Overview of Keno

Updated: September 27, 2026

The game of Keno originated in China over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. Legend has it that the game was first created to raise funds during times of war, and some history buffs claim that the Great Wall of China was partially built in the same manner.

While the results of modern games are transmitted almost instantaneously through state-of-the-art technology, in the B.C. era, winning numbers were delivered to towns and villages by carrier pigeon. The game remained in mainland China for centuries, eventually migrating across the ocean as residents traveled to America to seek their fortunes while working on the expanding railroad.

The technology and marketing surrounding Keno has come a long way, but the game itself has not changed much over the years. The player selects a set of numbers, crosses their fingers, and then hopes that a matching set of numbers is drawn at random.

This article is intended to be an overview of the game of Keno. In addition to discussing the basic rules, we will also examine the payout percentages offered by various online software developers, as well as strategies for getting the most out of your next gaming session.

How to Play Keno

In ancient times, Keno was played by Chinese peasants who could barely read or write, so the simplicity of the game should be obvious. To participate, a player must first obtain a physical or digital ticket. The ticket is marked with numbers from 1 to 80, and it's up to the player to choose the numbers they think will be drawn. Even beginners can enjoy this fun game.

Some establishments allow up to 20 numbers to be selected, although this is more typical of land-based casinos with the necessary resources to cover any winnings. Online casinos, on the other hand, often limit their players to a maximum of 15 numbers. This allows for easier regulation.

The most common types of keno bets include the following:

Straight Bets

This is the standard form of Keno betting, as the player selects specific numbers and is paid based on the number of matches. Some casinos also offer a payout if none of the player's selected numbers come up.

Top/Bottom Bets

Instead of picking specific numbers, the player bets that more than one number will be selected from the top 40 or bottom 40. In some cases, the player may also bet that all balls will be drawn from the top or bottom.

Odd/Even Bets

The player wagers that more even-numbered or odd-numbered balls are selected.

Combination Bets

The player bets on a specific group of numbers to be selected (in addition to the normal selection). This bet usually consists of combinations of 2 or 4 numbers. If all numbers in a combo are selected, the player receives a bonus payout based on the odds provided by the casino.

Once the player has placed their bet and selected their numbers, the ticket is returned to the casino. Next, 20 balls are randomly selected by computer software (online) or mechanical hoppers (land-based). The winning numbers are then posted and players can check their ticket to see if they have enough hits to qualify for a payout. For online players, matching numbers are marked on your screen as soon as a number is drawn.

If you play at a brick-and-mortar casino, you will have to visit the Keno booth to cash in your winning ticket. Online players have it much easier as their winnings are automatically deposited into their casino account.

Keno Odds

Keno players are typically asked to select anywhere from one to 20 numbers, with the size of the payout determined by the number of matches. In this section, we will take a look at the odds for a player who picks all 20 numbers.

After looking at the numbers above, it should come as no surprise that the 20 out of 20 winning combination has never been hit. In fact, the odds are so high that if everyone currently breathing played one game every second of their lives, there would only be one winner. Of course, this means that someone is bound to hit this statistical improbability eventually, which is more than enough incentive for most.

Cheating at Keno

If you are honestly considering trying to cheat at Keno, then I suggest you take your bankroll and invest in a good psychiatrist. Only a crazy person would try to cheat the casino, especially in a game where the player has no physical interaction with the machine or online computer software. It may be fun to fantasize about such criminal behavior, but the reality of the situation would be anything but fun (unless you enjoy being banned from casinos and possibly going to jail).

Winning Keno Strategies

There is no surefire way to win at Keno, but that does not stop players from looking for every possible advantage. Here are a few tips that you might try next time you play, although I cannot guarantee that they will result in a win.

Online Keno Return Percentages

In addition to being offered at land-based casinos, Keno is also a popular option among online players. Many of the same rules apply, but the numbers are selected using a random number generator instead of a hopper.

Almost all online software providers offer Keno as part of their casino package, although the payout percentages can vary from company to company. Here are a few examples:

WagerWorks

The main version of this software developer's game is Krazy Keno Superball, which awards a bonus payout if you play maximum credits and a special ball lands on one of your numbers. There are two paytables for this game, with the top prizes for each being 10,000x (96% return) and 1,000x (94.01% return).

RealTime Gaming

Also known as RTG, this company was founded in 1998 and acts as a software provider for some of the Internet's largest online casinos. Customers can select up to 15 numbers during a Keno game, and the expected returns are as follows

CryptoLogic

This Toronto-based company launched in 1995 and currently offers over 200 games as part of its casino software. Up to 10 numbers can be selected during a Keno game. Be aware that their return percentages are slightly below the industry average. If you are an edge player, you will not be too impressed with these expected returns:

Random Logic

Founded in 1998 by graduates of the Israel Institute of Technology, this online software provider allows Keno players to bet $1, $3 or $5 on up to 10 spots. Up to 10 games can be played simultaneously, with the Pick 6 option offering the best return percentage (92.75%).

Net Entertainment

Also known as NetEnt, this company started out in 2000 by launching their own online casino. They have since abandoned this practice, choosing instead to make gaming software for others. In their version of Keno, $1 to $5 can be wagered on 2 to 10 numerical selections. NetEnt's Keno game features expected returns that are noticeably high compared to other online games:

Playtech

Founded in 1999, Playtech is one of the largest publicly traded casino software developers in the world. Their Keno game offers higher payout percentages than most online games:

Odds On

This company has a reputation for offering strong odds, and their Keno payout table is the same as what you will find on Microgaming software.

Aqua Online

The games from this software company mimic Microgaming in most ways, from their overall design to their payout structure. The version of Keno allows players to choose from 3 to 15 numbers, and the payout percentages are among the best in the industry:

While the odds of winning big in Keno are low, the prize money is often large enough to make it a worthwhile gamble. The truth is that Keno has some of the worst odds of any casino game, which is one of the main reasons it serves as the template for state and national lotteries around the world. It is, however, a lot of fun, especially if you manage to beat the odds and take home a substantial payout.