Keno is a lottery-style game found in many online casinos, offering quick rounds and a layout that is easy to follow. There is no complex strategy to learn, which makes it a somewhat popular starting point for newcomers.
If you are exploring different games available in UK online casinos, Keno might stand out for its simple set-up and clear results.
In the UK, online casino games operate in a regulated environment. Read on to see how Keno works, what the rules cover, and how to make informed choices before you consider playing.
What Is the Keno Casino Game?
Keno is a number-picking game. You will see a grid, usually numbered 1 to 80, and choose a set of numbers, often between 1 and 15, depending on the version you are playing. The game then draws 20 numbers at random from the same pool.
Your return depends on how many picks you made and how many of those are drawn. Each game has a paytable that shows the outcomes for your pick size. For example, on an 8-pick game you might see payouts for matching 3, 4, 5, up to 8, with returns increasing at each step. The game software handles the checks and calculations automatically.
Different versions may tweak how many numbers you can pick, the top prize available for each pick size, or whether there are optional extras such as multipliers. A quick glance at the in-game rules and paytable could tell you what is on offer in that particular version.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does Keno Work in Casinos?
Whether online or in person, Keno follows the same flow. You choose your numbers, confirm your stake, and the game draws 20 numbers at random. Online, this is handled by certified Random Number Generators (RNGs), so each draw is independent. In some physical venues, a ball machine is used instead.
The way Keno is presented can differ. Online versions may include helpful tools such as quick-pick buttons, the option to replay the same numbers, or the ability to adjust the speed of the draw animation. In retail venues, players might fill out a paper ticket and can often choose to enter multiple consecutive draws using the same picks.
Payouts are linked to your pick size. Choosing more numbers tends to create a wider range of possible outcomes and higher top prizes, but it also means it is less likely you will match them all. Not every match leads to a return, which is why the paytable could be a useful reference point before you start a round.
How to Play Keno Step by Step
Open the Keno game and you will see the number grid and the paytable for each pick size. Select how many numbers you want to play, either by tapping individual numbers or by using a quick-pick option that fills them automatically. Most versions also let you clear the board and try a different set if you change your mind.
Next, set your stake in pounds and confirm the round. The draw begins and 20 numbers are selected at random and shown on screen. Any hits on your ticket are highlighted and the game totals the result against the paytable for your pick size, then credits any return.
If you like your selection, many games let you replay the same numbers in the next round or switch to a different pick size for a change of pace. Because layouts and prize ladders vary between versions, it might be worth checking the on-screen rules and paytable before you settle into a session.
Keno Rules Explained Simply
The rules are straightforward. You choose a pick size, select the numbers you want within that pick, place a stake, and the game draws 20 numbers. Your result depends on how many of your picks are among those drawn, measured against the paytable for the pick size you chose at the start.
The paytable is the key. It shows which match counts are rewarded and by how much at your current stake. For instance, on a 6-pick ticket you might see a small return for matching 3, a bigger return for 4 or 5, and a top prize for matching all 6. If a particular match total is not shown on the paytable for that pick size, it usually means there is no return for that outcome.
Some versions add small twists, such as bonus rounds or multipliers that apply to certain win lines. When they are present, the rules panel explains how they are triggered and how they affect the standard paytable.
What Are the Odds and Payouts in Keno?
Odds and payouts change with your pick size. Choosing more numbers creates the possibility of higher top returns but lowers the chance of hitting all of them in a single draw. Picking fewer numbers gives a simpler ladder with smaller top prizes and more frequent lower-tier returns.
A few anchor points help put this into context:
-
If you pick one number, the chance it appears in a 20-from-80 draw is 1 in 4.
-
If you pick five numbers, the chance of matching all five is about 1 in 1,550.
-
Matching all 10 when you pick 10 is far less likely, at around 1 in 8.9 million.
Keno also shows a Return to Player figure in its info panel. Depending on the version and paytable, RTP commonly sits somewhere between 75% and 95%. That is the long-term average returned to players across many rounds, not a prediction for a single game.
Because paytables vary, two versions that look similar can pay different amounts for the same result. The most reliable way to understand a specific game is to check its on-screen paytable, then choose a pick size and stake that suit your budget and how volatile you are comfortable with the game feeling.
Is Keno a Good Game to Play?
It depends on what you enjoy. Keno asks for very few decisions, rounds are quick, and results are crystal clear, which could be appealing if you prefer straightforward play. There is no skill element and outcomes cannot be influenced, so it is a case of choosing your picks and letting the draw unfold.
On the other hand, Keno usually carries a higher house edge than some table games. If you enjoy strategy or hands-on decision-making, options like blackjack or certain poker variants may feel more engaging. If you prefer a simple number game with clear rules and steady pacing, Keno fits that brief.
Whichever way you lean, it might help to set a budget in advance, keep an eye on time, and treat each round as independent. That way, the game stays within limits you are comfortable with while you see whether its style fits what you are looking for.
Play Casino Games Online at Slots UK
If you are looking to explore casino games from home, Slots UK offers Keno alongside blackjack, roulette and hundreds of slots. Our site is licensed and regulated in Great Britain, and games are tested by independent labs so you can expect clear rules and transparent information before you play.
Getting started is simple. Registration only takes a few moments, after which you can browse our full library at your own pace. Each game includes an info panel with rules, paytables and RTP details, helping you understand how it works before placing a bet.
We support convenient deposits and withdrawals in pounds, with practical tools to help you stay in control as you play. New to online casinos? Our guides and customer support are on hand if you need a pointer.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.