Keno is a popular game. Some casinos have live keno (some have a big clear globe filled with balls numbered 1 through 80) and a human takes the numbers out and posts them. Almost every casino has machines with a video keno game option.
Most video keno machines have several game options: standard, four-card, bonus, and others. Some neophyte casino players are hesitant to play keno because they are confused by all the options.
This article is not a comprehensive guide to playing keno. It focuses on video keno and presents some basic information about this casino game as well as suggestions for new – or not so new – players.
Contents
- The keno game explained
- “Hot” or “cold” numbers
- “Lucky” numbers
- The best numbers for you
- Maximizing fun and playing time
- The best way to play
- Summary
The keno game explained
Even though keno may seem complicated due to the number of options available, it is quite simple. Also, because of the slow rate of play, live keno is a relaxing game. Bankrolls can last longer playing keno, either because of the slow play of live keno, or because of the typically low denominations for video keno.
Keno is like today’s lottery games. Players pick a set of numbers from a pool of possible numbers. Depending on how many of those selected numbers are among the numbers drawn, the player is paid – most often nothing. But if they are very lucky and all the numbers appear, a jackpot amount is won.
Most of the public knows how lotteries work. The difference between lotteries and keno is summarized in the following table.
| Game Element | Lottery | Keno |
| Numbers in the pool | Varies by game | Fixed at 20 drawn from a pool of 80 |
| Number of pools | Varies – usually 1 or 2 | One |
| Selected per pool | Fixed | Varies – usually 1 thru 20 |
| Amount bet | Fixed by game | Varies |
| Winnings | Fixed by game/pool | Fixed based on # of “spots” picked |
The major differences for players is the ability to select a variable number of spots and to play multiple different games on the same keno slip or on multiple cards of video keno. This added flexibility is what also adds to the perceived complexity of keno play.
Playing multiple games on a single slip or keno machine adds to the potential winning amount. This is especially true when some of the same spots are selected in multiple games. This also adds to the game’s volatility (or variance). Players can win more when they win, but they also lose faster when they do not win.
If this article interests you, keep reading. Alternatively, explore other topics how to win at slots, how to play roulette, and street bet roulette.
“Hot” or “cold” numbers
There is a lot of advice available online and in books on how to play and win at keno. One popular method is to look for hot numbers and bet on them. Numbers tend to appear in streaks. Certain numbers become hot and continue to be hot for a while. This method advocates jumping on those hot numbers to win while they are hot.
Another popular method is to look for “cold” numbers – numbers that have not appeared in a while. It is like hot numbers, but assumes the cold numbers will start appearing soon since they have not appeared recently. Bet on those numbers that have not appeared and you will win, as they must certainly appear soon.
'Lucky' numbers
Most keno players are hooked on betting their personal “lucky” numbers. These may be dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or other special events. Or they may simply be numbers that players believe are lucky for them.
There are also proponents of using numerology to predict lucky numbers. Numerology is the belief that there is a relationship between numbers and events in life. Numerologists use a name, birthdate, or other personal information and calculate lucky numbers based on that information.
Additionally, there are databases containing the numbers most frequently drawn over time which some keno players use for guidance.
The best numbers for you
With all these options, how is a player to choose which numbers to play?
While it is possible that some physical balls in live keno games could be slightly different from the others (which could produce slightly skewed results), video keno games use a random number generator (RNG) to pick the 20 numbers drawn for each round.
When it comes to the chances of winning, it does not matter what method is used to choose the numbers played. In the long run, a video keno player will lose at exactly (or very close to) the mathematical house edge.
Many keno players favor choosing numbers in clusters so they can more easily watch them hit.
My best number-choosing advice – pick the numbers you like. If numbers mean something to you, it is more fun when they hit.
Maximizing fun and playing time
Even though video keno players ultimately lose approximately 5-10% (the house edge for live keno is about 20-35%), players can still spice up the game or extend playing time. Unfortunately, both cannot usually be accomplished simultaneously.
The number of spots picked affects how often each play wins. According to many players and experts alike, picking five or six spots is a good initial choice.
It is also a great idea to check pay tables. Enter them into keno house edge calculators that are available online to see exactly what the house edge is for each number of spots.
Pay tables can be different by denomination and on different machines even in the same casino. They are also slightly different based on the number of spots picked. Check them out and only play those with the lowest house edge.
The best way to play
This is very personal. Are you a thrill seeker, willing to suffer through more severe losing streaks to improve the changes of hitting it big? Or would you rather play longer before being tapped out?
If you are the former, playing multiple cards with overlapping numbers is for you. You may also like bonus games. If your prime objective is playing for as long as possible, play just one card at a low denomination. It may not be as exciting, but it will keep you in the game longer.
Of course, there is always the option of changing strategies based on how things are going. If things start to go well, you may want to add a card or two. On the flip side, if you are hemorrhaging cash with multiple cards, there is nothing wrong with limiting play to one card for a while.
The best game for you is the one you are most comfortable playing at the time.
Summary
Keno is a popular game due to its low cost to play combined with the possibility of major wins. While there are dozens, if not scores, of methods being hawked as winners, players cannot win long-term playing keno.
The numbers chosen do not affect winnings or losses. Pick numbers that make sense to you.
Try to find the lowest house edge games, pick the numbers that make sense to you, do not overplay your bankroll, but most importantly, have fun!
