How Many Numbers Should You Pick in Keno?

How Many Numbers Should You Pick in Keno?

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Published Date · Sept. 11, 2019 · Last Updated · June 16, 2025 ·Read Time · 3 mins

How Many Numbers Should You Pick in Keno?

Keno is a popular casino game where players select numbers hoping they match those drawn randomly. But one common question remains: how many numbers should you choose in Keno to increase your chances of winning?

How Many Numbers Can You Choose in Keno?

In most Keno variants (including online and land-based casinos), you can select between 1 and 20 numbers from a grid that usually contains 70 or 80 numbers.

Each draw randomly selects 20 numbers.

How Many Numbers Do You Need to Win at Keno?

Your winnings depend on both the number of numbers you pick and how many of them are drawn. You can win with just one correct number, or lose even if you match several, depending on your initial bet and the casino’s paytable.

Example:

  • If you pick 5 numbers and hit 3, you may get a moderate payout.
  • If you pick 10 numbers and hit 9, the reward can be very high.

Best Number of Picks in Keno

There’s no guaranteed strategy in Keno. However, experienced players often say that choosing between 4 and 8 numbers offers a balanced approach between win frequency and potential payouts.

General Advice:

  • 1 to 3 numbers: Very low odds of winning, but high payouts if all are correct.
  • 4 to 8 numbers: A balanced approach with reasonable odds and good rewards.
  • 9 to 12 numbers: Higher payouts, but harder to win.
  • 13 to 20 numbers: Big jackpots possible, but extremely rare wins.

Odds Based on Number of Picks

Here is an overview of your chances of hitting all the numbers you choose. These figures give a sense of the increasing difficulty as you select more:

Numbers Picked
Probability of Hitting All
3
1 in 73
4
1 in 327
5
1 in 1,551
6
1 in 7,753
7
1 in 40,980
8
1 in 230,114
9
1 in 1,380,688
10
1 in 8,911,711

These odds show that the more numbers you choose, the bigger the potential prize – but the harder it is to hit them all. If you want to learn more about this topic, read our article on probabilities related to Keno.

In Summary:

Here’s an overview of the different playing styles depending on how many numbers you pick, with their respective pros and cons:

Numbers Chosen
Risk Level
Potential Payout
Win Frequency

1 to 3

Very high
Very high
Very low

4 to 8

Moderate
Balanced
Regular

9 to 12

High
High
Less frequent

13 to 20

Very high
Maximum
Rare

Conclusion

There’s no magic number to choose in Keno, but selecting between 4 and 8 numbers is generally seen as a solid balance between risk and reward. Understanding the odds helps you make smarter choices – even in a game that relies entirely on luck.

Author

Lucy Wynne

Content Writer

Reviewer

Tim Williams

Gambling Consultant