Legend has it that Keno was introduced by an ancient Chinese ruler named Cheung Leung as a means to fund a city’s war expenses. The game was an instant hit and soon became a popular way to raise funds for various projects, including the construction of the Great Wall of China.

Since its illustrious beginnings, Keno has become one of those exciting online casino games that are great for players who want an easy-to-understand game with quick results. Let’s find out more about Keno, from the rules of the game to the kinds of bets you can place and, most importantly, how to pick winning numbers.

How To Play Keno

Keno is a fun lottery-style game that you will find in many casinos, both offline and online. It’s all about picking numbers and hoping they match the ones drawn during the game.

Here’s how it works. You start by choosing numbers on a special ticket. You typically get to pick any numbers you want from a range, such as 1 to 80. Some places let you choose just a few numbers, while others allow up to 20.

Once you’ve made your pick, the game gets underway. A machine or computer software will randomly draw a set of Keno winning numbers. In land-based casinos, this is often done with a ball machine, like the ones used in lottery drawings and bingo halls. When playing at an online game casino, a random number generator takes care of the drawing.

The more your chosen numbers match the winning numbers, the more money you can win. Each casino has a payout table showing the odds for different outcomes. If you’re lucky enough to match a whole bunch of numbers, you could walk away with a nice payout!

When you play Keno, you can decide how much you want to bet on each game. Plus, some versions of the game offer cool extras such as bonus rounds or even progressive jackpots, which can make things even more exciting. You can place relatively small bets and still have a shot at winning some nice prizes.

Online vs. Land-Based Keno

When deciding whether to play at an online casino for real money or join other players at a land-based casino, there are a few things to consider. 

Convenience

The best part of online Keno is that you can play at a casino online from the comfort of your own home or anywhere you want, as long as you have an internet connection. No need to dress up or travel to a casino. It’s all about playing on your terms. With land-based Keno, you have to physically go to a casino, which may not always be convenient or even possible. 

Game Speed

In a land-based casino, you’re on their schedule. You’ll have to wait for the next draw to begin and it may not be as speedy as you’d like, whereas online Keno is a lot faster. You can play at your own pace and decide when to start the next draw. It’s like having the control button in your hands. 

Social Vibes

When it comes to social interaction, land-based Keno takes the spotlight. You get to soak up the atmosphere of the casino, chat with fellow players and take advantage of those casino comps. Online Keno offers a very different social experience through chat features where you can connect with other players virtually.

Game Variety

Online Keno gives you a wider range of game variations and options to choose from. You can find different themes, betting structures and even chase after progressive jackpots. Land-based Keno may have fewer variations and often tend to stick to the traditional format. So, if you’re a fan of variety, the online world might be your playground.

Visuals and Graphics

Online Keno tends to dazzle with flashy graphics and cool animations. The digital nature of the game allows for more creative designs and immersive visuals. Land-based Keno, on the other hand, relies on physical displays and balls, which may have a more classic or straightforward appeal.

Betting Limits and Prize

In land-based casinos, betting limits may be lower and the jackpots may not be as impressive as in online Keno games, which often offer more flexibility in betting limits to accommodate both high and low rollers. Some of the best live dealer online casino platforms feature larger progressive jackpots due to the larger player base and pooled contributions. 

Privacy and Anonymity

One of the cool things about online casinos is that they offer a certain level of privacy and anonymity. You can play without revealing your identity and your gaming activity will stay confidential. In land-based casinos, your presence is visible and you may run into familiar faces or be seen by others, which could matter to some players.

Types of Keno Bets

Now, let’s talk about the different types of Keno bets.

Straight Bet

This is the classic, no-frills bet. You pick a set of numbers, cross your fingers and hope they match the numbers drawn.

Combination Bet

With a combination bet, you get to choose groups of numbers and create different combinations within those groups. This gives you more coverage and more shots at winning with a single bet. It’s like playing multiple bets at once. 

Split Bet

In a split bet, you split your selected numbers into two groups and place separate bets on each group. This way, you have double the chance of hitting a winning combination.

Way Bet

This bet adds some spice to your Keno game. You can select multiple groups of numbers and create different combinations within those groups. It’s all about finding your own way to win by mixing and matching the numbers. 

King Bet

With a king bet, you choose one number to be the “king” and combine it with other numbers to create various combinations. If the “king” number is drawn, you’re guaranteed to be part of a winning combo. 

Top/Bottom or Left/Right Bet

With a top/bottom or left/right bet, you select numbers from one section. If the majority of your chosen numbers come from that corresponding section, you win. It’s like having two chances of hitting the jackpot!

Special Combination Bets

Some Keno games offer special bets with extra features and bonuses. These can include bonus numbers, multipliers or specific patterns that give you additional winnings. 

Picking the Numbers

Before you launch into a mathematical frenzy or break your brain trying to crunch permutations, it’s critical to remember that Keno is a game of chance and coincidence, much like bingo or roulette. Choosing winning numbers is less about beating the odds than enjoying the thrill. Here are some fun ways to pick winning numbers. 

Trust Your Gut

Keno is a game of chance, so if you have a lucky number or a special feeling about certain digits, go ahead and choose them. Sometimes it’s all about following your instincts and embracing the excitement of the unknown!

Hot or Cold

Some players like to look at the history of numbers drawn in previous Keno games. They keep an eye out for “hot” numbers that have been frequently drawn or “cold” numbers that haven’t appeared in a while. You can find online resources or mobile apps that provide number frequency charts. These charts show you which numbers have been drawn more frequently in recent Keno games.

Personal Connections

Choosing numbers based on birthdays, anniversaries or other significant dates adds a personal touch to your selection. It’s a way to infuse the game with meaning and bring to the game a little extra luck from special moments in your life. 

Balance Is Key

For those who like a balanced approach, mix it up by selecting a combination of high and low numbers, as well as even and odd numbers. This strategy covers a wider range and gives you a shot at hitting a winning combination.

Stay Consistent

There’s some statistical merit to keeping your numbers the same. As all drawn numbers are based on chance, there’s no inherent benefit from changing your numbers for each game you play. Probably best to stick to the same picks for a few games.

Pick Your Winning Numbers With Borgata Online

Register with Borgata Online to play some of the best Keno games available. Betting on chance not your style? Why not try your hand at some of our casino table games or spice things up with our live dealer casino games? Borgata Online has it all.