Keno Rules
Similar to lotto, keno is a very simple game to play. There are a number of rules you will need to know before you play keno. Keno tickets are numbered from 1 to 80, which corresponds to the numbered balls in the keno bowl from which 20 numbers are randomly selected each game.
Aim of the Game
The aim of the game is that players must guess which numbers, from 1 to 80, will be randomly selected by the keno machine. The player should have as many matches as possible. The number of matches will be highlighted and a possible payout will be rewarded based on the number of matches.
Before Playing
Stop by a keno counter before playing in order to pick up a free booklet outlining the house rules and payouts. Or you can pick up a keno sheet from a keno runner. A keno runner is a person who walks around the casino floor and restaurants and sells keno tickets.
How to Play
You can choose a minimum of 4 but no more than 10 numbers between 1 and 80. You are playing a 10 keno spot game if you choose 10 numbers. Simply mark a blank keno ticket with the number of your selection with the use of a crayon or a pen. Approach the keno counter and present your ticket with your wager so that the teller will provide you a duplicate keno ticket. The eighty numbered keno balls will be mixed in a keno bowl. Twenty of the balls will be drawn at random. These 20 numbers will lit up on the keno boards which are located throughout the casino and in many of the restaurants. Compare the numbers on your ticket with the numbers displayed on the keno boards and determine if you win. Check out a copy of the payout table booklet in order to determine how many numbers you need to win and how much your payout will be. If you are a winner, present your ticket immediately to a keno writer or runner.
Bets
Although some casinos only accept bets of $1 or more, minimum bets can be as low as 5 cents. You can ask for keno brochure to have information on the various tickets you can play.
Payouts
Land-based casinos generally pay back about 70 to 75 cents on the dollar in keno while online casinos can pay more or less than that, depending on where you play. Of course, the amount of money you win is dependent upon the type of ticket you play and the number of 'spots' caught. In fact, in some casinos you can win as much as $50,000 on a $1 wager. Remember to cash in your winning ticket before the next game begins. You don't have to collect until after the last game has been called if you are playing more than one game on a ticket.
House Advantage
Like bingo, keno is a lottery-type game of chance where anyone can win big. The house advantage on keno varies according to the keno game played, which is always around 30% or more. And the chance of hitting one number in 80 is 0.25%.