anyhow.

Learn the Patterns

You can either keep playing the same numbers for a few video keno games or play patterns. You’ll easily get frustrated if you jump around and play different numbers in each round. Also, mix up the number of spots you play. You can play between five to 10 spots. You need this strategy to help you manage your funds as video keno is not a skill game.

Purchase Multiple Tickets

Purchase as many tickets as you can to increase your chances of hitting some winning numbers. This tactic will cost you more money, so ensure your bankroll can handle it.

Play Progressive Video Keno Games

Progressive Keno games award jackpots at random to players who hit certain combinations. The prizes are usually calculated into each game win ratio when the jackpot is awarded from the player’s basic wager.

Use the Odds Tables

The probability of a single number in video keno hitting a win after 20 numbers are drawn is 1 in 4. The chance of any two numbers hitting a win is 1 in 16. You can multiply each ratio by four and add matching numbers.

Glossary Terms in Video Keno

Bet Size: it shows you your current bet

Clear Selections: you can clear all selections from the game board

Payout Table: this area shows you what a winning combination pays

Game Board: this area displays all the numbers (you’ll choose your numbers here and the drawn numbers will from here)

Play One Game: a button that activates the beginning of the game

Change Bet Size: you can use the arrows to decrease or increase your bet as the limits permit

Catch: a number on your betting ticket that matches any of the selected numbers during a draw.

Play Five Games: a button that plays five games with the chosen numbers

Number Pool: all the playable numbers of a video keno game, ranging from 1 to 80

Call: this implies bringing forth the numbers of each game

House Edge: the percentage or ratio of your expected loss to your bet

Return-to-player (RTP): the percentage of the amount you wager and expect to be paid back over time

Win Amount: an area that displays your win in the current game

Game Results: an area that displays the results of the past and current games

Conclusion

If you’re yet to try video keno, you now know all that’s needed to give it a try. The experience is definitely worth it. While live keno is likened to a social event that takes place in a busy room, video keno can offer a desired routine change if you enjoy playing slot machines.

The Internet has made it easy for game developers to modify existing or create new keno games. Hence, you can enjoy your favorite game at any time of the day by simply logging in to the casino. Vegas Aces offers video keno games for both experienced and new players. You’ll also enjoy their bonuses and several other offers. Remember, if you want to know more about Vegas Aces, check our social media and be aware of every news.

Online Keno Guide FAQs

How Much Do I Need to Play Video Keno?

The beautiful thing about video keno is that it's very cheap to play. You can play with as little as one cent on some casinos. That means you can play five different cards with $0.05—quite a bargain!
However, ensure to watch your bankroll when playing video keno due to the quick actions.

Is Online Keno Rigged?

It's natural to be concerned about the fairness of video keno games given that the balls being drawn can't be seen physically. But, as with every online casino game, video keno uses a random number generator to draw the winning numbers randomly. Hence, the results are fair and random.

Does Online Keno Have a Minimum Playing Age?

Yes. Although the minimum age in different casinos varies, you must be of legal age according to your local laws. It varies from state to state and country to country. You'll find the age requirements on the casino's information page or when you join.

Where Can I Get a Keno Bonus?

Which Casino Offers a Video Keno Bonus? Almost all online casinos offer bonuses to video keno players. You'll often find video keno in the same category with slots bonuses since they have a similar house edge.
Ensure to go through the terms and conditions to know the exact kind of playthrough requirements a player must meet to get the bonus.

Is There a Maximum I Can Win?

There's no limit to how much you can win on video keno, though the chances of hitting a huge jackpot or multiple massive jackpots are very low. Keep in mind that your winning depends on the amount you stake and how many of your selected numbers are drawn.