How to Play Keno
Keno is one of the simplest games in the casino — there are no decisions once your bet is placed. You pick your numbers, set your stake, and the draw does the rest. Here is exactly how a round plays out, with the honest reminder that it is a game of pure chance carrying a high house edge.
A round, step by step
1. Pick your spots. Choose how many numbers to play — typically 1 to 10 spots from a grid of 80. You can pick a few or fill the maximum; this choice affects the paytable but not your fundamental odds of beating the game.
2. Set your stake. Choose your bet amount in rand. Stick to a budget you are happy to lose.
3. The draw. The game randomly draws 20 numbers from the 80. Every draw is independent — nothing carries over from the last round.
4. Get paid. You are paid based on how many of your chosen spots appear among the 20 drawn, according to the fixed paytable. The more spots you match, the bigger the payout — but the longer the odds of matching them.
Rounds are fast, which makes it easy to play many in a short time. Set a limit before you start.
Spots, hits and the paytable
The number of spots you choose sets which paytable applies. If you play 5 spots, the paytable lists what you are paid for hitting 3, 4 or 5 of them. Hitting zero or one usually pays nothing. Playing more spots raises the top prize but makes the higher hit counts much rarer — see Keno Odds & Payouts for the maths, and Keno Strategy for what is actually in your control.
For the full picture, return to the Keno Guide, browse all casino game guides or the main guides library. Prefer official draws? See our lotto section.
Frequently asked questions
How many numbers should I pick in keno?
It is entirely your choice and it does not change the fact that the game has a high house edge. Fewer spots means more frequent small wins; more spots means rarer but larger payouts. Pick whatever you find most fun within your budget.
Do the 20 drawn numbers change between rounds?
Yes — every round draws a fresh, random set of 20 numbers from the 80. Each draw is independent, so previous results have no effect on the next. No number is ever "due".