Keno is a very popular game in Australia, offering the chance to win big with relatively small bets. While like Lotto it’s primarily a game of chance, there are a few strategies that can help you play smarter and manage your bankroll more effectively. Keno is available to play in about 4,000 pubs, clubs, casinos and venues as well as at your local TAB.
But, did you know that you can also play Keno at Australia’s number one online casino? That’s right Joe Fortune gives you the chance to give Keno a good nudge from your kitchen, back yard or even if you’re at the beach. With that in mind, the team has pulled together a quick read to bring you up to speed on all things Keno.
What to Know About Keno
Keno is a lottery-style game where 20 numbers are drawn from a pool of 80 numbers. Choose your lucky numbers, up to 15 picks then see how many come up in the draw. Every round can be cheap as chips, starting at just a few cents, but there’s potential to win big bucks if your numbers come through. You can give the My Numbers feature a go if you’re playing online to save time. This stores your favourite picks and loads them automatically when you hit ‘My Numbers’ at the start of each round.
What Does RTP Stand For?
It is worth understanding what RTP stands for. In short it means Return to Player and it’s a percentage that indicates how much of the total money wagered on a game is expected to be paid back to players over time. For example, an RTP of 90% means that, on average, players can expect to win back $90 for every $100 wagered. In Keno, RTP varies depending on the number of spots you choose and the specific game variant. Understanding what the RTP can help you make informed decisions about how to play and how much to bet.
Look at the RTP
When choosing how many numbers to play, consider the RTP associated with each option. Generally, selecting fewer numbers increases your chances of winning, but the payout is smaller. But choosing more numbers offers a larger payout but decreases your odds of winning. So, for instance, selecting say 13 numbers offers an RTP of about 96%, this provides a balance between risk and reward.
Online Keno Lingo
If you’re used to playing Keno in venues and filling in cards with a pen then the following list will help you see how easy it is to play online. Here are all the bits of Keno Lingo you’ll need to be familiar with:
- Clear All. If you click this button, you clear all your current number picks on the Keno card and start from scratch.
- My Numbers. This loads up your favourite saved numbers onto the game board.
- Quick Pick. Nice and easy it picks 15 numbers for you at complete random, 100% no fuss.
- Bets/Rounds. Here you choose your wager size and how many rounds you want to play automatically.
- GO! Starts the next round and from here the numbers roll out.
- New Game. Starts a fresh game without any numbers selected.
- Re-Bet. Keeps your last number picks and starts a new round asap.
Play for Free
With the option to play Keno for free at Australia’s best online casino, Joe Fortune, you are allowed to practice and familiarise yourself with the game’s mechanics without risking any money. This is a great way to build confidence and develop your own strategies before playing for real money. There is no limit as to how many times you can play and test your own strategies and learn more about RTP.
Bet Small at First
If you’ve finished playing for free and are ready to bet with real Aussie dollars it is best to start with small bets. This approach allows you to get a feel for the game and understand how different numbers of spots affect your odds and potential payouts. Betting small also helps manage your bankroll and reduces the risk of significant losses.
Set a Budget
Before you start playing, decide how much money you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Setting a budget helps you play responsibly and ensures that you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. Remember, Keno is a game of chance, and there’s no guarantee of winning.
Don’t Pick All 15 Numbers
While it might seem tempting to select all 15 numbers to maximise your potential payout, this strategy significantly lowers your chances of winning. The odds of hitting all 15 numbers are extremely low, and the RTP decreases as you add more spots. So avoid picking all 15 numbers. A smarter move is to choose 4 to 6 numbers, which gives you a decent shot at getting a profit without overdoing it. Always check the pay table too, as payouts can vary depending on where you’re playing. As always be sure to set yourself a budget and stick to it, Keno is no good when it comes to chasing losses.
Most importantly, have a laugh and play for fun. If you snag a few wins one day, that’s a bonus but it shouldn’t really be your goal. Keno is meant to be a good time, not a get-rich-quick scheme. If you have a strategy that has your RTP at about 90% you should get some winning returns and possibly a couple of decent ones too.
What Are the Odds of Winning Keno?
Depending on where you play Keno in Australia the payouts can vary but for the most part this gives you a good indication on the odds of landing some numbers and what you can expect to win.
| Numbers Picked | Odds of Hitting All Correct | Typical Payout (approx.) |
| 1 | 1 in 4 | 3x your bet |
| 2 | 1 in 17 | 12x your bet |
| 3 | 1 in 73 | 44x your bet |
| 4 | 1 in 327 | 120x your bet |
| 5 | 1 in 1,551 | 800x your bet |
| 6 | 1 in 7,753 | 1,600x your bet |
| 7 | 1 in 40,979 | 5,000x your bet |
| 8 | 1 in 230,115 | 15,000x your bet |
| 9 | 1 in 1,380,688 | 40,000x your bet |
| 10 | 1 in 8,911,711 | 100,000x your bet |
Final Thoughts
Keno is a simple and enjoyable game that offers players the chance to win substantial prizes. By understanding the game’s mechanics, considering the RTP, starting with small bets, setting a budget, and avoiding the temptation to pick all 15 numbers, you can enhance your Keno experience whilst playing responsibly.
Remember, while strategies can improve your odds, Keno is ultimately a game of chance. Play for fun. Joe Fortune’s online casino lets you choose your colour, toggle sound and music, and decide if you want turbo mode. And there’s more, you can autoplay up to 50 games at once so there’s no need to keep clicking and re-entering your numbers, you can sit back and enjoy playing Keno without any worries! With so many options and it being so easy to play, why not give it a try today?