Play at the best real money keno online casinos
Join popular games of online keno for real money at our recommended online keno casinos for 2024. Learn how to play keno online and get top tips for the lottery game. If you’re ready to play, try our free keno games or sign up with a casino to get valuable bonuses and promos.
Our top rated keno casinos 2024
Play our free keno games
You can play free keno online right here with no sign up or download needed. Our practice games are a great option if you’d like to see exactly how the game works and test your numbers before you play keno online for real money. Just click on the free online keno games below.
Playing keno at an online casino
Online keno for real money essentially allows you to play the lottery on demand. Draw games either start whenever you submit your numbers, or else you can join keno live games that start at regular intervals, usually every 3 to 5 minutes. To play, you pick your numbers, wait for the casino to draw a series of numbers, and then get paid out based on how many you were able to catch (guess correctly). For a more detailed explanation of the rules, check out our full guide on how to play keno.
For now, here’s the basics:
- 1
Select an online keno game
If you're unsure where to start, check out the various keno games available at our top online keno casinos.
- 2
Choose your numbers
In most keno online games you can pick between 1 and 20 numbers from the keno grid. How many you choose is completely up to you. But remember, the greater the percentage of numbers you catch, the higher your payout rate will be.
- 3
Decide how much you want to bet per draw
You can adjust your bet by clicking the arrows next to the selected bet amount.
- 4
Select the number of keno games you’ll play
As an example, if you choose to bet $1 on your numbers and play a total of 5 games, this will cost $5.
- 5
The numbers are drawn
Find out if you are a winner! The system will draw the max amount of numbers, checking off each one with an X or a checkmark. You’ll get paid out based on how many numbers you’ve hit.
Getting to know the game
As you get familiar with the gameplay, there are some key elements to keno casino games to be aware of. A typical online keno game consists of a keno card, a pay table, and a few buttons. While every online keno game is a bit different, these are the common elements you’ll find when you choose to play online.
-
Keno card
A keno card is essentially a giant grid of numbers. You can think of it as a large lottery ticket with the numbers one through 80. In typical online keno games, you’ll find eight rows of ten numbers each.
-
Pay table
This shows you what your payout will be for the number of catches you make. In a keno online game, you don’t necessarily get paid out for hitting more numbers. Instead, you get paid out if the percentage of numbers you hit is high. For example, catching six of six selected numbers might net you a payout of 1800x your bet, but catching six of 14 numbers selected might only net you 2x your bet.
-
Quick pick
Rather than selecting the numbers on your own, in keno games online you can choose the Quick Pick button to have the system pick them for you. This is much like the quick pick feature found in most state lotteries.
Keno rules
While keno is quite a simple game to understand, it's always worth brushing up on the rules. We suggest you keep the following key elements of the game in mind when you play online keno for real money.
- The keno board has 80 numbers, but you can’t choose all of them. How many numbers you can choose depends on the casino you’re playing at, but the total number is usually between 15 and 20.
- While some online casinos will let you play as few as one number, some real money casinos will require you to play at least two numbers.
- If you’re playing real money keno in a land-based casino, you need to wait for a keno game to start before you can see what your payout is. Online, you’re in control of exactly when each game starts.
How to win keno
Online keno is a game of chance with little possibility of influencing the outcome with any keno strategy. You simply sit back, enjoy the show, and hope luck is on your side.
That said, you can still employ a general betting strategy to try to minimize your losses in real money keno, for example:
- 1Start off by betting the minimum - this will vary on the game, but stick to the lowest bet you can make.
- 2If you win a game, up your bet - try a slightly larger bet you feel comfortable with.
- 3If you lose, decrease you bet - reset to the minimum bet after a loss, and start the sequence again.
Popular types of keno games
The top online keno games most commonly played are standard online keno, Power keno, and live keno. These don’t deviate too far from the game you’d find in a physical casino, though some variants will have differences around prizes and the number of balls/spots picked by the player and drawn in the game. We’ve noted some of the most common varieties below.
- Online keno
- Super keno
- Power keno
- Video keno
- Jackpot keno
- Live dealer keno
Online keno
The standard online version plays as fast as the player can go - once they either pick or request a randomised set of numbers, the draw is done automatically by the game software. Rules are as standard, so generally a player wins if they match between two and ten numbers from the 20 drawn. The more numbers matched, the bigger the win amount.
How we rate online keno casinos
Every casino featured on our site has been through our rigorous 25-step reviewing process. We want to ensure you have the best online gaming experience, so it’s essential that all casinos, including those recommended for keno, meet our strict criteria to receive a top rating. Should a casino fail to satisfy any of our key categories, we won't be recommending it to you.
Security and trustworthiness
When it comes to playing real money keno online, security should be of the utmost importance. We want to see that casinos hold a valid license to operate, are audited for security and fairness by an organization such as eCOGRA and use means such as encryption to protect any data you share with them. They will also need a valid gambling licence from their local jurisdiction to run keno casino games.
Banking options
It's important that a wide range of banking options is available, so that all payments to fund keno games online and withdraw winnings from online casinos are fast and secure. We don't want to see excessively long processing times, or hear keno players experiencing issues when withdrawing winnings.
Game selection
We’d expect to see a great choice of keno games, with common varieties like Power keno, Jackpot keno, and Live keno available. To ensure quality, we look for titles from popular software providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming and Playtech, and test them out playing keno online for real money ourselves.
Bonuses
At all good casinos, we expect to see a welcome bonus for all new players, and regular promotions should allow players to top up their bankroll to play online keno for real money. Playthrough requirements should be easy to understand and not too high, so all bonus funds are useful and achievable to unlock through your regular play.
Mobile gaming
At all good casinos, we expect to see a welcome bonus for all new players, and regular promotions should allow players to top up their bankroll to play online keno for real money. Playthrough requirements should be easy to understand and not too high, so all bonus funds are useful and achievable to unlock through your regular play.
Popular keno software providers
Some of the top keno games providers include Evolution, NetEnt, and Playtech, creating both online keno, live keno games, and other variants with bonuses and winning multipliers. Below we’ve noted the most common casino software makers powering online keno games.
Evolution Gaming
The first to create keno live dealer games, Evolution developed Mega Ball as a keno game presented in a live game show setting. The game also has a multiplier that overs anywhere between 5x and 100x winnings. The company have been in gaming since 2006, and powers thousands of casino and live dealer games in local venues as well as casinos online.
NetEnt
Also a provider of live keno games, Swedish games developer NetEnt created Bonus keno as a type of jackpot keno game connected to a progressive jackpot. Owing to the high jackpots, the game is one of NetEnt’s most popular online keno games. They’ve also made many other online keno variations, as well as being a leading provider of slots and and other table and live casino games.
Playtech
Popular casino gaming provider Playtech has made a widely available keno game using the classic version of online keno. The game is available at many online casinos and provides both online keno for real money and free keno games. It’s a great way to get used to the dynamics of keno play.
Pragmatic Play
Another big name in online casino gaming, Pragmatic Play’s keno game is also a the standard online keno variety. Available for free and real money, the keno game will be available at the top casinos we recommend. Pragmatic have made a name for themselves in recent years for providing high quality casino titles across a range of brands online.
SpinOro
With a range of keno games including Super keno and Keno Star, SpinOro have innovated various new features for online keno. With over 10 years in gaming, they are a popular provider of keno lottery games, scratch games and casino titles.
Understanding keno payout percentages
Keno payouts aren’t as high as those of regular casino games, though the amount of draw numbers and your bet type will affect this greatly. Typically a good online casino will have an overall keno payout percentage between 93.8% and 94.1%. The actual percentage depends on the amount of numbers you play, and this example figure represents the better paying combinations. For example, matching only two numbers pays out 92% and one number just 75%.
The payout percentage is what a casino pays out in winnings as a proportion of the money wagered. A 98% payout percentage means that the casino pays out $98 on every $100 made in wagers. The casino's profit comes from the $2 difference.
Note that the 98% is not what you will get back on any individual bet. This is because it's an overall figure for the casino, taken from thousands of players and across many months. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to choose a casino site offering high keno payouts.
How does keno house edge compare?
Keno lottery games have more to do with lotto draws than a typical casino type game, and so the odds and house edge reflect the lower chance of winning lottery players have in general compared to casino games. While card and table games tend to have a house edge between 0.5% - 2.7% (though unfavourable variants can go up to 15%), the house edge for standard keno is on average between 20% - 40%. Saying that, some online keno variants bring the house edge down to around 5%.
The odds of any one number being drawn in the winning 20 are one in four, and then the number of spots (numbers) you pick and the number of spots drawn will affect the odds and house edge. Standard online keno games allow you to pick up to 15 numbers for a full win, but many keno casinos will have games with prizes for matching fewer spots. Generally, you’ll see around a 25% house edge on a one spot win, rising up to around 30% on a ten spot win.
Beginner’s tips for online keno
Keno is a game of chance with little possibility of influencing the odds, but that doesn't mean you can't take steps to ensure you get the most out of every game. Below, we've listed our four top tips for staying on top of your keno game.
Play a consistent set of numbers
This makes it easier to keep track of which numbers come up frequently. Try mixing in a balanced amount of high and low numbers to increase your odds of winning.
Check the payout chart before you play
While every real money keno casino pays out more when you catch a higher percentage of numbers, the amount casinos pay out varies. Before you lock in your numbers, see what the payout is like for the various betting options.
Take advantage of keno bonuses
Most casinos will offer a competitive bonus when you join, giving you a helping hand when you start out in keno or other games.
Use your bankroll wisely
Before you start, set yourself a limited amount you can afford to lose. You don't want to blow all your money in the first round, so think about how many games you'd like to play and place your bets accordingly.
Quick history of keno
Out of all the casino games, keno has one of the most interesting origins. Emperors, wars, railroads, and horse races all have their part in how the modern game developed.
-
Beginning in China
The first evidence of keno can be traced to ancient China, where it was played with 120 Chinese characters. Popular during the Han dynasty, ruler Cheung Leung encouraged residents to play in order to collect taxes used to fund the Han dynasty war. Later, keno taxes helped to build the Great Wall of China.
-
Moving to America
In the 1800s, many Chinese people made a rush to the western shores of the United States where they sought to work on the railroads. As they settled in San Francisco they introduced keno to Americans, who found the Chinese characters confusing. This lead to them being replaced with numbers.
-
20th Century
A loophole in the legal system allowed gambling, but not lotteries. As keno was a lottery, operators cleverly changed the name to Racehorse Keno and said it was a racing game, thus making it legal. The numbers of the keno card correlated with horses and the drawing was called the ‘race’. Some casinos use this term even today.
-
Today
With the digital age rapidly taking over the world of gambling, keno lives on as a popular online lottery game. The best casinos online boast incredible keno games that could very well impress Emperor Cheung Leung himself.
Keno terminology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Aggregate limit | The total amount a casino is liable to payout in a single round. If reached, players may have to accept reduced winnings. For a game like keno where the total payouts could become insanely high, this is a necessary feature for the casino to include. |
Balls | Ping pong balls labeled with the numbers from one to 80. Drawn at random to determine the winners of any given Keno round. |
Bankroll | A player's available sum of money for use in Keno. |
Bet | The total amount of money wagered by a player in a single round of keno, on a single ticket. |
Caller | The casino employee that literally calls out the winning numbers during a Keno game. |
Closed | The time right before keno balls are drawn. No casino tickets can be written while the game is closed. |
Draw | The panel of twenty keno balls that are "drawn" in any given round. This displays the winning numbers. |
Field | A collection of unmarked, circled spots. |
Flashboard | The digital display that shows which numbers make up the draw. |
Goose | A slang term for the device used to mix up and, ultimately draw, the keno balls. |
Hit | A slang term for a winning spot, achieved when one of your spots matches a number in the round's draw. |
House | A slang term for the casino. |
House edge | The percentage of any given wager that the casino is statistically expected to retain over the long run. A high house edge is bad for players but good for the casino. Keno has a house edge of approximately 30%, which makes it higher than average. |
Mark | Appears on a keno ticket as a way to show which numbers are spots. Often made with a black crayon provided by the casino specifically for this purpose. |
Open | The opposite of closed. Any point in time when the casino is accepting more keno wagers for the coming draw. |
Pay table | The diagram that explains exactly how much any given win is worth. |
Punch outs | A template offered by the house. A punch out matches your original keno ticket, but all of the numbers from the draw are punched out. This makes it significantly easier for players to quickly check for winning tickets. Just lay it over your ticket and see which of the spots show through the holes. |
Random Number Generator | A mechanism in video keno games used to randomly create the draw. A completely fair and unpredictable tool for operating a keno game, as well as other casino games. |
Spot | A slang term for any of the numbers that have been marked on a keno ticket. |
Ticket | The piece of paper that players use to make their keno wagers. It has a grid with numbers one to 80, and players can mark their spots and choose their bet size on this document. A copy should be given to the player after the wager is made. |
Tournament | A series of keno games are offered and players compete to outperform each other and win the overall prize money. One of the best ways to shake your game up, because a keno tournament has a totally different feel and pace. |
Way ticket | Any keno ticket that contains two or more distinct bets. |
Writer | A casino employee that interacts with the keno players. Responsibilities include accepting completed keno tickets, creating the official digital ticket, accepting the money for all wagers, and paying any players with winning tickets. |
Online keno FAQs
What Is Keno?
Keno is a lottery style game with 80 balls numbered 1 through 80. Players choose up to 20 numbers and place a wager on which will be drawn on the next game. Keno payouts are based upon how many numbers the player chose are called, the number of matches, and the wager.
Can I play keno online?
Yes! There are many casinos where you can play online keno games, but we would suggest choosing our recommended keno online casinos to be sure of a great overall experience. These have been carefully reviewed by our team for security, fairness, range of keno online games, and amazing bonuses.
Can I play keno for free?
Yes, the best online casinos will offer you the ability to play keno for free before trying online keno for real money. You can also play our free keno games on this page without signing up to get a feel for the game.
Are online keno games fair?
Yes, definitely. At the heart of online keno software is a random number generator. This means every number called is by random chance. To ease your mind it may help to play at our recommended keno casinos that are frequently audited by third parties.
Will a keno strategy increase my chances of winning?
Not really. Keno is a game of chance and only luck will see you win. There are different strategies keno players use, such as betting more when you are winning and less when you are losing. However, you cannot influence the numbers that are drawn.
What are keno’s odds of winning?
The odds of winning keno reflect the amount of numbers you choose and catch. The odds of hitting a single number are 1 in 4. Whereas hitting four numbers carries a 1 in 326.43 chance of winning. It’s recommended to review an odds table to better understand the full range of odds, and understand how house edge affects keno payouts.
Will I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
It depends on what country you are a resident or citizen of. Some countries require gamblers to pay taxes on winnings and others don’t. Check with a lawyer or online legal resource for more information.
Can I play online keno on my mobile or tablet?
Yes, some casinos will have dedicated keno apps for mobile play, but all recommended online casinos will adapt for mobile gaming on any iPhone or Android device.
How old do I have to be to play keno online?
This will depend on the country you are a legal resident or citizen of and could vary between 18 and 21 years of age or more. Government and legal websites can be consulted for verification of the legal gambling age to play keno.
More related guides for you
Written by Alexander Korsager
Alexander Korsager has been immersed in online casinos and iGaming for over 10 years, making him a dynamic Chief Gaming Officer at Casino.org. He uses his vast knowledge of the industry to create content across key global markets.