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Casino Terms Glossary
Keno — a lottery-style casino game where you pick numbers and hope they match the randomly drawn results. In casinos and online gambling, Keno offers quick rounds, flexible bet sizes, and high-variance payouts, from small returns to rare large hits. It’s popular for simple rules, fast play, and the ability to tailor risk by how many numbers you choose.

Understanding Keno
In gambling, Keno meaning centers on number selection, draw frequency, and paytable odds. The Keno definition is a fixed-odds draw where a house RNG or live blower selects 20 numbers from 80, and your hits determine payouts. This term matters because paytables vary by casino, hit rates fall as you pick more spots, and volatility rises. At 101RTP, we publish trusted casino reviews and tools—like our Slot Simulator and Bonus Value Score—to help you understand variance, plan bankrolls, and evaluate bonuses when you mix Keno with slots or other games.
Examples of Keno
Common Keno scenarios you’ll see in a casino or online gambling:
- 4-spot ticket for steadier play. Pick 4 numbers; 2–3 hits appear more often, giving small returns that help extend bankroll.
- 8-spot ticket for bigger prizes. Higher potential payouts, but you’ll miss more draws, increasing variance and risk.
- Multi-card video Keno. Play several tickets across rapid draws to smooth short-term luck while keeping action high.
- Live Keno races. Slower pace with posted paytables; good for casual players who prefer fewer, larger “what is my chance” decisions.
FAQs
What is Keno in gambling?
Keno is a lottery-style casino game where a player selects numbers (spots) and the game draws 20 from 80. Payouts depend on matches and the paytable. It’s fast, simple, and high variance. You set risk by choosing how many spots to play and how much to bet per draw.
How does Keno work online and in casinos?
In video Keno, a certified RNG draws results instantly; in live Keno, a blower randomly selects balls at set intervals. You choose spots, place a stake, and are paid according to a posted paytable. Different casinos use different paytables, so return and volatility can vary across gambling venues.
Can I improve my odds at Keno?
You can’t change the draw odds, but you can choose better paytables, play fewer spots for steadier returns, or manage variance with smaller stakes and more draws. At 101RTP, we compare paytables and highlight casinos with clearer rules so you can make informed choices about risk and bankroll.
Is Keno a high-variance casino game?
Yes. Hitting many spots is rare, so top prizes don’t appear often, while small matches occur more frequently. Fewer spots usually mean smoother play; many spots chase bigger payouts but increase swings. Plan session limits and bet sizes to fit your bankroll and entertainment goals as a player.
Do different paytables change the practical Keno meaning for players?
Yes. In practice, Keno meaning shifts with the paytable: the same number of hits can pay very different amounts at different casinos. That changes expected value, volatility, and bankroll needs. Checking paytables before you play is essential to understand what is realistic to win or lose per session.
Why does the Keno definition focus on spots and hits?
Because spots (numbers you choose) and hits (matches) define both payouts and volatility. The Keno definition ties your result to how many matches you make versus the posted paytable. More spots raise top potential but lower hit frequency, guiding how risky the game feels and how you manage your bankroll.
Do casino bonuses work well with Keno?
Sometimes, but many casinos exclude Keno from wagering or count it at a reduced rate. Always read terms to learn what is eligible, contributions, and max bet rules. When Keno is allowed, pair modest stakes with longer sessions, and consult reviews and comparisons on 101RTP to avoid poor-value offers.