This blog was originally written on October 15th, 2020, and updated on May 23rd, 2025.
If you want to improve your video keno odds, you’ve come to the right place. While it’s mostly a game of chance, understanding the odds, payouts, and best strategies can help you make smarter bets. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from basic rules to advanced tactics, so you can maximize your wins.
What is Video Keno?
Video keno is a digital version of the classic lottery-style game in keno casino venues. Instead of waiting for a live draw, players pick numbers (usually between 1 and 80) on a screen, and a random number generator (RNG) determines the winning numbers. The more numbers you match, the higher your payout. It’s faster than traditional keno and offers various betting options, making it a favorite on keno game online platforms.
Things to Consider Before Learning the Video Keno Odds
Before examining the probabilities of video keno odds, you should understand several important factors about the game.
1. Keno is a Game of Chance
Unlike poker or blackjack, where skill influences outcomes, keno results are entirely random. The numbers are drawn independently in each game, meaning past results don’t affect future ones. While you can study video keno odds to understand probabilities, no strategy can guarantee wins. This makes keno one of today’s most straightforward yet unpredictable casino games.
2. Payouts Vary Wildly Between Casinos
Different casinos and game developers set their own payout structures for keno games. Hitting 6 out of 10 numbers pays 50x at one Keno casino but only 35x at another. Online versions sometimes offer better odds than land-based machines to attract players. Always check the paytable before committing to a game, as these differences can significantly impact your potential returns.
3. Betting More Doesn’t Guarantee Bigger Wins
While increasing your wager size does raise potential payouts proportionally, it doesn’t improve your odds of winning. The video keno odds remain identical whether you bet 1 or 100 per game. Many players fall into the trap of chasing losses by increasing bets, which can quickly deplete their bankroll. Maintaining consistent bet sizes that allow extended play sessions is generally wiser.
4. The More Numbers You Pick, the Harder It Is to Win
Keno’s probability structure means your chances decrease exponentially as you select more numbers. Picking 3 numbers gives you decent odds of hitting all three, but choosing 10 makes matching them nearly impossible. However, more numbers also mean higher potential payouts when you do hit multiple spots. Most players find a sweet spot between 4 and 8, depending on their risk tolerance.
5. Speed vs. Strategy in Video Keno
Traditional keno in brick-and-mortar casinos has slower draws, sometimes with minutes between games. Video keno accelerates this process dramatically, with some digital versions offering new draws every few seconds. This faster pace means you can test different keno strategies quickly, but it also requires stricter bankroll management to avoid rapid losses.
6. The Myth of “Best Keno Numbers”
Many players search for the perfect keno numbers, but statistically, all numbers have equal chances of being drawn. While some gamblers swear by lucky numbers or patterns, the random number generator doesn’t favor any particular digits. The concept of “hot” or “cold” numbers is purely psychological, as each draw is an independent event unaffected by previous results.
7. Bonuses Can Affect Your Odds
Most online keno casino games offer bonuses like deposit matches or free plays. While these can provide extra value, they often come with betting requirements that may limit your chances of cashing out your winnings. Some bonuses are better suited for slots than keno due to different game contribution rates. Always read the terms to understand how bonuses impact your video keno odds and potential payouts.
Important Video Keno Terms
To master video keno odds, you should know these key terms:
- Spot: A number that is marked by the player on a ticket.
- Catch: The total number of hits or spots in a game.
- Hit: A number you selected that matches the drawn number.
- Paytable: A chart showing payouts based on how many numbers you match.
- House Edge: The casino’s built-in advantage over players.
- Straight Ticket: Betting on the same set of numbers for multiple rounds.
- Way Ticket: Betting on different number combinations in a single game.
- RTP (Return to Player): The percentage of wagered money a game pays back over time.
- RNG (Random Number Generator): A system to ensure random outcomes in digital keno games.
Video Keno Odds for a Standard Game
Players select numbers (spots) from 1 to 80 in a standard video keno game. The game then randomly draws 20 numbers. The odds of matching a certain number of spots (catches) vary depending on how many numbers you choose.
What Are the Best Video Keno Odds?
The best video keno odds are typically found when selecting 4 to 6 spots. This range offers a balanced combination of manageable odds and decent payouts. Choosing too few or too many spots can limit your winning potential or significantly reduce the probability of matching enough numbers.
Here’s a table illustrating the odds of hitting a certain number of catches based on the number of spots chosen:
| Spots Chosen | Catch | Probability (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 25.00 |
| 2 | 2 | 6.25 |
| 3 | 3 | 1.39 |
| 4 | 4 | 0.30 |
| 5 | 5 | 0.07 |
| 6 | 6 | 0.02 |
| 7 | 7 | 0.005 |
| 8 | 8 | 0.001 |
| 9 | 9 | 0.0003 |
| 10 | 10 | 0.0001 |
Note: These probabilities are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific game rules.
Video Keno Payouts Chart
Understanding the payout structure is essential for strategizing your gameplay. The payouts in keno casino games are determined by the number of spots chosen and the number of catches achieved. Here’s a sample payout chart for a $1 bet:
| Spots Chosen | Catch | Payout ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 2 | 12 |
| 3 | 3 | 43 |
| 4 | 4 | 130 |
| 5 | 5 | 800 |
| 6 | 6 | 1,600 |
| 7 | 7 | 5,000 |
| 8 | 8 | 15,000 |
| 9 | 9 | 25,000 |
| 10 | 10 | 100,000 |
Note: Payouts can vary between different casinos and game versions.
What is the Best Strategy for Video Keno?
While video keno is essentially a game of chance, employing smart strategies can help maximize your enjoyment and improve your results. Here are several proven approaches to consider when playing this exciting numbers game:
1. Focus on Fewer Numbers for Better Odds
Selecting 4 to 6 numbers gives you the best balance between decent odds and worthwhile payouts. The probability of hitting 4 out of 6 numbers (about 1 in 73) is significantly better than 6 out of 10 (1 in 7,753). This approach provides more frequent small wins that can sustain your bankroll longer. Many experienced players recommend the 6-spot ticket as it offers good hit frequency while providing solid payouts for 4-5 matches.
2. Understand and Compare Paytables
Different video keno machines and online versions feature varying paytables that dramatically affect your potential returns. A high-paying 6-spot game might offer 1,500 credits for 6/6 hits, while a stingy one pays just 1,000. Before settling on a game, examine how much it pays for partial hits, too – some games offer better returns for 4/6 or 5/6 matches. Online casinos often publish these paytables in their game information sections.
3. Implement Consistent Betting Patterns
Rather than randomly changing your wager amounts, establish a betting pattern that matches your bankroll. Many successful players use a flat betting system where they wager the same amount consistently. This prevents the common pitfall of increasing bets after losses (the Martingale system), which can quickly deplete your funds in a game with Keno’s high house edge. Consider betting 1-2% of your total bankroll per round if playing multiple games.
4. Take Advantage of Multi-Race Tickets
Many video keno platforms allow you to play the same numbers for multiple consecutive games (often 5, 10, or 20). This saves time and ensures you don’t miss potential wins if your numbers happen to hit while you’re away from the machine. Some casinos even offer small discounts for multi-race tickets, giving you better value over time.
5. Mix Hot and Cold Numbers Strategically
While all numbers have equal probability mathematically, many players enjoy tracking recent results. Some alternate between numbers that have appeared frequently (“hot” numbers) and those that haven’t appeared in a while (“cold” numbers). Though this doesn’t change your odds, it can make the game more engaging and help you avoid following the crowd in number selection.
6. Use Bonus Features and Progressive Jackpots
Modern video keno games often include special features like bonus rounds, multipliers, or progressive jackpots. These features can significantly enhance your potential payouts. For example, some games randomly apply 2- or 3-times multipliers to wins, while progressive jackpots grow until someone hits a rare combination. Always check the rules to understand how to qualify for these special payouts.
7. Manage Your Bankroll
Given Keno’s relatively high house edge (typically 5-15%), managing your money wisely is crucial. Set strict loss limits before you start playing – many experts recommend bringing no more than 50 times your typical bet amount for a session. Also, establish win goals like cashing out when you’ve doubled your initial bankroll. This disciplined approach helps prevent chasing losses and keeps the game enjoyable.
8. Try Different Game Variations
Video keno comes in numerous variations beyond the standard format. Some popular versions at Bspin.io include Spribe’s Keno, Magic Keno, and Keno Party. Experimenting with different game types can help you find versions with better overall odds or more entertaining features that suit your playing style.
