March 18, 2024
Playing Rules of Keno

Rules of Keno

How to play keno – Keno Rules to Know before Playing Online Keno

There are three sets of rules governing a game of keno:

  • The rules of the game of keno itself – that is, how it is played.
  • The House Rules set by the casino – covering such issues as maximum payouts, deadlines for placing a bet before the draw, and for claiming your winnings.
  • Rules set by any external governing bodies – such as national gambling laws), which cover issues such as age limits, and the type of premises where it can be played. The casino you’re playing in is obliged to ensure certain of these rules are adhered to. But some of them may be your responsibility – such as the obligation to report large wins to your taxation authorities.

Rules of the Game of Keno

The game of Keno itself is very simple:

  • In each Keno game, 20 numbers are drawn from a pool of 80.
  • The object of the game is for the player to guess what some of those numbers will be.
  • You indicate your choices before the draw begins by completion of a ‘keno ticket’.
  • You place your bet by submitting and paying for the ticket.
  • After the draw you receive winnings according to how many numbers you guessed correctly.

Filling out Your Ticket

To fill out a basic (straight) keno ticket all you do is:

  • Mark one or more numbers on the blank ticket, usually up to a maximum of 15
  • Indicate how many consecutive games you wish to play with those numbers
  • Write the amount you would like to bet on each game
  • Present your ticket to the Keno desk and pay for your ticket

You can generally play as many tickets as you wish on any one draw. In a few minutes, twenty numbered Keno balls will be drawn, and if enough of your selected numbers are drawn, you are a winner. There are various more complicated ways you can complete a ticket, but they’re not necessary.

House rules for Keno

The basics of the game are the same regardless of where you play it, but the payouts and guidelines can vary from casino to casino. And individual casinos can offer their own special games with their own rules. It is recommended that you stop by a Keno counter and pick up a free booklet outlining the house rules and payouts to get you ready to play keno.

Keno Online Rules

Keno General Rules: A Beginner’s Guide

Playing Keno is extremely simple. It is so simple in fact that it should only take you a little while to understand its rules and how it is played.

Keno is a simple and exciting lottery-style casino game that is easy to learn and fun to play. Before diving into the world of keno, it’s essential to understand the general rules governing the game. In this guide, we’ll outline the basic rules of keno to help you get started.

The Keno Cards

First of all you will need a Keno card or ticket. On the card you will notice all the numbers from 1 to 80. All the numbers from 1 to 40 are on the top half of the card, and the numbers 41 to 80 are on the bottom half of the card.

Pick Your Numbers

Before the game begins you must pick out the numbers you think will win and mark them on the card. You can pick any amount of numbers you want to, but no more than 20 and at least one number.

When the game starts, 20 random numbers will be chosen. When this process is complete the game is over and you will be paid according to how many numbers you got. If you have played ten numbers for example, but you only got 8, you will be paid accordingly. Of course, the payout would have been larger if you got all ten numbers that you played.

Select Your Numbers

  • Choose your numbers: Keno players typically select between 1 and 20 numbers (called spots) from a pool of 80 numbers (1 to 80).
  • Mark your selections: On a physical keno ticket, you’ll mark your chosen numbers with an “X” or fill in the corresponding spots. In video or online keno, you’ll select your numbers by clicking or tapping on the screen.

Determine Your Wager

  • Set your bet: Decide how much you want to wager on each game. This can usually be as low as $1, but some casinos or machines may have higher minimum bets.
  • Choose the number of games: In some instances, you can select to play multiple games with the same set of numbers. This is called a multi-race ticket.

The Keno Draw

  • The draw: A keno draw involves randomly selecting 20 numbers from the pool of 80. In land-based casinos, this is done with a ball machine or an electronic random number generator (RNG). Video and online keno games use an RNG for the draw.
  • Watch for your numbers: As the numbers are drawn, check your ticket or screen to see if any of your selected numbers match the drawn numbers.

Payouts

  • Winning combinations: Your winnings are determined by the number of spots you’ve chosen, the number of matching numbers (called catches), and the amount of your wager.
  • Check the payout table: Each casino or keno machine has a unique payout table that outlines the potential winnings for different combinations of spots and catches. Be sure to review this table before playing to understand the payout structure.

Large Payouts in Keno

Regarding the payouts in keno you should know that they vary from one casino to another. Usually the payouts are large, but this is mainly because the house edge is rather high. In fact Keno is one of the casino games with the highest house edge. If you play only 2 numbers for example your odds of winning are 6%.

This is a game that appeals to lottery fans. It is very entertaining, and even though the house edge is a bit high, the large payouts compensate for that, making this a wonderful game to play.

Claiming Your Winnings

  • Land-based casinos: If you’ve won in a land-based casino, you’ll need to present your winning ticket to the keno cashier to claim your prize.
  • Video and online keno: In video and online keno games, winnings are usually credited to your account automatically.

Keno is a straightforward and entertaining game that anyone can enjoy. By understanding the general rules of keno, including selecting numbers, determining your wager, following the draw, and claiming your winnings, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this classic casino game. Don’t forget to review the payout table for each game, as this can vary between casinos and machines. Good luck, and have fun!

A Keno Paytable

Understanding Keno Payouts in Casinos and Video Keno Machines

The prize tables in keno can look a bit complicated. Here’s our quick tips on what to look out for in keno pay schedules.

Keno is a popular casino game that offers the potential for big payouts. However, it’s essential to understand that each casino and video keno machine may have its unique payout system. In this article, we’ll discuss where to find the payout information in casinos and on video keno machines and why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these details.

Keno Payouts in Land-Based Casinos

  • Keno Brochures: Land-based casinos typically have keno brochures available at the Keno Lounge or the casino’s information desk. These brochures provide details about the game’s rules, betting options, and payout structures.
  • Payout Schedules: Some casinos post their keno payout schedules on boards or screens within the Keno Lounge. These schedules display the potential payouts based on the number of spots (numbers) chosen and the amount wagered.

Video Keno Machine Payouts

  • Payout Tables: Video keno machines usually have a payout table displayed on the screen or the machine’s casing. This table shows the potential winnings based on the number of spots chosen and the amount bet. Make sure to review the table before playing to understand the machine’s payout system.

Importance of Understanding Keno Payouts

  • Make informed decisions: Familiarizing yourself with the casino’s or video keno machine’s payout system helps you make informed decisions about the number of spots to play and the amount to bet.
  • Compare payout systems: Different casinos and machines may have varying payout systems, so understanding these differences can help you choose where to play for the best potential returns.
  • Manage your bankroll: Knowing the payout structure can help you manage your bankroll effectively and avoid overspending on bets with low odds of winning.

Keno payouts

Each casino has its own system of payouts, which you will find set out in the Keno brochures or payout schedules around the casino or, if you’re playing Video keno you’ll find a payout table on each machine. An example is shown below.

The term ‘spot’ refers to how many numbers you have marked on your ticket. The term ‘catch’ refers to how many of your chosen numbers match what the house draws.

The table shows what you will win for a 1 coin stake. You need to multiply these amounts by the amount you are wagering. So in the example below, if you make a $2 bet, pick 4 spots and catch 3 of them you will win $12 (that is, $2 x 6).

This schedule does not pay out if you don’t match any numbers. But in some cases if you mark a lot of numbers the casino pays off if you catch 0.

Note that in Keno you do not get your stake back if you win.

Another Example of a Keno Paytable

example keno payout schedule

In a live casino keno game, where lots of players are gambling on the same draw, the most the house can pay out for any one draw is generally $50,000. If there are too many winners they will each get a proportionate share of this sum.

Keno payouts can vary between land-based casinos and video keno machines, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with each venue’s or machine’s specific payout system. By understanding the payout structures, you can make informed decisions about your bets, compare payout systems, and effectively manage your bankroll. Always take the time to review keno brochures, payout schedules, or video keno machine payout tables to maximize your gaming experience and potential winnings.