Winning at Keno

A short question from Shirlene.

Hi Stickman,

How can I win on Keno game?

Shirlene

Hi Shirlene,

Thank you for the very short and to the point question. Unfortunately, to properly answer your question, more information is needed. For example, where are you playing keno – live keno in a casino, machine-based keno in a casino, or online keno.

Each of these has have significantly different characteristics and conditions. Therefore, the answer would be different.

Regardless of which type of keno you are playing, the short answer to your question is, “in the long run, you cannot win.” The game of keno has among the highest house edges of any casino game. House edges vary based on the casino, type of game (live, in-casino machine-based keno, or online keno). Traditional (live) keno has house edges ranging from about 25 to 40 percent. In-casino machine-based keno has house edges from about 5 to 25 percent. Online casinos tend to have house edges similar to traditional keno.

Like all casino games, you will experience winning and losing streaks. The more you play, however, the closer your results will be to the programmed house edge.

Just because the house has the edge does not mean you cannot enjoy playing keno. Follow the advice given below and you can have a great time while also eliminating disastrous endings.

Whether it is keno or any other casino game, never play with money you cannot afford to lose.

In keno, pick a denomination that matches your budget.
- Live casino action is very slow – one game every 5-10 minutes on average. You may be able to enjoy the slow play and spend a couple of dollars a game. Even with the high house edges, the slow play means slow losses.
- Machine-based games have a lower house edge, but they play considerably faster. Pick a low denomination – one that fits your budget.

Be smart about the number of picks you make.

Keno draws 20 numbers from a pool of 80. Generally, the fewest numbers you can pick is two. You can also pick up to 20 numbers.

Obviously, picking more numbers improves your chance of matching those drawn. There is a tradeoff, however. Picking three numbers may have a low chance of hitting but you only must match (or “catch” in keno parlance) one or two to win – though catching two may just get your bet returned. When you pick 10 numbers, you must catch five to get anything back.

The “sweet spot,” as far as the number of picks is concerned, is where you are comfortable with the number of catches you receive. A good compromise might be picking four to eight numbers. Just make sure to follow the previous suggestion and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Take advantage of any promotions or offers that may be available.

- When playing machine-based keno in a casino, make sure to insert your player’s card.
- There are not many promotions or offers playing traditional keno.
- Take advantage of all bonuses that are offered playing online keno.

What about hot, cold, sequential, or other picking schemes?

Players have favorite techniques for picking numbers:
- Pick “hot” numbers – numbers that have been appearing frequently.
- Pick “cold” numbers – numbers that have not appeared for a while.
- Pick sequential numbers.
- Pick numbers in the same area of the board or screen.
- Change the picks each game.
- Play the same numbers each game.
- Alternate any combination of the above.

Does it matter? Does one technique work better than the next?

Traditional keno has balls being constantly mixed in a sphere. Machine-based and online keno use a random number (RNG) generator to determine selection. Both techniques produce random (or extremely close to random) results.

Random means unpredictable. There is no such thing as future hot numbers. They have only been hot in the past. Numbers that have been cold can continue being cold for a very long time. Ultimately, it does not matter what numbers you pick. Keno is a game of luck – not skill. You have an equal chance of catching numbers chosen by any technique.

Do what you enjoy. Pick hot numbers, pick cold numbers, or sequential numbers; change them, keep then the same – there is an equal chance of winning (and losing) regardless.

If you enjoy playing keno, play it. Just make sure you can afford your play.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and tiny.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines and 888casino.com. He authored the video poker section of Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker! You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com

This article is provided by the Frank Scoblete Network. Melissa A. Kaplan is the network's managing editor. If you would like to use this article on your website, please contact Casino City Press, the exclusive web syndication outlet for the Frank Scoblete Network. To contact Frank, please e-mail him at fscobe@optonline.net.