What is online Keno?
The roots of Keno are in China and the game was brought to the United States and Europe by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. It was originally played with 80 Chinese characters, which were replaced by 80 Arabic numerals.
For a time in Nevada, each number was accompanied by a horse’s name. Keno names disappeared in 1951. The operators did not want their game to mistakenly become a symbol of horse betting. Nevertheless, we have remnants of such Keno games. Many casinos still refer to each game as a “race” – if you bet on more than one game at a time, you buy a ticket for multiple races.
Almost all casinos have Keno lounges where numbered balls are pushed through a blower to determine the winning numbers. Some casinos also have live Keno lounges, which began to spread in 1994. Keno is an interesting game not only for regular players but also for newcomers who want to try something new.
If you want to play keno online, it is no more difficult than playing keno normally. While there is a charm to going to a game shop, filling in the chips by hand and then checking them yourself during the draw, Keno online offers the same basic experience. Keno also belongs to the category of games that are among the most popular among the Aussie players. The easiest way to play this classic is of course to play keno at Australian online casinos.
Why is it worth playing online Keno?
Keno is easy to understand. It is available in many betting shops or perhaps even in some land-based casinos, so the game is easily accessible. Among the many reasons why online casinos outperform brick-and-mortar casinos, online keno provides a more convenient experience in that you don’t have to wait for numbers to be drawn daily. You do as many laps as you want, whenever you want.
Additionally, paper keno tickets won’t be much to look at in terms of eye-catching designs or animations. Online keno games contain captivating details, sounds and bonus features that are sure to increase the appeal of this simple game. You have a few – though not too many – keno games to choose from, and you can bounce between them at different casinos as needed.
How do we rate the best online Keno sites?
When we evaluate the best Keno online casinos, we employ a comprehensive set of criteria designed to ensure players have access to enjoyable, fair, and secure gaming experiences. Here are the main factors used to evaluate and rate online Keno sites:
- Licensing and Regulation
Only Keno sites that are licensed and regulated by reputable gaming authorities are considered. A valid license indicates that the site adheres to strict regulatory standards for operational integrity, player protection, and responsible gambling.
- Game Variety
A top-rated Keno site offers a wide selection of Keno variants, including classic Keno, Power Keno, themed Keno, and progressive jackpots. This diversity ensures players have access to different gameplay experiences and can find games that suit their preferences.
- Bonuses and Promotions
We assess the value and variety of bonuses and promotions specific to Keno players, including welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, loyalty programs, and special promotions. Sites that offer generous and fair bonuses score higher in our ratings.
- Security and Fairness
Ensuring player data protection and game fairness is crucial. The best Keno sites use advanced encryption technologies to secure player information and transactions. They also employ certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to guarantee fair game outcomes.
- Payment Options
Diverse and secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies, are evaluated. Sites offering fast processing times and reasonable transaction limits are preferred.
- Payout Rates and Speed
We consider the payout rates and speed of withdrawal processes. Sites that offer competitive payout rates for Keno games and process withdrawals quickly and without unnecessary delays are rated highly.
- User Experience
A seamless user experience, including an intuitive interface, high-quality graphics, and mobile compatibility, contributes significantly to a site’s rating. The site should be easy to navigate, and games should load quickly and run smoothly across various devices.
- Customer Support
Top-rated Keno sites provide efficient and accessible customer support through multiple channels, such as live chat, email, and telephone. Responsive and helpful support teams are essential for resolving any issues or questions players may encounter.
How to start playing Keno in online casinos?
Starting to play Keno online for real money is an exciting way to enjoy one of the oldest gambling games while having the chance to win significant cash prizes. Here’s a detailed guide to help you embark on your online Keno journey:
Time Needed: 10 Minutes
Tools Needed: Laptop/Mobile
Software Needed: Email
Step 1
Choose a reputable online casino
Begin by selecting a reliable online Keno site from our curated list. We have rigorously evaluated these sites based on their trustworthiness, diversity of Keno games, user experience, and safety measures. Browse our recommendations to find a platform that aligns with your preferences and follow the link to their homepage.
Step 2
Register and create an account
Complete the registration process by providing the required personal details, which typically include your name, email address, date of birth, and residential address. The signup process is designed to be fast and user-friendly, enabling you to start playing as quickly as possible.
Step 3
Select a welcome bonus
Many online casinos offer attractive welcome bonuses for new Keno players, ranging from matched deposit bonuses to no deposit bonuses or free play credits. Choose a bonus that maximizes your initial deposit and suits your playing style. It’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions associated with these bonuses, especially the wagering requirements and game eligibility.
Step 4
Deposit funds
To engage in real money Keno games, you'll need to deposit funds into your casino account. Navigate to the cashier section and choose from the available payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies. Enter the desired deposit amount and follow the instructions to complete your transaction.
Step 5
Choose your keno game
Explore the casino’s selection of Keno games, which may include classic Keno, themed variants, and games with special features or progressive jackpots. Consider the game rules, ticket prices, and potential payouts when selecting a game that interests you.
Step 6
Purchase keno tickets
After choosing a Keno game, decide how many tickets you wish to purchase and select the numbers on each ticket. Some Keno games allow you to choose the number of spots, typically between 1 and 20, that you want to play on each ticket.
Step 7
Play and enjoy the game
Once you have your tickets, you're ready to play. Most online Keno games will draw numbers randomly, and your chosen numbers will be automatically marked on your tickets. Enjoy the game as it unfolds and take advantage of any chat features or social aspects the site offers.
Step 8
Wait for your winnings
If your numbers match those drawn, you win a prize based on the paytable of the particular Keno game you are playing. Any winnings will be automatically credited to your account, which you can use to continue playing or withdraw according to the casino's withdrawal policies.
Top-rated Keno online casinos
- Games: 5000
- Win rate: 96.5%
- Payout time: 1-5 days
225% up to A$1000 + 275 Free Spins
- Games: 3000
- Win rate: 96.45%
- Payout time: 1-3 days
280% up to A$4900 + 300 free spins
- Games: 5000
- Win rate: 95.55%
- Payout time: 1-3 days
How to play Keno online?
When you play Keno, there are several ways you can do it. You can go to a kiosk or supermarket and fill out a Keno ticket with the selected numbers. So you can win real money with the Keno game.
You can also play Keno online. This is the easiest if you want to play Keno often. You can fill out and check your sheet online, and you can even set it to automatically refresh every day, every week, or whenever you think.
If you choose Keno online, you have done well. You can track your bets, Ken’s winnings and history on your profile. You can even view today’s Keno numbers.
In the live version, the player can mark from 1 to 10 numbers on a card that has 80 numbers arranged in eight rows of 10. The player then passes the Keno card and places a bet that the selected numbers will be among the 20 drawn in the next game. The bet is in multiples of the minimum deposit – usually A$1 these days.
Keno betting options
The chances of winning directly depend on how you bet. Keno rules offer various betting options. It is these somewhat complicated gaming strategies that make this game exciting. Keno also differs from the classic lotto/lottery in the various betting options.
There are 5 ways you can bet in Keno:
- Straight tickets
This is the standard method where you bet on the 10 numbers you want and wait for the Keno draw. Normally you can select a maximum of 20 numbers. In some Keno variants in the games, the maximum number of bets can be 40.
- Combination tickets
You can combine groups of numbers in a ticket in different ways. In this case, each possible combination with the most common Keno numbers is considered a single bet.
- Split tickets
Here you can use a ticket for various games. To do this, you need to select, mark and bet on two groups of numbers, e.g. B. 5 euros per group (the total stake amount is 10 euros). By and large, there is no difference between a split ticket and multiple straight tickets. In some casinos, split tickets can be cheaper.
- Way tickets
This is the most difficult option on how to bet in Keno. First, you need to decide how many keno play online frequent number combinations you want to play from the combinations you have selected. You must then place these bets on the same ticket. Next, you need to use fractions to calculate the cost to the right of the bets box. This method is more difficult but can increase your chances of winning.
- King tickets
This is a variation of Way Tickets. You can select one or more numbers and mark them as “King Numbers”. These numbers are circled individually by the groups. This method gives you even more chance of getting the correct gaming numbers.
Online Keno variants
Over the years, the game of Keno has evolved and today there are many variations of online keno, just as there are many variations of online poker. So when you log into an online casino, go to the Keno games section and see how many Keno variants are on offer. Check out two or three online casinos that offer Keno games and see which online casino has more variations as it will give you more variety in your game.
Most online casinos offer both free keno games and real-money Keno games. While playing keno games for real money is certainly much more exciting, it’s always a good idea to play a few free keno games. This is because when you play free online keno games, you don’t use any of your own money and you gain valuable experience by understanding how online keno software works.
Once you understand how the game works and enjoy your online keno experience, you can move on to real money keno games and see how much you can win.
The main difference between the different types of Keno lies in the design. You will find dozens of online Keno games that have the same rules, but some look better than others.
- Classic Keno
The traditional form of Keno is widely available online, offering a simple experience where players select numbers (typically between 1 and 20) from a pool of 80. The game then draws 20 numbers, and players are paid based on how many numbers they match.
- Power Keno/Super Keno
These variants add an exciting twist to classic Keno. In Power Keno, if the 20th number drawn matches one of the player’s picks, their winnings are quadrupled. Super Keno offers a similar bonus for matching the first number drawn, amplifying the potential payout.
- Multi-Card Keno
This variant allows players to play multiple Keno cards simultaneously in one round. Players can choose different numbers or use the same set across multiple cards, increasing their chances of hitting winning combinations on one or more cards.
- Progressive Jackpot Keno
Some online Keno games feature a progressive jackpot that grows with each game played until someone wins it by hitting a specific, challenging combination, often a solid hit of all chosen numbers.
- Combination Keno (Way Keno)
In Combination Keno, players can choose sets of numbers in various combinations, giving them multiple ways to win on the same draw. This variant requires strategic thinking about how to group numbers for the best chance of winning.
- Video Keno
Video Keno is similar to pokies, where players interact with a digital screen. It offers a fast-paced, solitary Keno experience with animations and sometimes bonus rounds for matching certain numbers.
- Bonus Spot Keno
This variant features additional special numbers or “bonus spots” that, if drawn, offer higher payouts or trigger bonus games where players can win extra prizes or multipliers on their winnings.
- Themed Keno Games
Online casinos often host Keno games with unique themes, such as ancient civilizations, undersea adventures, or cosmic exploration. These games feature distinctive graphics, music, and sometimes even special rules or bonus content related to the theme.
- Instant Keno
Instant Keno games speed up the drawing process, allowing players to see results immediately. This variant is perfect for players looking for quick gameplay without waiting for scheduled draws.
- Caveman Keno
In this variant, players select numbers just like in classic Keno, but additional dinosaur eggs appear on the screen. If any chosen numbers match the dinosaur eggs, and those numbers are drawn, the winnings can be multiplied.
Online Keno rules
There are different types of bets in the Keno game and below we list the most common Keno rules.
Keno is a lottery game in which 1 to 20 (according to some games only 10) winning numbers out of eighty are drawn, while the bettor chooses in advance how many numbers to bet (one to twenty). It is true that the more numbers the bettor bets, the higher the potential win if he manages to guess all the numbers correctly.
Keno is operated in its original mechanical form or online (electronically). 80 numbered balls are poured into the pot, which are mixed (blown up) and the winning balls are drawn gradually. In casinos, Keno is played almost 24 hours a day in approximately 5-minute intervals.
After 20 numbers have been drawn, winning tickets are paid according to a table that varies from casino to casino. For example, a ticket with 4 numbers and a deposit of A$1 can return your deposit when one number is drawn, A$5 for 2 correct numbers and up to A$120 for 3 numbers. But in another casino, you can get only A$6 for three numbers and A$125 for all 4 numbers. Because of the wide variation, no return percentage is common enough to be called an average. Returns range from less than 70 percent to more than 80 percent.
Keno types
No one in the recorded history of keno has ever caught 20 numbers, and no one is likely to in the next 100 years. The top jackpot on most games is activated if you catch 15 out of 20 numbers. 10 numbers will trigger a big payout, but even 3 or 4 catches will pay off for a decent payout.
Live Keno
The live version of the game is played using a pencil and a piece of paper with the numbers 1 to 80. The real money keno player marks the numbers. Every few minutes a new drawing will take place and the results will be published. In general, the house edge for this game is among the worst in any casino.
Video Keno terminals
Another major land-based option is video keno. It is played on the terminal. The terminal or kiosk has a stylus that is used to touch the numbers you want to dial.
Online Keno
If you’re going to play keno online for real money, find the best odds on the internet at any given time.
When you play keno online, drawings occur frequently. If you play using a virtual keno simulator with a random number generator, the results will happen even faster. If you’re playing a game with a high house edge, you’ll likely run through your bankroll quickly.
All about odds, RTP and house advantages
When you play, you also want to win (preferably big), but there are many obstacles on the way for those who want to win the big win. Among other things, it must be remembered that in both online keno and in keno in its physical gaming shop form, the house has a significant advantage of around 25%. Regardless of whether you play in a gaming store, or if you want to play keno online, it may be good to remember that keno is a game based entirely on luck. You should not only be lucky to have chosen the right numbers, you should also bet the perfect amount.
To succeed well in keno, it is wise to check which numbers are drawn most often and which are drawn least often. For example, the numbers 4, 34 and 52 seem to be drawn often. The same applies to the pairs 17+19, 2+25 and 7+58, but constantly betting on these is not a healthy strategy. The odds may seem to be with you, but this is merely an illusion. The odds are always the same for a given situation. Different types of keno can also have different types of odds, so it can be useful to read a little about specific odds for the type of keno you intend to play.
Selected numbers |
Numbers match |
Payment |
Odds |
2 Numbers |
2 out of 20 |
7:1 |
1:13 |
3 Numbers |
3 out of 20 |
25:1 |
1:48 |
4 Numbers |
4 out of 20 |
100:1 |
1:189 |
5 Numbers |
5 out of 20
4 out of 20 |
250:1
20:4 |
1:718
1:50 |
6 Numbers |
6 out of 20
5 out of 20 |
1000:1
125:5 |
1:3,383
1:169 |
7 Numbers |
7 out of 20
6 out of 20
5 out of 20 |
5000:1
300:9
25:5 |
1:15,464
1:619
1:63 |
8 Numbers |
8 of 20
7 of 20
6 of 20 |
25,000:1
1000:5
100:10 |
1:74,961
1:2,438
1:199 |
9 Numbers |
9 of 20
8 of 20
7 of 20
6 of 20 |
50,000:1
1000:1
1000:10
10:2 |
1:387,197
1:10,325
1:6851 in 86 |
10 Numbers |
10 of 20
9 of 20
8 of 20
7 of 20 |
250,000:1
5000:1
1000:5
50:2 |
1:2,147,181
1:47,238
1:2571
1:261 |
Real money casino bonuses for Keno players
Bonus offers linked to playing keno are currently not as numerous as one might have hoped. Of course, there are still casinos that offer some kind of bonus and to play keno online with bonuses, you will usually find the offers in the betting section.
- Welcome bonuses
Welcome bonuses are typically the most generous offers provided by casinos to attract new players. They usually match a player’s first deposit by a certain percentage, doubling or even tripling the deposit amount. For Keno players, this means a larger bankroll to play with, allowing for more tickets to be purchased and increasing the chances of winning.
- No deposit bonuses
No deposit bonuses offer players a small amount of bonus money or free plays simply for signing up, with no deposit required. This provides Keno players with a risk-free way to try Keno games at a new casino and the potential to win real money without any personal financial investment.
- Free play / Free spins
Although more common for slots, some casinos offer free play bonuses that can be applied to Keno, including a certain number of free Keno games. This allows players to engage in Keno for free with the opportunity to win real money.
- Deposit match bonuses
Similar to welcome bonuses but aimed at existing players, these bonuses match a percentage of deposits made after the initial one, providing more funds for Keno play and enhancing the deposit value for longer gameplay.
- Loyalty programs and VIP bonuses
Regular players can benefit from loyalty programs and VIP bonuses, which include cashback offers, higher deposit match percentages, or points exchangeable for cash or prizes. These rewards incentivize continued play and provide additional value for frequent Keno sessions.
- Cashback bonuses
A percentage of losses or wagers is returned to the player over a certain period, offering a form of risk mitigation for less fortunate gaming sessions. For Keno players, this can soften the blow of losses and provide a safety net.
Play Keno for real money online
Real money keno is a lottery-style game played in land-based casinos in one of two main formats: live and video keno. Terminals can be positioned to allow real money electronic gaming at local gambling halls. Internet casinos generally offer the game because they provide a high house edge. Most gambling experts will analyze keno, but not play it.
Lottery games are popular almost everywhere in the world. They give players the chance to dream of winning millions simply by picking the right numbers. While only a few lucky individuals win these life-changing amounts, the dream of winning these big bucks is enough to lift any player’s spirits as they await the results.
Casinos can’t offer the tens of millions of dollars in jackpots that national and state lotteries sometimes produce, but they have the next best thing in their own lottery game: keno. Today, online keno allows players to enjoy new games whenever they like, with the potential to win huge sums of money every time a new set of numbers is drawn.
Best real money Keno casino for Aussies
Up to A$1200 + 150 free spins
- Games: 5000
- Win rate: 95.75%
- Payout time: 1-5 days
Play Keno for free
Even though many people are confused by the low probability of winning in Keno – 1 in 140 million – this game is still popular among a large number of players. By the way, this is one of the oldest games of chance such as the lottery or lotteries. Keno today is a slightly different game that has retained its classic principles and rules. Keno Live is now available online and has advantages over the traditional Keno type. For example, the odds of winning Keno in casinos are much higher – 1 in 84 million. Even with low stakes, you have the opportunity to win large sums or jackpots.
Best Australian casino to try free online Keno
Up to A$750 + 200 free spins
- Games: 3500
- Win rate: 95.5%
- Payout time: 1-5 days
The payout rates for playing Keno online in casinos
When choosing an operator, we recommend taking into account the payout rates in addition to the selection of games and bonus offers. Many providers make it easy to find this information by publishing the RTP percentage for each game directly on the website. The RTP determines the money returned to the player. In other words, this is the percentage of bets already made that will be returned to the player as a prize. For example, if you make the A$100 bet in the game with RTP 95%, you will get A$95 back with subsequent winnings. Of course, this does not mean that you will immediately return this amount from the next game. Don’t have any misconceptions about RTP: it only works in the long run. High payout rates in online casinos are not uncommon and this is another advantage of playing Keno online. Simply choose the operators with the largest RTP. However, you must understand that these are the statistical values calculated for most games. Playing Keno for free is a game of chance that includes…
How to win in Keno?
Picking numbers is an easy part of playing Keno. What can be a bit challenging – aside from waiting for the next round of numbers to be drawn – is calculating what your potential profit is.
Overall, the returns in Keno are too small for anyone to play the game just for profit. However, some players on a smaller budget may sit in the Keno lounge and play for a while as a cheap way to spend the day.
For someone who wants to play seriously enough to move from casino to casino, the best strategy is to simply compare the pay tables and play at the casino that pays the most for the number of numbers selected. There is no strategy for picking numbers. The first step you need to take is to read the rules of the game and learn its terms. Once you’ve done that, you can go ahead and practice implementing them by playing free Keno games before diving into real money Keno at an online casino. So, whether you choose to pick your lucky numbers or just pick numbers at random, it won’t make a big difference. Good luck!
Online Keno strategy
It should be clear that there is no real strategy to this game, at least when it comes to gameplay. All online keno games use a random number generator to pick the numbers, so there is no way to predict which numbers will be picked and no way to manipulate the results. You can safely choose any lucky or important numbers you want to play without jeopardizing your chances.
However, there are a few things you could do to get the best odds possible when playing keno online. If there are pay and return charts available for the games you play, you will probably find that the return varies greatly depending on how many numbers you pick: the combinations that offer the highest return are the best for you. Some of the best online casinos also offer progressive jackpots; when those rewards get particularly high, they can tip the odds in your favor, making these games especially good to play.
Winning tips for Keno online
Once you’re familiar with the rules of the game, it’s time to understand the basic tactics of Keno:
- Learn the rules
The basic rules of keno are pretty much the same everywhere, but exceptions can occur. So take a moment to learn the rules. Knowledge of the rules can also help reduce losses.
- Check the profit plan
Don’t forget to check the paytable so you know what winnings are at stake and what winnings you want to bet on before each game.
- Keep an eye on your cash register
As with all games, you should not bet on keno without having a bankroll set aside. Stick to it and never play for more than what you have decided in advance.
- Practice on free versions of the game
There are free versions of keno that you can try and practice if you don’t want to start playing for real right away. Practice makes perfect and helps you understand all the rules.
- Choose from four to eight numbers
If you want to win the highest winnings, you have to play with 10-11 numbers, but then the bet will also be high. Rather choose an appropriate level. Maybe 4-8 numbers for most players.
- Only play at licensed casinos
Playing at licensed casinos is always a great strategy. It guarantees your safety. The very best is, of course, to play at casinos with a license.
Final thoughts on Australian Keno sites
Keno is offered in all Australian lotteries. You can also find this game in many internet casinos. In this section, we have summarized the most important advantages of Keno for our readers. You will also learn how to play Keno for free.
Online Keno is available to players at any time. You don’t have to buy tickets at the kiosk, wait for the Keno Live draw and Keno Lotto winning numbers and then go back to claim your winnings. In online casinos, the Keno draw takes place immediately after you have placed your bet. The winnings will also be automatically credited to your account once it becomes clear that you have guessed a certain number of Keno numbers live today. You can withdraw your winnings using any method that suits you. Additionally, online casino games allow you to choose from a variety of betting options.