How to Play Keno: A Complete Beginner's Guide

What is Keno?

Keno is a fast-paced, lottery-style game that is enjoyed by players in casinos, bars, and online. The game is simple to learn and offers the chance to win large prizes with a small wager. Unlike traditional lotteries that have drawings once or twice a week, Keno drawings happen every few minutes, providing constant action and excitement.

Basic Rules and Format

In Keno, players choose a set of numbers, typically from 1 to 10 numbers, from a larger pool of numbers, usually 1 to 80. The game then randomly draws 20 numbers. The more of your chosen numbers that match the drawn numbers, the more you win. The prize amount depends on how many numbers you chose (known as "spots") and how many of those spots you matched.

Types of Bets Available

While the basic premise of Keno is straightforward, there are several different ways to bet, which can add to the excitement of the game:

• Straight Ticket: This is the most common type of Keno ticket, where you simply choose your spots and hope to match as many as possible.

• Way Ticket: A way ticket allows you to play multiple sets of numbers on a single ticket. This can be a more complex way to play, but it also offers more opportunities to win.

• King Ticket: A king ticket has one number that is circled by itself, known as the "king." This king number is then used in combination with other groups of numbers on the ticket.

• Multiplier: Many Keno games offer a multiplier option for an additional wager. This can multiply your winnings by a predetermined amount, often up to 10x.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing

1. Get a Keno Crayon and a Blank Ticket: In a live Keno lounge, you will find stacks of blank Keno tickets and crayons at the tables.

2. Choose Your Spots: Decide how many numbers you want to play. You can typically choose from 1 to 10 spots.

3. Select Your Numbers: Mark your chosen numbers on the Keno ticket.

4. Choose Your Wager: Decide how much you want to bet on each game.

5. Select the Number of Games: You can play your numbers for a single game or for multiple consecutive games.

6. Take Your Ticket to the Keno Writer: The Keno writer will process your ticket and give you a duplicate ticket. This is your official ticket, so make sure to keep it in a safe place.

7. Watch the Drawing: The Keno display board will show the 20 winning numbers as they are drawn.

8. Check Your Ticket: Compare your numbers to the winning numbers to see if you have won.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Understanding the Payouts: The payouts in Keno can vary significantly depending on the casino or lottery. Make sure you understand the payout structure before you start playing.

• Playing Too Many Spots: While it may be tempting to play a lot of spots, the odds of hitting all of them are very low. Many experienced players stick to playing between 4 and 8 spots.

• Chasing Losses: It is important to set a budget and stick to it. Never chase your losses by betting more than you can afford.

Tips for Beginners

• Play for Free: Many online casinos offer free Keno games. This is a great way to learn the game and practice your strategy without risking any money.

• Look for Games with Better Payouts: The payouts in Keno can vary, so it is worth shopping around to find a game with a good payout table.

• Don't Be Afraid to Play Fewer Spots: While the potential payouts are higher for playing more spots, the odds of winning are lower. Playing fewer spots can give you a better chance of winning smaller, more frequent prizes.