Rules of Keno

Keno is a lot like bingo, but there are a few differences. They are both lottery-style casino games that are easy on your bankroll and based entirely on luck. But keno generally has bigger jackpots and a higher house advantage.

Keno originated in China. You choose one or more numbers from the field of 1-80. The randomly drawn numbers are matched on your card just like in bingo. However, each keno game is called a race. The payout depends on how many numbers matched, how much wagered and if it was at a special rate. Just like bingo, there is no real strategy to the game.

You get to choose between one and 15 numbers for each race. Twenty numbers are drawn, so you only have to match 15 of 20 numbers to get the jackpot. The jackpot can be life-changing, upwards of thousands to millions of dollars. After all, a keno jackpot is what saved the Griswold’s family vacation in “National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation.” The average keno jackpot is $10,000.

When you match numbers, you mark your ticket with an “X” over the numbers. Payouts start at six matches when playing 15 numbers. The house edge can range from 22-50%, depending on how many numbers you bet.

There are two ways to play: a straight bet or a way bet. You pick individual numbers, up to 15, for a straight bet. The numbers are grouped into sets for way bets, which gives you more ways to win. Six selected numbers can be grouped into three groups of two numbers. It gives you four ways to win: a straight bet and three groups. It’s like playing four different tickets. Just remember to keep track by circling your numbers.