Thanks to online casino gaming, the centuries-old game of Keno is just as, if not more, fascinating today. UK gamers enjoy this lottery-style game, which has its origins in ancient Chinese culture and involves selecting numbers and attempting to match them with those drawn as winners. Online Keno is popular because it is so simple to play: simply place a stake, select the numbers you want to play, and cross your fingers.
Continue reading to learn how to play Keno in three easy steps.
Step 1: Understand What Keno Is
The first step in playing any new casino game is understanding how it works so you can make an informed decision about whether it appeals to you.
Keno is a fast-paced lotto-style game commonly found under the ‘instant win’ category of online casino sites. Classic Keno allows players to choose any number between 1 and 80, typically up to 15 per round.
Keno games are played in 5–10 rounds, similar to bingo. After players lock in their numbers, 20 winning numbers are drawn. Online Keno uses RNG software to generate hundreds of outcomes every second, ensuring fairness. Independent auditors test this software, and the hosting casino must be licensed to guarantee fair play. Player payouts depend on how many numbers match the winning numbers, with more matches resulting in greater rewards.
Step 2: Select Your Game and Play!
Keno games can be played on all devices, including mobile ones. Simply load your chosen Keno game on your preferred device. Once loaded, decide how much you’d like to bet using the bet selection menu and choose the numbers you want to play. Most Keno games allow you to pick 15–20 numbers ranging from 1 to 80. In Keno, your selected numbers are referred to as ‘spots.’ Once you’ve decided on your bet and ‘spots,’ it's time to see the outcome.
Step 3: Discover Your Matches!
Once you click play, the results are instantly revealed. Spots that match the winning numbers are known as a ‘catch’—the more catches, the bigger the prize.
The return rate in Keno refers to the payout percentage of a winning ticket. The payout is based on both the number of catches and the number of picks. Different forms of Keno may have varying payout structures.
Keno odds represent the likelihood that at least one of the numbers you pick will match the drawn numbers. Each number on a traditional 20-number Keno card has a 25% chance of being drawn (1 in 4 odds).
Different types of Keno have varying pay tables. Online casinos set Keno payouts, and this information is always displayed in the game details. Each matching number is ticked off, and players receive prizes based on the number of matches. While two or more matches may offer small payouts, hitting 10 or more matches can award prizes in the thousands.
After any winnings are paid out, the next round begins. Keno games are typically played in batches of 5–10 rounds.
Is There a Difference in How to Play Keno Online?
In the UK, Keno is less common in real-world casinos but may be featured in some bingo halls. However, the majority of Keno is played online, with most top online and mobile casinos offering a variety of Keno games.
Online Keno allows players to control the pace of play and often has higher potential payouts than offline versions, sometimes linked to progressive jackpots.
In real-world casinos, Keno results are determined by a manually or automatically operated machine, similar to a bingo draw. In online Keno, a ‘random number generator’ (RNG) produces thousands of possible outcomes per second, ensuring truly randomised results. To ensure fair play, always choose a licensed and regulated casino with third-party tested Keno games.
Takeaway
Keno is a fun instant-win game that can be a refreshing alternative to similar lotto games and online scratchcards. With no skill required and simple rules, Keno is a game that anyone of legal gambling age (18+) can play and enjoy. At Prime Casino, you’ll find a selection of Keno games to enjoy. Just remember to always gamble responsibly and never wager more than you can afford to lose.
