How to Win at Keno More Often

To win at Keno, you need a mix of luck and skill. Despite being a random numbers game, there are several ways to increase your chances. At Betkiwi, we have gathered the best online Keno tips to help you win more.

Understanding the Basics of Keno

Keno is a lottery-style game that originated in China. The basic rules are much like Lotto, where players must pick numbers to match as many as possible from a random number draw.

The gameplay for Keno is simple, increasing its appeal to NZ players online. Most online keno games are played with 80 numbers, and the most popular version is 20 spot Keno, where you will pick 20 numbers. The payout is based on how many winning Keno numbers are matched.

Choosing the Right Numbers

The numbers players choose are called spots in Keno. You select your spots on a virtual Keno card at an online casino. Depending on your online Keno game, you can pick up to 20 numbers before the draw.

You can view the paytable at online casinos, showing you how much your potential payout could be if you match specific numbers. The more numbers you match, the higher the payout will be.

Before choosing your numbers, decide on your stake. Most online casinos have a wide betting range for online Keno games. You can then choose the numbers yourself, or have the game randomly select a certain amount of numbers, also known as Fast Pick. Once you are happy with your bet and numbers, you can start the game and random numbers are drawn. If your numbers are drawn, you will receive a payout.

Most players prefer to pick between 4 and 8 numbers. This strategy offers higher payouts, but you will have fewer numbers to match. The more numbers you choose in Keno, the lower the payout, as it is a less risky strategy. Conversely, the fewer numbers you pick, the higher the payout will be.

Exploring Different Keno Strategies

Keno games involve little skill as they are all based on Random Number Generator (RNG) software. However, there are still a few Keno strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning.

Choose an Online Casino With Better Keno Payouts

The payouts for Keno may differ between online casinos. Make sure you check for matching the numbers as well as the variants that the casino offers so you can make the most out of your online Keno casino games. At most online casinos, you can usually choose up to 10, 15, or 20 numbers from 80. Our Betkiwi team recommend online casinos where you can play Keno in the best conditions.

Play Keno for Free

Even though Keno is a simple game, it is still a good idea to play for free first. Most online casinos allow you to play in demo mode before playing for real money. This will enable you to learn how to play Keno, understand the payouts, and check how the casino site performs when playing.

Pick Fewer Numbers

In online Keno, the house edge changes depending on the number of spots chosen. The payouts change based on the amount of numbers chosen. Many think that the more numbers chosen, the better the chances of winning. While this is true, the payouts are also lower.

It is best to choose between 4 and 8 numbers. When you choose less than 4, your odds of winning are very low and picking more than 8 means you will need to hit at least 4 or more numbers to gain any extra money above what you have staked.

However, there are exceptions to this strategy. For instance, if the Keno game has a progressive jackpot attached, it might be worth choosing more numbers if you can.

Did You Know? Some online casinos offer special bonuses to Keno players, which you can claim to boost your bankroll.

Managing Your Bankroll

Keno is a fast-paced online casino game, so you must watch your betting and bankroll. When playing Keno online, take your time and donโ€™t rush your bets. As with any online casino game, you should set a budget and stick to it. This will help you to play longer.

Start by keeping track of your losses in Keno. It is easy to get swept away in the excitement of the game; you can often overlook the amount spent. Set a loss limit so you can manage your bankroll more effectively and not use more than your budget.

If you need help with online gambling, you can reach out to various NZ organisations like the Gambling Helpline, which offers a 24-hour free phone service to New Zealand players. Betkiwi recommended online casinos are dedicated to responsible gambling and offer tools to limit your account activity, so you can stay in control when playing online Keno.

Selecting the Right Keno Game Variation

Online casinos can offer fun Keno variations, which may add a progressive jackpot or other elements to the gameplay. These variations do not offer the same payouts, so comparing what each variation offers is a good idea.

Standard Keno

The most popular form of Keno is the standard version, where you have 80 numbers and can select up to 10 of these. The standard version of Keno doesnโ€™t have any special rules or mechanics.

Jackpot Keno

Jackpot Keno is another popular version that offers players a chance to win a progressive jackpot. You typically have to match all the numbers to receive the prize. There are also other variations where you can be awarded a progressive prize for collecting special symbols hidden behind random numbers.

Keno Bonus Rounds

Online casinos may offer dynamic Keno games, which include bonus rounds. These are triggered by hitting a certain amount of random numbers where you get to spin a wheel or pick icons to reveal random prizes.

Mini Keno

Usually, Keno is played with 80 numbers, but Mini Keno only uses 36 numbers, making it easier to match picks. However, you will find that the payouts are lower in these games.

Did You Know? There are also themed Keno games, such as ancient Egyptian, magical or sports-related themes.

Managing Your Emotions and Tilt Control

It is essential to manage your emotions when gambling online. Playing with a clear head and a calm manner will help you make the best decisions. If you are playing Keno online, it is important not to let anger and frustration overrule your decision-making process. If you feel that you are not in control, walking away and playing another day is best.

Just as anger can play a part in decision-making, so can becoming overly excited. If you are on a winning streak, it can lead you to make impulsive bets and bet more than you can afford. If you have had some excellent wins, instead cash out and play another day because your luck can turn around at any moment, and you may face losses. This can lead to chasing losses, hoping to get it back, and spending more than you can afford.

Studying Patterns and Trends

As mentioned, Keno is a game of luck, as online casinos ensure their games are fair and random. Keno patterns are primarily based on thousands of sessions and determined by the frequency of certain hit spots.

Some Keno players look for repeating numbers, like hot numbers, when playing Keno. So even though Keno patterns canโ€™t guarantee a win, they can be used to increase your chances of winning.

One of the most popular patterns is to pick consecutive numbers. This is where you cover a section of your ticket, so if there is a hit, you will catch it.
Other players prefer to focus on hot and cold numbers. Hot numbers are those that have been drawn more frequently than others, and players use these for their Keno spots. Cold numbers havenโ€™t been drawn in a while, and some players will play these as they are bound to come up at some point.

However, it isnโ€™t wise to make your selection purely based on these, even though it is good to be aware of them.
Remember that no matter how you choose your numbers, whether you select clusters, rows, hot or cold numbers, meaningful numbers, or completely at random, Keno is a game of chance and all numbers will be drawn at random.

Using Keno Software

The best Keno software providers include NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Playtech and Pragmatic Play. These providers create immersive online Keno experiences, fun variations, and live versions of this lottery-style game.

The interface for Keno is pretty much the same across games, so once you know how to play basic Keno online, you can start playing variations, which may introduce special features or prizes.

You can join a virtual Keno game or a live version of Keno with a real dealer at an online casino. If you are not sure where to start, you can check our BetKiwi list of recommended operators that have Keno on offer.

Once you open a game, you must pick your numbers by clicking them or touching the numbers you want to pick if you are playing on mobile. Select your bet and confirm. The numbers will be drawn, and you can determine if you are the winner. Online Keno casino games will automatically mark matched numbers for you and calculate your payout.

Keno is a mobile-compatible game that you can access directly from your mobile browser on a tablet or smartphone powered by Android or iOS.

Did You Know? Evolution Gaming was the first to create a live casino version of Keno called Mega Ball, which introduced multipliers to the game.

Tips for Responsible Keno Gambling

Keno has its ups and downs, which makes it highly unpredictable. Because of its nature, managing your bankroll and playing responsibly is essential. Have a look at our Betkiwi tips for responsible gambling practices when playing Keno.

Manage Your Bankroll

When playing Keno online, only wager with money you can afford to lose and choose the right stake according to your bankroll. If you have a smaller bankroll, play with smaller bets. Always stay within your budget when playing online Keno.

Set Loss Limits

Keno is an exciting game that should only be played for fun. You need to have loss limits in place to avoid chasing any losses. Keep track of your losses or set up a loss limit on your casino account, which will stop you from playing once your bankroll hits a certain amount.

Set Session Limits

Keno is one of those fast online casino games that can easily keep you seated for hours because of its thrilling nature. Having a session limit will reduce the amount of time spent playing, giving you more control over your gambling.

Slow Down the Gameplay

When playing Keno online, take your time to decide on your bets, the number of cards you are playing and the numbers you will be choosing. You may feel pressured into making fast decisions, but remind yourself to take it slow and make clear decisions that help with your bankroll management and playing.

Final Thoughts Regarding Online Keno Tips

Keno is a fast and thrilling game, and while players have little control over the outcome, there are things you can do to increase your chances.Even though there are plenty of strategies about the numbers to bet on, remember that Keno is a luck-based game at the end of the day. And remember: the more numbers you pick, the lower the risk, but also the smaller the payout.

FAQ About Online Keno Tips

If there are still some things you’re unclear about after reading our tips on how to win at Keno, you might find an answer below.

What is the best online Keno strategy?

There is no way to guarantee a Keno win, but the best strategies are to play at casinos with better payouts, play for free to learn the game, and play at a reliable casino.

What do hot and cold numbers mean?

Hot numbers are those that have appeared more frequently in recent draws, and cold numbers are ones that havenโ€™t appeared in results for a while. One strategy is to bet on hot numbers, and another is to bet on cold numbers.

What is the right number of spots to bet on?

Many fellow Kiwi punters agree that choosing 4 to 8 numbers is best, as this optimises the keno odds and lowers the house edge.

Should I bet on more or fewer numbers?

Playing more numbers increases your chances of getting matching numbers, but the payouts also get lower. Playing fewer numbers is more challenging to match, but the payouts are better.

Can I win a jackpot in Keno?

There are progressive jackpot versions of online Keno that allow you to win a progressive jackpot.

What is the house edge of Keno?

Depending on the casino, the house edge can range between 5% to 40%. Online casinos usually have a higher house edge percentage.

Are Keno games random?

Online Keno games are run using RNG software to ensure that all results are fair and random, so yes, Keno is predominantly a game of chance.

Can I play Keno live?

Software developers like Evolution Gaming offer live dealer Keno games set in a game show studio setting with a real dealer and using real-world game mechanics.

Can I play Keno on my mobile device?

Online Keno games are optimised for mobile play, so NZ players can play on the go from any device.

Where can I find the best casinos to play Online Keno?

Right here at Betkiwi. Our chosen online casinos are all licensed and regulated by governing bodies and provide fair gameplay to their patrons.

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Dudley Nader photo

Dudley Nader

Casino Game Expert

Dudley Nader is our casino game expert at Betkiwi. A University of Otago graduate in Statistics, he's leveraged his skills in a decade-long gambling industry career, earning recognition as a top casino specialist in New Zealand. In his free time, Dudley enjoys developing new game strategies and playing poker. You can reach Dudley at [email protected].

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