Keno

Keno is a lottery-style game of chance played in casinos, online platforms, and sometimes at racetracks. Players select a set of numbers from a fixed range, commonly 1 through 80, and place a wager on how many numbers will be drawn correctly. A separate drawing process then selects a set of numbers, typically 20, at random. Winnings are paid out according to a paytable that compares the player’s picks to the drawn numbers.

How keno is played varies by venue, but the core mechanics are consistent. A ticket shows the chosen numbers (or “spots”), usually from 1 to 20. After the bet is placed, 20 numbers are drawn either by a ball machine or a random-number generator. The player wins if a sufficient portion of their chosen numbers match the drawn numbers. Payouts depend on the number of spots selected, the number of matches, and the size of the wager. Some games allow multiple drawings in a single session and offer quick-draw or live options.

Variants include video keno and live keno. Video keno is common in casinos and online sites, using computer-generated draws and rapid play. Live keno involves real-time draws and sometimes a host. The game is widely regarded as a game of pure chance, with little to no proven strategy for consistent profit; odds and paytables vary by operator.

Origins of keno trace to ancient China as a public-works lottery, later evolving into a form popular in North America in the 20th century and becoming a staple game in modern gambling venues.