Keno actually has its roots in ancient China, dating back some 2,000 years, which makes it one of the oldest gambling games in the world. Its simplicity, accessibility, and win potential make it a staple at popular sites like PlayOJO, where we have about 10 enthralling keno games to choose from. Find out how to play online keno and get the most out of this age-old game.
What is keno?
Keno is a lottery style matching game involving the random drawing of numbered balls. Players choose numbers on a grid, then balls are picked at random by a machine or random number generator, with any matches above the minimum resulting in a payout. Think of it like lottery on demand. The only real difference is in the numbers available to choose from and how many you can choose.
Keno rules
The rules of keno are very simple, so much so that you can pretty much just jump right into the game with very little prep. That said, it’s worth taking a minute or two to understand the basics:
- Available numbers range from 1 to 80 and are arranged on a grid
- You get to choose between 1/2 and 10/15/20 numbered balls
- Decide how much you want to bet for the round from min. 10p to max. £50
- 20 numbered balls are drawn at random
- Of the 20 numbered balls drawn, those matching your picks are highlighted
- Payouts depend on the number of matches made and range from 1x to 10,000x your bet
- The more matches you make, the bigger the payout
Keno gameplay
Once you’ve picked your numbers and chosen your bet, hitting the play button will start the round. Most games will then feature an animation of the ball selection process, with 20 numbered balls drawn at random. As these balls are drawn, any matches will be highlighted, either on the grid or just the ball itself. Once all 20 balls have been drawn, any winnings will be highlighted, totalled, and added to your balance. Keno is a fast-paced game, with each round taking just seconds to complete.
Keno bets and payouts
Keno is a super accessible game, with bets starting at just 10p per round and rising as high as £50 or more per round. Such a good range means you can choose the bet values that best suit your budget, which is perfect for responsible gaming.
In terms of payouts, the amount you stand to win playing keno can vary greatly from simply getting your original bet back to landing 10,000x your bet. It all depends on how many matches you make and any bonus payouts that might come into play.
For example, picking 6 numbers in Keno Age of the Gods results in 5 possible payouts (no payout for a single match) ranging from 1x to 200x your bet. In this particular keno game, choosing the maximum 10 numbers raises the minimum payout mark to 3 matches, but you’ll be playing for a maximum payout of 5,000x your bet.
Payouts can vary from one game to the next, so it’s a good idea to take a look at the paytable after selecting your numbers, but before you start the round.
Keno bonus payouts
Keno is quite a basic game, so some developers have introduced additional bonus payouts to make it a little more appealing.
For example, in Lucky 8 Keno, the last ball drawn in every round is called the Lucky 8 Number because if it matches one of your chosen numbers, your winnings are multiplied by 8.
In Lucky Stars Keno, 3 Lucky Stars are drawn as the first, 10th and 20th balls in each round, each with their own multiplier of 2x or 4x. If these Lucky Stars match your chosen numbers, your winnings will be multiplied accordingly.
In Lightning Box Keno, lightning symbols appear on the number grid as you play. If 6 or more of these symbols land, you’ll unlock Lightning Respins, which play on a set of reels and could result in a payout of one of four fixed jackpots of up to £2,500.
Give keno a go
There’s a reason keno has been around for ages and is a staple in most casino games collections. It’s really easy to play keno, rounds take place in just a few seconds, bets start at just 10p a shot, and winnings can be substantial. Plus, these games come in a range of interesting and engaging designs, so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. PlayOJO is home to about 10 keno games, most of which offer a demo version, so give them a try.
Keno is a lottery style game where players pick 1/2 to 10/15/20 numbers between 1 and 80. 20 numbered balls are then drawn at random, with any matches beyond the minimum resulting in a payout.
There is some research out there that suggests the numbers 1, 4, 23, 34, and 72 are drawn more than any others. However, bear in mind that online keno game outcomes are determined by random number generators, which are designed to be completely random and unpredictable.
Due to the nature of the game, there isn’t really any good strategy when it comes to playing keno. Some claim that playing fewer numbers is better for increased odds of winning, while others go for more numbers for a shot at bigger payouts. You might find the ideal spot for you is somewhere in the middle, but there really is no trick to the game.
Yes, keno games at reputable sites like PlayOJO are all driven by an RNG (random number generator), which is a piece of software that’s designed to give truly random outcomes, ensuring fairness on every round for every player.
Yes, keno is a game of pure luck. There is no element of strategy involved in the game, with results dependent entirely on the outcome of the random number generator driven draw. There’s just no way to influence that draw, so keno really is all about luck.
Keno odds can vary depending on how many numbers you choose, but the best odds you’ll get is a 1 in 4.287 chance of getting 5 hits picking 20 numbers.
