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People have been trying to find the best keno strategy since the game was invented 2,000+ years ago. However, the game itself is random, which means that there isn’t really a way to guarantee a win every time you play.
With that being said, certain strategies add to the enjoyment and there are tips you can use to maximize your chances of winnings. Keep reading if you want to learn more about keno strategies and how to improve your likelihood of success playing this lottery-style game.
The Best Keno Strategies
The key decisions you have to make when playing keno are deciding how many cards to play, how much to bet, how many numbers to pick, and what numbers to pick. The best keno strategies help you make these decisions. It’s a good idea when first starting out playing to experiment with different strategies and find out which ones work for you.
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Keno Payout Chart
Understanding the odds and potential win is essential for whatever winning keno strategy you choose. To help you with this, we have included a Keno payout chart that displays the odds for all the numbers of picks and the profit you would make if you win from a $1 stake. These are the standard payouts, but it’s important to note that payouts can vary between casinos and games.
| Numbers Picked | Matched Numbers | Odds | Win (from $1 stake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1:4 | $1 |
| 2 | 2 | 1:17 | $10 |
| 3 | 2 | 1:8 | $2 |
| 3 | 1 | 1:73 | $25 |
| 4 | 2 | 1:5 | $1 |
| 4 | 3 | 1:24 | $5 |
| 4 | 4 | 1:327 | $50 |
| 5 | 3 | 1:12 | $2 |
| 5 | 4 | 1:83 | $15 |
| 5 | 5 | 1:1,551 | $500 |
| 6 | 3 | 1:8 | $1 |
| 6 | 4 | 1:36 | $5 |
| 6 | 5 | 1:324 | $50 |
| 6 | 6 | 1:7,753 | $1,500 |
| 7 | 3 | 1:6 | $1 |
| 7 | 4 | 1:20 | $2 |
| 7 | 5 | 1:116 | $15 |
| 7 | 6 | 1:1,366 | $150 |
| 7 | 7 | 1:40,980 | $5,000 |
| 8 | 4 | 1:13 | $2 |
| 8 | 5 | 1:55 | $10 |
| 8 | 6 | 1:423 | $50 |
| 8 | 7 | 1:6,233 | $400 |
| 8 | 8 | 1:230,115 | $15,000 |
| 9 | 4 | 1:9 | $1 |
| 9 | 5 | 1:31 | $4 |
| 9 | 6 | 1:175 | $25 |
| 9 | 7 | 1:1,691 | $200 |
| 9 | 8 | 1:30,628 | $2,500 |
| 9 | 9 | 1:390,688 | $25,000 |
| 10 | 0 | 1:22 | $3 |
| 10 | 5 | 1:19 | $3 |
| 10 | 6 | 1:87 | $10 |
| 10 | 7 | 1:621 | $50 |
| 10 | 8 | 1:7,385 | $500 |
| 10 | 9 | 1:163,382 | $10,000 |
| 10 | 10 | 1:8,911,712 | $200,000 |
Keno Online Betting Options & RTPs Explained
Most keno games allow players to pick between 1 and 10 numbers (also known as spots). On the one hand, the more numbers you choose, the higher the maximum payout. On the other hand, more numbers mean a lower chance of winning the maximum payout.
The table below includes the average chance to win any prize and the chance to win the top prize (all selections occur), and the RTP of the standard online keno game for the different spots from 1 through 10.
| Numbers Picked | Chance to Win Any Prize | Chance to Win the Top Prize | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25% | 25% | 75% |
| 2 | 6.01% | 6.01% | 72.15% |
| 3 | 15.28% | 1.39% | 72.15% |
| 4 | 25.9% | 0.31% | 71.00% |
| 5 | 9.7% | 0.064% | 70.87% |
| 6 | 16.2% | 0.0129% | 70.99% |
| 7 | 6.2% | 0.0129% | 70.42% |
| 8 | 2.1% | 0.00043% | 70.53% |
| 9 | 3.9% | 0.000072% | 70.23% |
| 10 | 11% | 0.000011% | 70.46% |
Top 5 Expert Keno Tips and Tricks
Unlike blackjack strategy, keno strategies don’t statistically improve your chances of winning. There are, however, certain online keno tips and tricks you can use that will maximize your profits and improve your overall experience.
Tip #1: Read the Pay Tables
One of the most important things to do when you are keno online betting is to check the pay tables. Not every casino has the same table; while they are usually similar, there can be significant differences.
Understanding the pay structure helps you make informed decisions on how many spots to pick and how much to wager, and it optimizes your profits when you do win.
Tip #2: Evaluate the RTP at Online Casinos
When learning how to play keno and win, there is no strategy that can mathematically improve your odds of winning. However, playing the right game can improve your chances of winning.
Not every casino’s keno games have the same RTP. You should always check the RTP of the game you’re going to play and avoid games with a lower-than-average RTP, as this reduces your chances of winning.
Tip #3: Don’t Pick Too Few or Too Many Numbers
Your odds of getting a win when you pick a few spots are reasonably good, but the payouts are very low.
In contrast, when you pick 9 or 10 spots, the payouts can be massive, but the likelihood of it happening is incredibly high. That’s why it’s best to play between 5 to 7 spots, as it balances chances of winning and high payouts.
Tip #4: Use Multi-Race Tickets If Playing the Same Numbers
If you like to play the same set of numbers each game, then you should try using multi-race tickets. These allow you to play the same set of numbers across several games with just one selection.
While this option isn’t available at every Keno game, many new casinos offer games with this function. It is very convenient and, in some instances, may provide extra bonuses.
Tip #5: Try Out Different Keno Variants
Playing keno online is more convenient than visiting your nearest casino, but you can find several variations of the game that come with a little twist. There’s power keno which adds a bonus to your win if you have the last number drawn.
Progressive Keno has jackpots that grow with each game until someone wins. If you want an authentic experience, there are live dealer casino versions of the game that replicate the atmosphere of a casino and several others.
Is it Better to Change Your Numbers Every Game?
Changing or sticking to the same set of numbers each game is totally up to you. There is no mathematical advantage to either option, as draws are totally random.
Many people keep to the same numbers because they have some connection with them; they are their favorite or ‘lucky’ numbers. Others stick to the same numbers because they fear they will come up as soon as they change their numbers.
Just as many people think, the only winning strategy is to change your numbers every game and follow specific patterns like hot numbers, etc. Neither group is technically correct, as the chances of winning remain the same whether you stick with or change your numbers each game. Essentially, the best keno numbers are whatever numbers you feel happy with.
Understanding How Many Numbers to Play With
There’s no real right or wrong answer to how many numbers to play in Keno. It comes down to what your goal is and how risk-averse you are. Playing 1 to 4 numbers gives you the best odds of winning, but the payouts are pretty low. Playing 9 or 10 numbers gives you the chance to win huge sums of money, but the odds of it happening are in the millions.
That’s why most experts suggest that the best keno strategy is to play in the sweet spot of 5 to 7 picks. The payouts are potentially very high, and you still have a reasonable chance of winning.
The Bottom Line
Like any lottery-style game, the results are completely random, and there is no way to influence the result. However, players can use specific strategies and tactics to enhance their experience and optimize any winnings they make. When it comes to what numbers to pick or how many spots you play, the best keno strategy is whichever is the most enjoyable for you.
However, there are some things that all players can do, such as finding a top online casino that offers good RTP keno games and always checking the pay tables before they start playing. When you’re ready to try this game out for yourself, we recommend visiting Wild Casino.
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FAQ
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Responsible Gambling
Keno shares a lot of similarities with the lottery, and while many people and governments see lottery games as a less problematic and addictive form of gambling, there is still a risk of becoming addicted. It is essential to practice responsible gambling whenever wagering money, including on Keno and the lottery.
If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from a gambling addiction, here are some free online resources for organizations that can give you the assistance you need.
