What is Online Keno Gambling?

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Online Keno gambling, addressing key questions that players might have. You’ll learn about the origins of Keno, how it evolved from an ancient game into a popular casino option, and the basics of how to play Keno in online casinos. We’ll cover the different types of Keno games, the rules and winning conditions, as well as how Keno compares to other casino games like the lottery and bingo. By the end, you'll understand the odds and payouts, and what makes Keno unique in the gambling world.

The article will guide you through:

The meaning of Keno
The origins and evolution of Keno.
How to play online Keno, including its basic rules and gameplay.
Keno's odds and payouts, helping you understand the house edge and how to increase your chances of winning.
The types of Online Keno games available.
The comparison of Keno vs other popular games like the lottery and bingo.

Definition of Keno

Keno is a lottery-style casino game where players choose numbers (typically between 1 and 80), and a random drawing determines the winning numbers. The more numbers a player selects that match the drawn numbers, the higher their potential payout. Keno is purely a game of chance, with no skill required to participate.

Keno Name Meaning : The name "Keno" is believed to have Chinese origins, originally referring to "baige piao" or "white pigeon ticket," a game used in ancient China to raise funds. Over time, it evolved into the version we know today, keeping its lottery-like format.

The Origins and Evolution of Keno

The history of Keno, tracing its roots from ancient China to its modern form in casinos.

Ancient Origins in China : Keno originated in ancient China over 2,000 years ago as a lottery-like game called "baige piao" (white pigeon ticket). It was used as a fundraising tool for government projects, including the construction of the Great Wall. Keno’s popularity spread due to its simplicity and potential for large payouts.
Evolution into the Modern Game : Over time, Keno evolved as it spread to different regions, particularly through Chinese immigrants. It was first adapted as a lottery game, then as a casino game, then as a computer game, and finally as an online casino game, which helped to make it increasingly popular.

Keno as a Casino Game

We explore now how Keno functions as both a lottery-style game and a casino game, focusing on its online presence.

A Lottery game outside of casinos

Keno originated as a lottery game rather than a traditional casino game. While it is now commonly found in casinos, its roots lie outside of them, in lotteries and public games. Today, Keno exists in both lottery settings and physical casinos, but it remains distinct due to its random-number-draw format, similar to the lottery.

Keno as an online casino game

In this article, we will focus on Keno as a casino game, particularly in its online format. Online Keno offers significant advantages, including convenience (playing from home or on mobile devices) and variety (different game types and faster-paced versions). While physical casinos may have a slower game pace and limited options, online Keno provides more flexibility and accessibility, making it a preferred choice for many players.

Basic Rules and Gameplay Overview

A brief overview of the basic rules of Keno and its gameplay elements, with a focus on the online version.

Basic Rules of Keno : It's a simple game where players select numbers (typically from 1 to 80) on a virtual card. After choosing their numbers, players place bets and await a random draw of 20 numbers. The more numbers matched, the higher the payout.

While we won't dive too deeply into the gameplay here, you can find a dedicated guide on how to play Keno for more details.

Key Elements of Online Keno

Card & Numbers: Players pick numbers from 1 to 80. The number of selections can vary based on personal preference, usually ranging from 1 to 20 numbers.
Spot: Any number that the player has marked on their keno card
Betting Options: Players can adjust their wager amounts, which influences potential payouts. Higher bets can lead to bigger rewards.
Auto Pick: For convenience, many online Keno games feature an auto-pick option, allowing the system to randomly select numbers on behalf of the player.
Paytable: Every Keno game has a paytable, which shows the payout for matching different numbers. This helps players understand how much they can win based on their selections.
Jackpots and Bonus Features: Some online Keno games offer progressive jackpots or bonus features that enhance the gameplay, providing more chances to win beyond standard payouts.

Winning Conditions and Odds

The odds and payouts in Keno, as well as the house edge compared to other casino games.

Odds and Payouts in Keno

In Keno, the odds of winning depend on how many numbers (or "spots") a player selects from the 1 to 80 number pool. The more numbers you pick, the higher your chances of matching some, but the payout structure also becomes more complex. For example, hitting all 10 numbers in a 10-spot game is very unlikely, but it comes with a substantial payout. However, even matching just a few numbers can result in a smaller win.Payouts scale based on how many of your chosen numbers match those drawn by the game. The more numbers you match, the greater the payout.

A detailed article on Keno probabilities and payouts is available, so we won’t delve deeply into these calculations here.

The House Edge in Keno

Keno has a relatively high house edge, often ranging from 25% to 35%, making it less favorable compared to other casino games like blackjack or roulette. This means that, over time, the casino retains a larger portion of the wagers placed on Keno. Despite this, many players are drawn to Keno for its potentially large payouts and the simplicity of the game.

In comparison:

Blackjack has a house edge of around 0.5% to 1% with optimal play.
Roulette varies between 2.7% and 5.26%, depending on whether it’s European or American.

Although Keno's house edge is higher, its simplicity and potential for big wins keep it popular among casual players.

Types of Online Keno Games

The different types of Keno games available, focusing on variations in gameplay, jackpot potential, and betting structures.

Classic Keno

These versions stick closely to the original format of Keno but may include slight twists, offering straightforward gameplay where players pick numbers and win based on how many match the drawn numbers.

Example of video Keno : Keno Pop by 1x2 Gaming

A colorful and fast-paced version of traditional Keno. Players pick numbers from a board of 80, and 20 numbers are drawn randomly. The game’s vibrant design and quick gameplay make it more engaging, while still retaining the simplicity of classic Keno. It's perfect for players who want a lively, no-frills Keno experience.

Multiplier Keno

These games introduce multipliers that boost winnings under specific conditions, adding an extra layer of excitement to traditional Keno

Example of online Multiplier Keno : Mega Keno

Power Keno by IGT is a variation of traditional Keno with an exciting twist: if the 20th number drawn matches a selected number, your winnings are multiplied by four. This adds an extra layer of excitement and higher payout potential, making it a fast-paced and rewarding game.

Bonus-Enhanced Keno

These Keno variations are enhanced by bonus features or rounds, offering additional rewards or higher payouts, keeping gameplay exciting and engaging.

Example of online Bonus-Enhanced Keno : Luck of the Bonus

An Irish-themed Keno game by Grand Vision Gaming where players can trigger bonus symbols for extra rewards. Special symbols like clovers or horseshoes grant multipliers from 2x to 12x when hit, adding excitement to the traditional Keno format.

Fast-Paced Keno

Fast-Paced Keno Variations are quick versions of Keno where numbers are drawn rapidly, allowing for shorter rounds and instant results. These games cater to players who enjoy fast action and minimal downtime between draws.

Example of online Fast-Paced Keno : Turbo Keno

Turbo Keno is a fast-paced Keno game by Inbet where numbers are drawn quickly for rapid results. It’s designed for players who prefer shorter rounds and instant outcomes, keeping the excitement high. This version is typically available in online casinos and is known for its dynamic, quick-play format.

Multi Player Keno

Multi Player Keno allows multiple players to join the same game, offering real-time competition and interaction. It adds a social element to traditional Keno with live chat or leaderboards, making the experience more engaging for participants.

Example of online Multi Player Keno : Live Keno

Keno Live by Inbet Games is a real-time and multiplayer Keno game where players pick up to 10 numbers from 1-80, and 20 are drawn randomly. It’s simple to play, with a 90.82% RTP, but has relatively long 90-second rounds.

Differences in Gameplay

Speed: Fast-Paced Keno is faster, while live Keno is slower and more immersive.
Jackpot Potential: Progressive Keno offers a larger jackpot, but the odds of winning it are much lower.
Bonus: These games often increase your potential winnings through special features, so aim to trigger the bonus rounds for better payouts

Access our dedicated article, you want to discover more variations of online Keno.

Keno vs Other Casino Games

Comparing Keno to similar casino games like the lottery, bingo and slingo, highlighting key differences in gameplay and odds of winning.

Keno vs Lottery

Both Keno and lottery involve players selecting numbers and awaiting a random draw to determine the winners. The key difference is the speed and frequency of the draws. Keno typically offers multiple draws per day or per session (especially in online versions), whereas traditional lotteries may only have weekly draws. Additionally, Keno payouts are more frequent but generally smaller compared to lottery jackpots, which can reach astronomical amounts.

Keno: More frequent draws, smaller payouts.
Lottery: Less frequent draws, larger potential payouts.

Keno vs Bingo

Keno and bingo share similarities, particularly in how both games involve selecting numbers and waiting for random draws. However, in bingo, players are trying to fill specific patterns on a card, while Keno players aim to match their numbers to the drawn numbers. Bingo is typically more social, often played in groups with an emphasis on community, while Keno is more individual and faster-paced.

Keno: Faster, more individual gameplay.
Bingo: Slower, social game with pattern-based winning.

Keno vs Slingo

Slingo combines elements of slots and bingo. Like Keno, players select numbers (or spin to generate them), but Slingo incorporates slot mechanics and bonus rounds, making it more interactive. While Keno is more straightforward and number-driven, Slingo adds a layer of excitement with special features and challenges during the gameplay.

Keno: Simple, number-based, with a focus on draws.
Slingo: Mixes bingo with slot features for a more dynamic experience.

In conclusion, while Keno shares elements with lottery, bingo, and slingo, it stands out for its simplicity, speed, and individual play style, making it a versatile and appealing option for many players.

Conclusion

Keno offers a unique blend of simplicity and excitement, making it appealing to both casual and seasoned players. Whether you're drawn to its ancient origins or its modern online formats, understanding the different types of Keno games, from classic to bonus-enhanced versions, can enhance your experience. While Keno has a higher house edge compared to other casino games, its potential for large payouts and engaging variations keeps it popular.

Final advice: Explore different game types, take advantage of bonuses, and play responsibly to maximize enjoyment while minimizing risk.