Keno is one of the simplest casino games you can play. You pick some numbers, the game draws 20, and you win based on how many of yours match. There's no strategy to memorise and no dealer to face, which makes keno a relaxed choice when you want something different from slots.
This guide explains how to play keno online, how many numbers to pick, what your real odds are and a few tips to keep your sessions fun.
How Keno Works
Keno is played on a board of 80 numbers. Each round:
- You choose your numbers. Most games let you pick between 1 and 10 numbers (some allow more).
- You place your bet.
- The game draws 20 numbers at random.
- You're paid based on your matches. The paytable shows what each number of matches pays for the amount of numbers you picked.
Matching numbers are called 'hits' or 'catches.'
How to Play Keno Online: Step by Step
Step 1: Open the Game
Find keno in the Diamond Reels lobby and open it.
Step 2: Check the Paytable
Before you pick anything, look at the paytable. It shows how much you win for each number of hits, depending on how many numbers you chose. This is the most important screen in keno.
Step 3: Pick Your Numbers
Click the numbers on the board, or use a 'quick pick' button to let the game choose for you. Mathematically, there's no difference.
Step 4: Set Your Bet
Choose your stake per round.
Step 5: Play and Watch the Draw
Twenty numbers are drawn. Your hits are highlighted and any win is added to your balance.
Keno Odds: What Are Your Chances?
Because 20 of 80 numbers are drawn, each number you pick has a 1 in 4 chance of being drawn. Hitting all of your numbers gets much harder the more you pick:
| Numbers picked | Chance of hitting all of them |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 in 4 |
| 4 | About 1 in 326 |
| 5 | About 1 in 1,551 |
| 6 | About 1 in 7,753 |
| 10 | About 1 in 8.9 million |
That's why paytables pay small amounts for partial matches and much larger prizes for catching every number.
How Many Numbers Should You Pick?
There's no 'right' number. It's a trade-off:
- Fewer numbers (1–4): Wins come more often, but prizes are smaller.
- More numbers (8–10): Wins are rarer, but the top prizes are much bigger.
Pick the style that suits how you like to play, then compare the paytable for that pick size.
The House Edge in Keno
Keno's house edge depends entirely on the paytable, and it can vary widely between games and even between pick sizes in the same game. Land-based keno is known for having one of the higher house edges in the casino. Online versions can differ, so check the game's RTP or paytable where it's shown.
Our guide to RTP vs house edge explains how to read these numbers.
Keno Myths to Ignore
- 'Hot' and 'cold' numbers: Each draw is random and independent. A number that came up last round is no more or less likely to come up again.
- Patterns on the board: Picking a row, a diagonal or your birthday doesn't change your odds.
- 'Due' numbers: No number is ever due. The draw has no memory.
Tips for Playing Keno Online
- Read the paytable first. It tells you more about a keno game than anything else.
- Choose a pick size you're comfortable with. Frequent small wins or rare big ones.
- Keep your stake small. Keno rounds are fast, so costs add up quickly.
- Set a session budget. Decide how much you'll spend and stop when you reach it. See our bankroll management tips.
- Use quick pick if you like. It's just as likely to win as numbers you choose yourself.
FAQ
How do you play keno?
Pick between 1 and 10 numbers (in most games) from a board of 80, place your bet and watch 20 numbers being drawn. You win based on how many of your numbers match, according to the paytable.
How many numbers should I pick in keno?
It depends on your style. Fewer numbers mean more frequent but smaller wins; more numbers mean rarer but bigger wins. Compare the paytable for each pick size.
What are the odds of winning keno?
Each number you pick has a 1 in 4 chance of being drawn. Hitting all of them is much harder: about 1 in 1,551 for 5 numbers and about 1 in 8.9 million for 10.
Is quick pick worse than choosing my own numbers?
No. Every number has the same chance of being drawn, so quick pick and hand-picked numbers have identical odds.
Give Keno a Try
Keno is easy to learn, quick to play and a fun change of pace from slots and table games. Check the paytable, choose your numbers, keep your bets small and enjoy the draw.
New to online casinos? Start with our beginner's guide, and see our casino glossary for any terms you're unsure of.
Play responsibly. Diamond Reels is for players aged 21 and over. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits before you play, and if gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for free, confidential support, or visit our Responsible Gaming page.
