Keno is a thrilling game that has earned quite a reputation in the realm of online gambling. With a history that takes us back to ancient China, Keno has evolved and adapted to the digital age with grace and is a favourite of players worldwide.
What Is Keno?
Keno is a lottery-style game, a favourite among punters due to its straightforward rules and fast-paced action. Players purchase tickets with numbers from 1 to 80 marked in individual squares. The game's mechanics are akin to those of the lottery, making it a breeze to understand.
The origins of Keno can be traced back to China, where it was known as 'pai-ko p'iao' or 'baige piao'.
In today's world, Keno is a popular choice of game in online casinos.
How Do You Play Keno?
Keno's gameplay is straightforward. First, players select the numbers they wish to play before the draw. Some games draw 15 to 20 numbers at a time. The individual numbers chosen are referred to as Keno Spots.
As you pick your numbers, a Keno payout table pops up, showing how much you can win if you match a specific number of numbers. If your numbers are selected in the draw, it's known as a 'catch' or a 'match'.
The numbers can be chosen manually or through a randomised computer selection.
Keno offers a variety of betting options, including:
- Straight Bets: This is the most common bet where players can bet on 1 to 15 numbers in a single game.
- Split Bets: A bet placed on several numbers, each treated as a separate set in one game.
- Way Bets: A bet placed on a group of numbers which are broken down into subgroups (ways), each appearing in a single way.
- Combination Ticket: A bet where players choose numbers in groups and then play them as a single ticket.
- King Ticket: Similar to a split bet, players select a single number known as the King, and they are betting on it appearing in all number groups.
What Is The Difference Between Keno And Bingo?
While Keno and Bingo share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Both games use number tickets, but in Bingo, the numbers are given, whereas in Keno, players select their numbers.
Bingo cards are only valid for one game, while Keno numbers can be used in several games. The cost of draws is set in Bingo, while in Keno, it can vary.
Another key difference is the ability to place different bets in Keno. However, in Bingo, the 'bet' is the money spent on the card itself.
Lastly, the potential jackpots in Keno are usually larger than those in Bingo, making it a more lucrative choice for gamblers.
Is Keno Just Luck?
Keno is primarily a game of chance. The odds of winning in Keno depend heavily on the number of spots you've chosen. Note that 20 balls are drawn in a Keno game.
For instance, if you choose 1 number out of 80, the odds of it being one of the winning 20 are 1 in 4. If you choose 2 numbers, the odds of matching both are 1 in 17. As the numbers increase, so do the odds, making it a game that depends primarily on chance rather than strategy.
Why Is It Called Keno?
The name 'Keno' can be traced back to ancient China. King Leung invented the game to fund his armies and construct the Great Wall of China. The game spread to the US in the mid-1800s through Chinese immigrants, where it was known as the 'Chinese lottery'. It was around this time that the game became known as 'Keno', from the French word 'quine'.
Do People Still Play Keno?
Yes, Keno is still a popular game among players. The reasons for its popularity are manifold:
- Ease of Learning: The game's rules are simple, and players can quickly learn how to play.
- Entertaining: Keno is a fun and engaging game to play. You can monitor the winning numbers with other players or play alone.
- Player Involvement: Keno offers a variety of betting options and number combinations, allowing more player involvement.
What Are The Odds Of Playing Keno?
The house edge in Keno is one of the highest in casino games, typically sitting between 20-40%. The odds of winning Keno vary; it largely depends on how many numbers you choose.
For example, if you choose 10 numbers, the odds of 10 winning numbers are 1 in 8,911,712. On the other hand, if you choose 5 numbers, the odds of five winning numbers are 1 in 1,551.
Conclusion
In summary, Keno is a lottery-style game of chance that's simple to play, requiring only basic instruction. However, it's important to note the game's high house edge and what this means to you as a player. Keno is a random game of chance where nothing is guaranteed.
Please gamble responsibly. Set limits and stick to them.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.