Keno

Online Keno: A Comprehensive Guide

Keno is a lottery-style gambling game that has become increasingly popular online. With its simple rules and the potential for big payouts, it’s no wonder players are flocking to online casinos to try their luck.

A Brief History of Keno

Believe it or not, keno has been around for centuries! It originated in China way back in the mid-1800s. The game was brought to America by Chinese immigrants in the late 1800s and has only grown in popularity since then. In the early days of keno in the United States, some casinos used racehorse names instead of numbers to avoid conflicting with state lottery laws. Thankfully, those laws have changed, and now we can enjoy keno in its classic form.

How to Play Keno Online

Keno is a game of chance where players select numbers from a pool of 80 and hope they match the numbers drawn randomly. The more numbers you pick and match, the more you can win. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:

• Select your keno card: You’ll receive a card with numbers 1 to 80.
• Choose your numbers: Mark or circle the numbers you believe will be drawn. Traditionally, you can pick up to 10 numbers, but some online games allow up to 15 or 20.
• Check the payout table: This table shows how much you could win if you match certain numbers. The more matches, the greater the payout.
• Choose your bet size: Decide how much you want to wager per game. You can often choose to multiply your bet if your winning spots are selected.
• The Draw: The game begins, and the drawn numbers appear on the screen. You’ll often be shown hot and cold numbers too – hot numbers have appeared recently, cold numbers have not.
• Match the numbers: If a number you’ve selected is drawn, it’s called “catching a spot.” This is a common term used in keno. The number of spots you catch determines your winnings.

Manual picks:

• Work out how many lucky numbers you want to pick.
• Consider the associated keno payouts and odds for each range.
• Select how much cash you want to wager per game.
• Watch to see how many numbers you match.
• Choose whether you repick numbers or use the same ones again.

Automatic picks:

• Decide how many numbers you want to play.
• Click the option to have your numbers selected at random.
• Random numbers will be displayed on your keno card.
• Place your wager and draw, then look out for matches.
• Play again with these numbers or repeat the steps for new ones.

Online Keno Game Variations

While traditional keno is the most common, there are exciting variations online:

• Online keno: The standard online version plays as fast as the player can go. Once they either pick or request a randomized set of numbers, the draw is done automatically by the game software. Rules are as standard, so generally a player wins if they match between two and ten numbers from the 20 drawn. The more numbers matched, the bigger the win amount.
• Super keno: Super keno plays to the same rules as regular online keno, with players looking to match two to ten numbers. The distinctive feature of this variation is that if you match the first ball drawn, the winnings will have a 4x multiplier.
• Power keno: Power keno games (also known as Fire Power) invert the Super keno rule. Here if a player matches the 20th ball drawn, rather than the first, the winnings are multiplied by four. Again all other game play is per the standard online keno game.
• Video keno: Video keno feels more like an online slot machine, right down to the bonus rounds and free spins some games provide. It’s a faster paced variety as the game draws when you’re ready, and usually runs at around 17 rounds a minute. The house edge is also lower for this variety.
• Jackpot keno: Jackpot games are linked to progressive jackpots building up over time across a number of casinos online. The jackpots can reach several million dollars, and games will have different rules on how many numbers need to be matched to hit the jackpot. You can expect to need ten spots for the bigger wins.
• Live dealer keno: Using streaming software, live keno features scheduled draws that players can enter into just like games found in local casino venues. Numbered balls are drawn at random from a physical tombola, and a video stream shows players the results in real time. These games keep up with the pace and demand of online play by launching new games every three to five minutes, so you don’t need to worry about the time you join.

Examples of online keno games:

• Keno
• Vegas Jackpot Keno
• Ancient Thunder
• Prairie Thunder Keno

Odds of Winning in Online Keno

Keno has a higher house edge than many other casino games, typically around 25% or more. This means the casino has a statistical advantage over the player. However, the odds vary depending on the number of spots you choose and the specific game variation.

The house edge in physical venues is often around 30-35% of your bet, while with online keno, you can find variations with the house edge as low as 5%.

Here’s a table summarizing the odds for a typical keno game:

Strategies for Playing Online Keno

While keno is primarily a game of luck, there are strategies to improve your chances:

• Choose Games with High Payouts: Look for online casinos with favorable payout percentages.
• Select Between Four and Eight Numbers: This offers a balance between the odds of winning and the potential payout.
• Don’t Get Hung Up on History: Each keno draw is independent, and past results don’t influence future outcomes.

Online keno offers a thrilling and convenient way to enjoy this lottery-style game. By understanding the rules, odds, and strategies, and by gambling responsibly, you can maximize your enjoyment and potentially win big. Remember to check the legality of online keno in your state and choose reputable online casinos for a safe and fair gaming experience.