How to Play Keno in Canada
Keno is a very straightforward game similar to bingo and lotteries. You select numbers on a card and get a payout if your numbers are randomly drawn. The more numbers you get, the more money you win.
Thanks to its simplicity, keno has been popular at land-based Canadian casinos for decades, and nowadays, it’s also gaining popularity online. You’ll be pleased to learn that you can play at a whole range of online gambling sites, and some even have many different options, including themed games.
While you can occasionally travel to a land-based casino, you probably don’t do it that often. That’s why playing keno online is much better than doing it in person. You can access the keno games at any time of day or night, whether at home or out and about.
Online keno also tends to be more versatile than the land-based game so that you might see features like themes or progressive jackpots, and you could even claim special bonuses to boost your bankroll. Keep reading to learn how to play keno at online casinos in Canada.
The Basics of Keno
Objective of the Game
The basic premise of keno is that you will try to guess which numbers will be randomly drawn from a virtual ball machine. You’ll usually select between two and ten numbers on the card on your screen, then 20 numbers will be drawn. The more numbers you match, the higher your win amount will be. Unlike bingo, you don’t need to get the numbers in a specific pattern, so it’s more like a lottery.
How Keno Works
While there are different variations of keno at Canadian online casinos, most have similar gameplay. The keno grid will generally consist of numbers from one to 80, forming a 10×8 grid.
Most versions of keno allow you to select up to 10 numbers on the grid, but some will let you choose up to 20. Some games have an “auto pick” option, where the computer randomly selects numbers for you.
Once you’ve selected your numbers, Random Number Generator (RNG) technology will draw 20 numbered balls from a virtual machine. The more numbers that match your selections, the more you’ll win.
Types of Keno Games
Classic Keno
Classic keno is the most popular form of the game for Canadians, and it works exactly as we’ve described above. All you do is select numbers and hope they match those drawn.
In all keno forms, the more numbers you match, the more you win. But the actual payouts vary widely, depending on the specific game you’re playing.
For example, while one game might pay out 2,500x your stake for matching ten numbers, another might pay out 10,000x. Check the pay table before you start playing for real cash.
Power Keno
Power Keno is like the classic version but with one key difference – if one of your selections matches the 20th ball drawn, all your winnings will be quadrupled. This game might be ideal if you want to play for much bigger wins without increasing your stakes.
Super Keno
Super Keno is almost the same as Power Keno, but rather than the 20th ball awarding a multiplier, it’s the first ball. While there’s less suspense as the balls drop, Super Keno offers a great chance to bag a big win.
Progressive Jackpot Keno
Progressive jackpots are common in slot games, and although they’re not widely found in keno games, there are a few around. Progressive jackpots increase every time someone plays the game so that they can get into the hundreds of thousands. The jackpot can trigger if a special ball is drawn from the machine, and you could be walking away with a huge prize.
How to Play Keno Online
Now that you know the basics of the game, it’s time to learn how to play keno. It’s simple, with our step-by-step guide:
- Sign up for your online casino account using a link on this page.
- Go to the games lobby and choose the keno game you want to play.
- Familiarize yourself with the game rules and payouts.
- Select the numbers you want from the grid or use the auto-select option.
- Adjust your stake amount.
- Click on the play button.
- Watch the game randomly draw the numbers.
- Any winnings will be added to your online casino balance automatically.
Understanding the Keno Ticket
The keno ticket is laid out in the format of a 10×8 grid, with numbers ranging from one to 80. All you need to do is click on the numbers you want to select, which will be highlighted on the ticket. Depending on how many numbers you choose, the payouts will be slightly different, and you can usually keep track of this by consulting the payout table to the side of the grid.
Payout Tables
The amount of money you’ll be paid depends on your chosen numbers and how many match the balls drawn from the machine. The more numbers you pick, the bigger the top prizes you can get. For instance, if you pick and match 10 numbers, you’ll win a bigger prize than if you pick and match four. However, choosing more numbers also decreases the amount you can win for fewer matches.
Keno Betting Options
Bet Sizes
One of the best things about keno is that you can start the stakes very low, unlike if you play other games like blackjack. Depending on the game, you might be able to play for as little as $0.50 to as much as $50 per go, so the game caters to players with a whole range of budgets. You could be in for big rewards depending on your willingness to take risks.
Choosing the Number of Spots
To maximize your winning potential on keno, you must choose the correct number of spots to bet on. One top strategy is to pick fewer numbers (ideally between one and five) because you’re more likely to have regular, smaller wins and go through your bankroll less quickly. But remember that this strategy probably won’t lead to any significant payouts.
If you’re interested in bigger wins and don’t mind taking the risk, you might want to bet between six and ten numbers. The rewards for fewer matches will be lower, but the win will be huge if you get lucky and match all or most numbers.
Multiple Tickets
Some more advanced keno games allow you to bet on multiple tickets simultaneously. This will enable you to cover more numbers and have a better chance of matching them, but it also costs you more.
Keno Strategy
Is There a Strategy for Winning Keno?
While keno is primarily a game of chance, you can do a few things to give yourself a better chance of winning. The most important thing is choosing how many numbers to bet on. In general, we recommend betting on four to eight numbers each time. This way, you have good odds of matching at least one or two numbers. You can also bet on multiple cards of up to ten numbers each to cover more of the board.
You should only bet on up to ten numbers if offered the chance. The odds of matching 15 or 20 out of 80 numbers are astronomical, so you’re unlikely to win.
Choosing the Right Number of Spots
As we mentioned, it’s of utmost importance to choose the right amount of numbers to bet on. If you bet on just one number, the likelihood of it coming up is one in four, giving you a good chance of winning. That’s why many players tend to bet on fewer numbers to minimize losing streaks and maximize the potential for small wins.
On the other hand, the more numbers you bet on, the higher your potential rewards, but with the reward also comes risk. If you bet on seven to ten numbers, you’ll probably notice that the payout potential is in the thousands for matching all of them; it’s very unlikely that you’ll do so. As betting on more numbers also reduces (or even erases) the wins for fewer matches, you’re risking a losing streak, too.
Bankroll Management
Managing your bankroll effectively is essential for an enjoyable keno experience. You should set a budget and consider betting 1% or 2% on every game. If you’re winning or feeling more confident, you might want to increase your bet size to increase potential wins. Finally, you should never chase losses on keno, and the same applies to all forms of gambling. That’s a surefire way to lose all your money very quickly.
Play for Fun, Not Profit
Because keno is essentially a game of chance, it’s a good idea to approach it similarly to the lottery. While it would be great if you could win, there’s no guarantee it will happen. Rather than relying on keno to make profits, you should only ever play for entertainment.
Keno Odds and Payouts
Understanding Keno Odds
When you’re learning to play keno, one of the main things to do is understand the odds. This will help you make crucial decisions, like how much you should bet or how many numbers to choose.
It makes sense that the odds of matching fewer numbers are higher than matching all ten. For example, if you select one number, you have a one-in-four chance of matching it with a number drawn out of the machine. Here are some more examples:
| Selections | Matches | Odds |
| 2 | 2 | 1 in 17 |
| 3 | 2 | 1 in 8 |
| 3 | 3 | 1 in 73 |
| 4 | 2 | 1 in 327 |
| 4 | 3 | 1 in 24 |
| 4 | 4 | 1 in 5 |
| 8 | 7 | 1 in 6,233 |
| 8 | 8 | 1 in 230,115 |
| 10 | 8 | 1 in 163,382 |
| 10 | 10 | 1 in 8,911,712 |
Payout Structure
It’s important to note that the payout structures will vary depending on your game and how many numbers you choose. For example, if you select and match ten numbers, you’ll get a huge payout, but if you pick ten and only match one or two, you might not get anything. Here’s a quick example of some typical keno payouts based on $1 gameplay:
| Selections | Matches | Payout |
| 1 | 1 | $2 |
| 2 | 2 | $10 |
| 3 | 2 | $2 |
| 3 | 3 | $25 |
| 8 | 7 | $400 |
| 8 | 8 | $15,000 |
| 10 | 9 | $10,000 |
| 10 | 10 | $200,000 |
House Edge in Keno
The house edge in keno can be extremely high – up to 20% to 40% at land-based casinos. At online casinos, it can be much lower (sometimes around 5%-10%), which is still more than most slots and table games. For example, the house edge of blackjack might be 1%. This means that you might lose more money over time if you’re playing keno. As keno is a game of chance, there’s no opportunity to perfect your strategy and try to lower the house edge.
Playing Keno for Real Money vs. Free Play
Free Play Keno
If you’re new to playing keno, you might want to practice before spending real money. The good news is that many Canadian casino sites allow you to try the keno games in demo mode before playing for real. This is a great way to get familiar with the game and practice your strategy. Even if you lose every single time, you don’t have to worry about losing real cash. You’ll then feel like a pro when you start playing for real money.
Real Money Keno
The main disadvantage of playing keno for free is that you can’t win any money, so chances are you’ll want to move on to real money play at some point. Playing real money keno could result in some exciting wins, and depending on the game, you might even get lucky enough to bag a big progressive jackpot. Overall, it’s more thrilling than playing for free.
Before you play for real cash, ensure you’re comfortable with the game and understand key concepts like bet size and payouts. There’s nothing worse than accidentally placing a huge losing bet and not having any money left to continue playing.
Choosing the Best Online Casino for Keno
Licensed and Trusted Casinos
You should only use appropriately licensed sites as a Canadian online casino player. Any casino we recommend on this page is a safe place for you to play, and if you’re not sure, you can always look for the licensing details in the footer of the casino site. You should be looking for approval from a known body, like the Malta Gaming Authority.
These are some of our top online casinos where you can enjoy keno:
1Bet
150 CAD + 150 Free Spins
4/5
T&Cs Apply
- Sport bonuses and casino bonuses
- Very wide selection of sports to bet on
- Daily promotions
Payout Speed 1-2 business days
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
N1 Casino
6000 CAD + 200 Free Spins
4.3/5
T&Cs Apply
- Nice Welcome Package
- Nice promotions
- Great User Experience
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
N1Bet Casino
10,000 CAD + 200 free spins
4.2/5
T&Cs Apply
- Large welcome bonus
- Good betting odds
- Canadian sports to bet on
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
1Red
15,450 CAD + 100 Free Spins
4.5/5
T&Cs Apply
- Sportsbook
- Big Welcome Bonus
- Multiple payment options
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Mr. Pacho
750 CAD + 200 Free Spins
4.7/5
T&Cs Apply
- Interac deposits
- Casino & Sportsbook
- Good promotions
Payout Speed 3 hours
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Game Selection
Unlike slot games, most casino sites don’t have thousands – or even dozens – of keno variations. You can usually find various games if you know where to look. Before deciding to play at an online casino site, browse the games lobby and look for different types of keno, including classic games, progressive jackpots, keno games with unique themes, and even VIP keno with higher limits.
Bonuses and Promotions
A great way to explore a new online casino site without spending much money is by claiming bonuses and promotions. Most sites have something special available for new players, like a deposit match or free spins, and often, you can use the bonus cash to play keno. Before signing up, read the bonus terms and conditions to know the wagering requirements, minimum deposit amounts, and maximum wins.
Mobile Keno: Play Anywhere, Anytime
Playing Keno on Mobile Devices
Playing keno at online casinos is convenient; you can log on whenever possible. But playing on your phone or tablet takes that convenience to a new level. If you wish to play on your phone in front of the TV or pass some time while commuting, Canadian casino apps (usually available for iOS and Android) and mobile websites give you access to fun keno games. The games are optimized for the smaller screen, so you won’t experience any lag times or loss of quality, even if you’re used to playing on a desktop.
Benefits of Mobile Keno
The main benefit of playing mobile keno is that it gives you access to the games anywhere you go. It’s much easier to take out your phone and play rather than logging on to your laptop, so you can get in a few quick games, even if you don’t have much time to dedicate to playing. If you know how to play keno, using the game’s mobile version will be no different from the desktop version.
Mobile-Specific Promotions
Modern Canadian online casinos know that most players now prefer to play on their phones or tablets. One way they show mobile players they’re valued is to offer specific promos just for mobile play.
For example, you might get some free casino credits or a reload when you log in or deposit using your mobile for the first time or when you download the app. Some casinos even offer extra bonuses when you use mobile-specific payment methods. Keep an eye on the promotions section when you use the app or mobile site to see what promos you can claim.
Keno Myths and Misconceptions
Myth: Certain Numbers Are Luckier Than Others
You should only play online keno in Canada at trustworthy sites using Random Number Generator (RNG) technology. The RNG draws the balls from the virtual machine, meaning every ball has the same chance of being drawn each time you play. In other words, there’s no possible way for one number to be luckier than others, even though it might sometimes feel like the same ones keep coming up.
Myth: Playing More Games Increases Your Chances of Winning
You might have heard that there’s no such thing as “hot slots” in a casino, thanks to Random Number Generator technology. The same thing applies to keno. The numbers drawn in each game are independent, so no matter how many times you play, your chances of winning are the same. While playing more often might make you more confident and allow you to hone your strategy, it doesn’t change which numbers will be drawn.
Myth: Betting Big Guarantees Bigger Wins
One key thing to remember is that the amount you win depends on the numbers you match. For example, you might win 200x your bet for matching seven or 4,000x for matching eight numbers. If your stake amount is higher, you’ll win more money than if you’re betting for less, but the bet size doesn’t influence how likely you are to match numbers.
Responsible Gaming
Setting Limits
While you might not necessarily see keno as being as risky as other forms of gambling, like slots or card games, there’s still always a risk of losing money, so you should always practice responsible play. One of the most important things you can do is to set a limit and stick to it. Canadian casino sites have helpful tools in your account section, so you can set deposit, loss, or wagering limits to help control your spending.
Understanding the Risks
As we mentioned, keno comes with a certain level of risk, just like all other forms of gambling. It’s important to remember that you won’t always win and that every single time you play, there’s a chance that you’ll lose. That’s why you should only ever play for the sake of entertainment and with money that you can afford to lose.
Gambling Resources in Canada
If you feel like you might have a problem with gambling or you simply want to find out a bit more about the support available, there are several different resources available to players in Canada.
Conclusion
Unlike other casino games like blackjack and poker, keno is all about chance, so it’s ideal for beginners. Before you start playing, choose the suitable game for you (like a themed version of keno or a progressive jackpot), and familiarize yourself with the rules.
Don’t worry; keno is easy to learn, as it’s all about selecting random numbers. By managing your bankroll effectively, sticking to your limits, and understanding the odds, you’ll enjoy a fun keno experience while standing a chance to win real money prizes.
Now that you know how to play keno, it’s time to start. When you sign up at a top Canadian online casino via a link on this page, you’ll be eligible for a bonus, such as an exciting deposit match, which you might be able to use to get the ball rolling with keno games.