How to Win at Keno: Top Tips for US Players
Do you love the lottery? Then you’ll enjoy Keno—a lottery-like game popular in casinos worldwide.
It was one of the first games I ever played, and I thought, “This is so easy!” It’s still one of the simplest games, making it perfect for beginners. While it’s luck-based, I’ve developed some useful Keno strategies over the years. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Keno Basics
Beginners will easily understand the rules of keno. There are not many things to pay attention to. All you have to do is pick the numbers and hope for the best.
How Keno Works
The first thing a player needs to do is buy a ticket. There, you will see 80 numbers organized into 8 rows and 10 spots. It doesn’t matter whether you play this game online or in a casino. It will be clearly stated how many numbers you can choose from. In most cases, the limits are from 1 to 10 betting options.
After you do that, determine the betting amount. You can also decide how many rounds you plan to play this game in advance.
Believe it or not, that’s it. The only thing left is to wait for the keno machine to determine the results.
Odds and Payouts in Keno
The first thing you need to know is the house edge of Keno. The RTP is between 85% and 95%. This depends on multiple factors; I, personally, recommend you look for online or offline casinos offering the best house edge.
Speaking of payout rates, they depend on the amount of picked numbers. For example, guessing one number has odds of 1:4. On the other hand, if you guess 10 out of 10 numbers with just $1, you can get $200.000. Logically, the odds are 1 in nearly 9 million to achieve something like that.
Types of Keno Games
Another reason why I love this game is because it features diversity. Players across the US can find different types of keno games, and I am sure that at least one of them will match their gambling preferences.
So, here are some of the main ones:
- Live keno: This is the type of game you can play at traditional casinos. You buy the ticket, pick the numbers, and wait for the hosts to complete the draw. Despite casinos, different TV stations stream live keno.
- Video keno: A game variant like this is more suitable for players who love to gamble faster. You are playing it one-on-one, which means there is no waiting for other players that can delay the process.
- Online casino: If you prefer internet gaming, then this option is great. You will hardly find an online casino that does not offer this game. All the draws go live, but there are no live dealers that host the program.
Don’t worry; the rules are the same for each Keno version.
Strategies to Improve Your Chances
Winning at Keno isn’t guaranteed, but I’ve uncovered some helpful tricks. Remember, I’m the mastermind of gambling!
Number Selection Techniques
Avoid common patterns like birthdates or consecutive numbers—thousands of players do the same, and the algorithm rarely rewards everyone. Instead, focus on numbers from the same column (e.g., 7, 27, 67) and mix in one or two from other columns.
Here’s my go-to combination: 3, 28, 43, 57, 66, 73. As a beginner, stick to 3 or 4 numbers. Playing 10 numbers might sound tempting with massive payouts, but the odds are nearly impossible—save that for fun, not serious play.
Managing Your Bankroll
Organize your budget wisely. Determine how much you can spend on Keno overall, divide it by the number of sessions, and set a limit per ticket. Keno bets are low-stakes, so risk a little more within reason to maximize your sessions.
Playing Multi-Race Tickets
Play multiple tickets in the same round, each with unique combinations and varying numbers. For example, play one ticket with 2 numbers, another with 3, one with 4, and a high-risk ticket with 5 or 6 numbers.
Buy tickets for 5 rounds in advance to increase your chances and avoid losing streaks. With variety and planning, Keno becomes even more enjoyable!
Taking Advantage of Keno Variations
I have highlighted the main versions of Keno available online and in traditional casinos across the United States of America. However, you should take advantage of a few subcategories of games. They are all interesting and can bring larger rewards.
Progressive Keno Games
I know it may seem silly, but certain Keno games come with a progressive jackpot. A small percentage of your losses goes toward this jackpot (there is usually just one, not three or four like with slots).
Since this game connects people around the world, jackpots are released much faster. It is really challenging to hit it. Believe it or not, Jake, the Mastermind, hasn’t hit it for 20 years. Because of that, don’t even try to chase it. If you get it, you are a special person!
Special Keno Promotions
Online casinos that payout often offer bonuses to attract players, including Keno-specific rewards. However, these come with terms and conditions, so read the rules carefully before depositing.
Look for no-deposit bonuses that provide free play cash for Keno. If you win, the virtual money converts to real cash. Spread the bonus across multiple tickets to maximize your chances.
Online Keno Advantages
Playing Keno online offers far more benefits than visiting a casino:
- Online platforms provide bonuses like free cash, while traditional casinos might only offer a free drink—and that’s usually for loyal customers.
- Online Keno also has better payout odds, with larger rewards and more chances to win compared to traditional games.
And Now?
Keno is a game of pure luck, but choosing numbers from the same column has worked for me. I enjoy playing Keno with my morning coffee—it’s perfect for beginners and those on a budget. Just organize your bankroll, relax, and have fun.
Explore different variants to find your favorite, and check out my guide on winning big at Video Keno for more tips!