Lottery, Bingo & Number Games
Keno
Keno is a lottery-like gambling game where players pick numbers from 1 to 80 and win prizes based on how many of those numbers match a random draw of 20.
Key points
- Players mark their chosen numbers on a keno card or ticket before the draw closes.1
- Payouts depend on the number of spots played, how many match, and the casino’s paytable.1
- The game originated in ancient China and was used to fund the Great Wall, long before it reached Western casinos.1
- The house edge in casino keno can reach 25%, making it one of the least favourable games for players.2
- A free keno game often uses the same rules but with play money, letting you learn the mechanics without risking cash.
How to play keno
- Get a keno card and mark between 1 and 20 numbers from 1 to 80.
- Hand your ticket and stake to the clerk or confirm your selection on a digital terminal.
- Wait for the draw of 20 random numbers — results appear on screens around the venue.
- Collect your winnings if enough of your numbers match; payouts follow the venue’s paytable.
Keno vs lottery
| Feature | Keno | Lottery |
|---|---|---|
| Draw frequency | Every few minutes | Once or twice a week |
| Number range | 1–80 | Varies (e.g. 1–49) |
| Numbers drawn | 20 | 6 or 7 |
| House edge | Up to 25%2 | Typically 40–50% |
| Venue | Casinos, bars, dedicated keno lounges | Retail outlets, online |
Common questions
What is the game keno?
What are the 6 luckiest numbers in keno today?
There are no luckiest numbers — every draw is random. Past results do not affect future draws, so no number is more likely to appear than any other.
What is keno gambling?
Keno gambling means staking money on a keno game, where the outcome depends entirely on chance. The house edge can reach 25%, so the casino has a built-in advantage.2
What is keno lottery?
Keno lottery refers to keno games run by state or national lottery operators, often with draws every few minutes. These versions follow the same basic rules as casino keno but may have different paytables.
Where this term is used
Related terms
Sources
- Keno en.wikipedia.org Provides the standard rules, number range, draw size, the extreme odds figure for hitting 20 of 20, and the game's Chinese origin.
- Casino game en.wikipedia.org Supplies the house edge figure of up to 25% for casino keno.
Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.