Keno Guides: How to Play and Real Odds
Keno is a fast lottery-style casino game: pick your numbers, watch the draw and get paid for every match. Our keno guides explain how the game works, the real odds behind each ticket and what you can – and can't – do to improve your results.
How to Play Keno
- Choose how many numbers to pick ("spots") – usually between 1 and 10, sometimes up to 15 or 20.
- Pick your numbers from 1 to 80, or use Quick Pick for random numbers.
- Set your stake and the number of consecutive draws.
- Watch the draw. Twenty numbers are drawn at random.
- Get paid according to the paytable for the number of spots you picked and how many you matched ("catches").
Keno Odds by Number of Spots
Here are the chances of matching every number you pick in standard 20-from-80 keno:
| Spots picked | Odds of catching all |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 in 4 |
| 2 | 1 in 16.6 |
| 3 | 1 in 72 |
| 4 | 1 in 326 |
| 5 | 1 in 1,551 |
| 6 | 1 in 7,753 |
| 7 | 1 in 40,980 |
| 8 | 1 in 230,115 |
| 9 | 1 in 1,380,688 |
| 10 | 1 in 8,911,711 |
Picking more numbers increases the top prize but makes it far harder to hit. Paytables reward partial matches – for example catching 5 of 8 – so check what each ticket pays before you play.
Keno House Edge
Keno has a higher house edge than most casino games. In land-based venues it is often 20% or more. Online keno varies widely between games and casinos, so look for the RTP in the game's information screen and choose versions with a higher return.
Keno Myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Hot" numbers come up more often | Every draw is independent – past results don't affect future ones |
| "Cold" numbers are due | A number that hasn't appeared isn't more likely next time |
| Consecutive numbers are luckier | All combinations have exactly the same probability |
| Picking more spots is always better | It raises the top prize but lowers your chance of any big win |
Tips for Playing Keno
- Compare paytables and RTP between keno games – they differ a lot.
- Choose a number of spots that matches your goal: fewer spots for more frequent wins, more spots for jackpot chances.
- Play the free version first to understand the paytable.
- Keno draws are fast online, so set a budget and a time limit.
- Only play at licensed casinos with certified random number generators.
A Short History of Keno
Keno is often said to come from an ancient Chinese lottery, although the details of its origins are uncertain. Chinese immigrants brought a lottery game to the United States in the 19th century, where it evolved into modern keno, legalised in Nevada casinos in the 1930s. Today it is played in casinos, bars and online. Read more in our keno winner's guide.
There is no best number. Fewer spots give more frequent small wins; more spots give a bigger top prize but much lower odds of hitting it. Compare the paytables.
No. Each draw is random and independent. "Hot" and "cold" numbers have no effect on future draws.
It depends on how many numbers you pick. Picking 1 number gives a 1 in 4 chance; matching all 10 of 10 is about 1 in 8.9 million.
Keno usually has a high house edge – often 20% or more in land-based venues. Online versions vary, so check the RTP.
Yes. Many online casinos offer demo keno so you can learn the game without risking money.
In standard keno, 20 numbers are drawn from 1 to 80 in each game.