Keno Payout Calculation and Table

Keno Payout Calculation and Table

Published Date · March 11, 2025 ·Read Time · 7 mins

Keno table

Keno is a game of chance where players select numbers in the hope that they match those drawn. The calculation of winnings follows a precise system that considers the number of numbers played, the number of matches obtained, and a defined payout table. This article details the method for calculating winnings, the payout table, and the factors influencing Keno results.

How Are Winnings Calculated in Keno?

The calculation of Keno winnings is based on comparing the numbers selected by the player with those drawn. A fixed payout table then determines the amount of winnings according to the number of matches obtained.

The Match Between Played and Drawn Numbers

The player selects a certain number of numbers from a defined range (usually from 1 to 70 or 1 to 80). During the draw, a fixed number of balls is extracted (often 20).

The game then compares the drawn numbers with those chosen by the player to determine the exact number of matches.

  • Example: A player selects 6 numbers, and after the draw, he discovers that 4 of his numbers match the extracted balls. This result allows him to win an amount determined by the payout table.

Applying the Payment Rules

Winnings are awarded according to a fixed scale that depends on the number of matches found and the total number of numbers played. The harder a combination is to obtain, the higher the reward.

The amount won is determined by a payout table, which will be detailed in the next section.

  • Example: A player bets €2 and plays 5 numbers.

    🔹 If he finds 3 correct numbers, he can win €10.
    🔹 If he finds 5 out of 5, he can win €500.

  • 💡 Tip: Before playing, it is useful to consult the payout table to understand potential winnings based on the number of numbers selected. This helps to adjust the bet according to the desired level of risk.

The calculation of Keno winnings is entirely automated and based on predefined rules ensuring a fair distribution of winnings.

The Payout Table / Grid in Keno

Keno relies on a payout table that defines the possible winnings based on the number of numbers played and the number of matches obtained. This table allows players to anticipate their potential winnings even before participating in a draw.

Explanation of the Payout Table

Each Keno game has a table indicating the exact amounts that can be won depending on the number of correct numbers. The more correct numbers a player finds, the greater the reward.

The table is structured to offer progressive winnings, with exponential rewards for the rarest combinations. In other words, successfully finding a large number of numbers pays much more than finding just a few.

  • 💡 Tip: To optimize winning chances, a player should choose a number of numbers that fits their strategy. Playing many numbers increases the chances of getting at least one match, but the individual winnings may be lower.

Example of a Payout Table

Here is an example of a payout table for a Keno game where 20 numbers are drawn from 70, with a €1 bet:

Numbers Played
Matching Numbers
Winnings for €1 Bet

2 numbers

2 matching numbers
€10

3 numbers

3 matching numbers
€25

4 numbers

4 matching numbers
€100

5 numbers

5 matching numbers
€300

6 numbers

6 matching numbers
€1,200

10 numbers

10 matching numbers
€1,000,000

  • Example: A player bets €1 and plays 4 numbers.

    🔹 If he finds 2 correct numbers, he wins nothing.
    🔹 If he finds 3, he wins €25.
    🔹 If he finds 4 out of 4, he wins €100.

Each payout table varies depending on the game operator, but the logic of progressive winnings remains the same.

Variation Based on Bets

In some versions of Keno, the player can increase their bet to multiply their winnings.

The rule is simple:

A €2 bet doubles the winnings.

A €5 bet multiplies them by five.

  • Example: A player plays 6 numbers with a €5 bet.

    🔹 With 6 correct numbers, instead of winning €1,200, he wins €6,000.
    🔹 With 5 correct numbers, he wins €1,500 instead of €300.

  • 💡 Tip: Betting more can boost winnings, but it does not change the probabilities of winning. A player should adjust their bet according to their budget.

The payout table is therefore the key reference for estimating potential winnings based on the number of numbers played, the matches obtained, and the bet placed.

Factors That Influence Winnings in Keno

The amount won in Keno does not depend solely on the number of correct numbers. Several external factors directly influence the results, including the game version, the player's bet, the number of numbers played, and the probabilities associated with each draw.

The Type of Keno Played

There are different variations of Keno, and each applies specific rules that impact how winnings are calculated.

Some versions offer random multipliers, which can unexpectedly increase winnings. Others provide additional bonuses if the player finds a certain number of numbers, or even winnings if no selected number appears in the draw.

  • Example: In some online Keno games, a player can activate a X2 or X3 multiplier by paying a slightly higher bet. If they win, their payout is doubled or tripled compared to the standard table.

  • 💡 Tip: Before playing, it is important to read the specific rules of each Keno version. Some variants offer more interesting winning opportunities than others, especially those with bonus options or higher payout rates.

The Player's Bet

The bet directly influences winnings since the higher it is, the greater the winnings. In most Keno games, winnings are proportional to the bet.

However, some games require a minimum bet to access jackpots or special winnings. Thus, a player who bets too little may miss out on potential rewards.

  • Example: If a player bets €1, they can win €100 for a given combination. If they bet €5, they win €500 for the same combination.
  • 💡 Tip: Increasing the bet can be useful for maximizing winnings, but it does not change the probabilities of winning. It is essential to play with a controlled budget to avoid excessive losses.

Choosing the Number of Numbers Played

The number of numbers selected by the player directly impacts winning probabilities and the amount of rewards.

Playing few numbers reduces the chances of big winnings but increases the probability of recovering a small gain.

Playing many numbers provides more opportunities to win, but individual winnings are often lower, except in the case of a perfect combination.

  • Example: A player who selects 4 numbers and finds 3 can win €25 for a €1 bet. Another player who selects 10 numbers and finds 6 can win €100, but it was much harder to reach that level.
  • 💡 Tip: Finding a balance between the number of numbers played and the probability of winning is crucial. Betting on too many numbers can be risky, as it is difficult to match them all.

House Edge and Draw Probabilities

Keno is designed so that the operator (casino, lottery, online site) maintains a statistical advantage in the long run. This principle is represented by the Return to Player (RTP) rate, indicating the share of bets redistributed as winnings.

The rarer a combination, the higher its payout. However, probabilities remain very low for the biggest winnings.

  • Example: The probability of obtaining 10 correct numbers out of 10 played is extremely low, but the associated win can reach €1,000,000 for a €1 bet.
  • 💡 Tip: As with all games of chance, it is advisable not to rely solely on luck but to adopt a strategy based on probabilities and the RTP of the game.

Conclusion

The calculation of winnings in Keno is based on a predefined model that compares the numbers played with the numbers drawn, applying a specific payout table. Each version of Keno has its own rules for winnings, influenced by the bet amount, the number of selected numbers, and any additional options. Mastering these parameters allows players to optimize their gaming experience and better understand the results.

Author

Greg Gomes

Gambling Consultant