How Do You Play Keno? A Beginner’s Guide to Winning Big

🧠 Quick Take: What You'll Learn

• How keno works and what a typical game looks like
• What affects your odds and how payouts are calculated
• Step-by-step guide to playing online or at a casino
• Tips to manage your bankroll and play smarter

Keno is a fast-paced, easy-to-play lottery-style game enjoyed by million at casinos, lottery retailers, and even online—and it could score you some serious cash with just a few lucky numbers.

If you’re new to keno or just want a refresher, this guide will walk you through how to play keno, explain the rules, and cover everything you need to know to play keno with confidence—including how to get started online. You’ll learn how to pick your favorite numbers, read a prize chart, and understand your approximate odds of winning.

What Is Keno?

Keno is a lottery-style game that dates back over 2,000 years to ancient China. Back then, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. In today’s version, players select a set of numbers in the hopes they match the winning keno numbers drawn from the pool of all tickets sold (sweepstakes) or offered for sale. It’s simple, fun, and completely random—making it a favorite for anyone who enjoys gambling without complicated rules.

You can play keno at a casino, through a lottery retailer, or online from your phone or computer. The game uses either a random number generator (RNG) or a ball machine (similar to Mega Ball or the lottery) to pick the winning numbers, so every draw is fair and unpredictable. The goal is to match as many of your chosen numbers with the drawn ones—the more matches you hit, the bigger your potential prize.

Keno Rules: How Do You Play?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how keno works and what to expect when you play:

1. Get a Keno Ticket:

Start by picking up a keno ticket. You can buy one from a lottery retailer, at a casino, or select a digital ticket in an online keno game. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.

2. Choose Your Wager:

Decide how much money you want to wager per draw. Common bets range from $1 to $10, and the amount you bet affects your potential payout. In online keno, adjusting your bet is usually quick and easy through the interface.

3. Decide on Consecutive Draws:

You can choose to play the same numbers over multiple draws—up to 20 consecutive rounds in many games.

4. Pick Your Numbers or Quick Pick:

Select between 1 and 15 (or sometimes up to 20) numbers you want to play, depending on the game version. Each number you choose is called a "spot." You can manually pick your favorites or use the Quick Pick feature to have numbers randomly selected for you—it’s a fast, easy way to get started without overthinking your choices.

5. Submit Your Ticket:

After making your selections, submit your ticket to the lottery retailer or online platform before the next draw.

6. Wait for the Draw: 

In each draw, 20 numbers are selected at random from the pool of 80—either by RNG or a ball machine in the cast of in-person and online keno games. If you're playing consecutive draws, your ticket will automatically carry over.

7. Check for Wins:

Compare your selected numbers to the drawn numbers. The more matches you hit, the more you win! A prize chart will show the payouts based on how many numbers you picked and how many you matched. For example, if you select 8 numbers and match 6, you'll win a set payout that increases with more matches.

8. Collect Your Winnings:

If you win, claim your prize. Payouts vary depending on the game, your bet amount, and how many numbers you matched. Some games even offer a top prize for matching all of your selected numbers.

Understanding Keno Tickets

A keno ticket records your chosen numbers, wager amount, number of consecutive draws, and any additional features you’ve selected. It’s essential to review your ticket for accuracy before the draw, as it serves as your proof of play and is required to claim any winnings.

Keno Prize Chart and Payouts

Keno payouts vary based on the following factors:​

• Number of Spots Played: The more numbers (or “spots”) you choose, the higher your potential payout—but the odds of matching all selected numbers decrease.
• Number of Matches: Payouts increase with the number of matches between your selected numbers and the drawn ones.
• Wager Amount: Higher wagers can lead to bigger prizes. For example, playing for $2 typically doubles your potential payout compared to a $1 wager.

Each keno game provides a prize chart detailing payouts for different combinations of spots played and numbers matched. Reviewing this chart helps you understand the potential returns based on your selections.

Understanding the Keno Draw

Keno draws are completely random, which means there’s no reliable strategy for predicting which numbers will be drawn. You can play keno at casinos, through local lottery retailers, or online.

In live casinos, numbered balls are randomly drawn using a ball machine—similar to a lottery. On online platforms, a random number generator, aka RNG, is used to select the winning numbers. Both methods ensure fairness, and online keno offers the added convenience of playing from home.

Keno Odds and Strategies

The odds of winning in keno depend on how many numbers (or "spots") you select and how many of those match the drawn numbers. The fewer numbers you pick, the better your odds of matching all of them—but the payout will be lower compared to selecting more numbers.

For example:

• If you play with 1 number, your odds of winning are much higher, but the payout is lower.
• If you play with 15 numbers, your odds of winning are much lower, but the payout is significantly higher.

Keno is a game of chance, and while outcomes are completely random, understanding the odds can help inform your strategy:

• Odds of Matching Numbers: The probability of matching all your selected numbers decreases as the number of spots increases. For instance, the odds of matching all 10 numbers on a 10-spot ticket are far lower than matching 5 out of 10.
• Balancing Spots and Matches: Choosing fewer spots may lead to more frequent, smaller wins. Selecting more spots offers bigger potential payouts, but with lower chances of hitting all your picks.
• Mix Up Your Strategy: Some players prefer choosing fewer numbers (like 4–6) for more frequent small wins, while others go big with 10+ spots hoping for a massive payout. Try different approaches to see what works best for your playstyle.

Remember, though, that numbers are drawn randomly in keno, meaning there's no one-size-fits-all strategy to guarantee wins. Patterns, "hot numbers" or superstitions can spice up your gameplay, but ultimately won't change the outcome. Stay realistic and play for fun.

Playing Keno at Casinos and Online

Keno is available in many casinos and through various online platforms:​

Casino Keno:

In physical casinos, keno lounges or designated areas host regular draws. Players can watch the numbers being drawn live and check their tickets for wins.

Online Keno Games:

Many state lotteries and online casinos offer keno games accessible through their websites or mobile apps. Online keno provides the convenience of playing from home, with draws happening frequently throughout the day.

Why Play Keno on Rivalry?

If you're looking to try keno online, Rivalry makes it easy—and fun. Whether you're a total beginner or just want a convenient way to play, Rivalry offers a secure, mobile-friendly platform with everything you need to enjoy the game, licensed by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.

• 💸 Instant payouts for fast, hassle-free wins, in fiat or crypto
• 🎁 Bonuses and promos to boost your bankroll
• 🛡️ Top-tier security to keep your account and info safe
• 📱 A sleek interface that works great on both desktop and mobile
• 🙌 24/7 customer support in case you ever need a helping hand

If you're interested in keno or something else in our expansive games catalog, Rivalry gives you all the tools, support, and experience to make every keno game a good time.

How Do You Play Keno at a Casino?

Playing keno at a casino is a little different from buying a ticket at a lottery retailer. Here’s how it works:

• Visit the keno lounge or counter at the casino.
• Grab a keno ticket and mark your numbers with a crayon or pencil (provided by the casino).
• Decide your bet amount.
• Hand your ticket to the keno runner or cashier before the next draw.
• Watch the keno draw on screens throughout the casino.
• If you win, return your ticket to claim your prize.

Some casinos also offer the option to play multiple consecutive draws with a single ticket.

Tips for Playing Keno

Whether you're playing for fun or hoping to hit a big win, these tips can help you get the most out of your next keno games

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to that limit. Keno should be fun—not a financial stressor.
• Understand Game Conditions: Rules and payout structures can vary between casinos and online platforms, so take time to review the details before you play.
• Check Your Tickets: Always double-check your selections for accuracy before the draw, and keep your ticket safe until you check the results.
• Play Responsibly: Keno is a game of chance. Play for enjoyment, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
• Double-Check Your Ticket: Before the draw, always review your ticket for accuracy—especially if you're playing in-person. A wrong number or missed draw could cost you a win.
• Try Quick Pick for Variety: Don’t feel pressure to pick “lucky” or favorite numbers every time. The Quick Pick option randomizes your selections and takes the guesswork out of it.

Conclusion

Keno offers a simple and entertaining gaming experience with the potential for significant payouts. By understanding the rules, odds, and prize structures, you can make smarter decisions and get the most out of each session.

Ready to test your skills?

Create a Rivalry account today to play keno on a secure, mobile-friendly platform trusted by thousands of players worldwide. We've got instant payouts, 24/7 customer support, and elite bonuses to boost your play. Whether you’re chasing jackpots or vibing with your fave numbers, Rivalry has your back. GLHF, and always gamble responsibly (18+ only).