Online Keno Guide NZ

Keno Game Rules

Keno is played with eighty numbers, from which twenty are drawn each game round. As players, we select between two to ten numbers. Our goal is to match as many of our chosen numbers with the drawn numbers to win. The more matches, the higher the payout.

Keno Drawing Methods

The method of drawing numbers varies by Keno version:

• Mechanical Draw: A machine randomly selects twenty balls from eighty numbered balls.
• Bingo Reel: A game host manually operates a reel to draw twenty balls.
• Random Number Generator (RNG): A digital system randomly selects and displays twenty winning numbers.

Winning and Losing in Keno

In Keno, our success hinges on correctly predicting numbers. Matching one or more of our chosen numbers with the drawn numbers results in a win. However, if none of our selected numbers are drawn, we lose our bet.

Choosing more numbers increases the chance of matching at least one, but it also reduces the probability of matching all selected numbers. Notably, if we select nine or ten numbers and none are drawn, some Keno variants offer a consolation prize, such as a free entry or a return of our bet.

The following table illustrates the typical payouts based on the number of selected and matched numbers. Keep in mind that payout structures can vary across different providers and online Keno variants.

What Does it Cost to Play Keno?

As with many other games of chance, Keno requires you to buy tickets before you can play the game. The price per Keno ticket differs per provider.

If you play Keno at an online casino or on a pokie, the stake per game is often considerably lower than with a traditional Keno lottery. For example, in some casinos or slot machines you can already play Keno for a few cents per ticket.

Keno Strategies

Keno is a game of chance that is all about luck. From a total of 80 numbers you have to choose two to ten numbers. A total of twenty numbers are drawn in a draw. Since all numbers are drawn completely random, you cannot influence the outcome of the game.

Although some Keno players argue differently, you cannot find a certain pattern after a number of draws. This also means that there is no strategy for Keno. You just have to be lucky that several of your chosen numbers are drawn. It makes no sense to pay attention to the numbers drawn in several consecutive draws.

Example: If the number 37 has not been drawn for ten draws in a row, this does not mean that there is an increased chance that 37 will be drawn on the eleventh draw. It may take up to ten more draws before 37 is one of the numbers drawn.

Keno Tips

If you want to win at Keno, you have to be lucky. As we mentioned above, you cannot apply a strategy to increase your chances of winning. Despite this, there are a number of tips that will come in handy when playing Keno. We list five tips for (online) Keno here.

1. Choose Your Lucky Numbers

Many people who play Keno find it difficult to choose numbers. This is not surprising, because you can choose from a total of eighty different numbers. If you find it difficult to choose, choose your favorite numbers. For example, choose your birthday. Family members' birthdays can also help you choose numbers in Keno.

2. Decide in Advance How Many Numbers You Want to Choose

You can decide to choose only two numbers in Keno, but it is also possible to predict ten. This means that you have quite a few options. To avoid doubts, it is wise to determine in advance how many numbers you want to choose instead of doing this on the fly when playing (online) Keno.

3. Make Sure You Know the Rules of the Game

One of the most important Keno tips is to know the rules of the game. Some people think they already win when they get one number right, but that is often not the case. Therefore, always first delve into the winning possibilities at Keno. In most variants of this game you win in the same ways, but there may be differences. So always check when you win before selecting numbers.

In online Keno, you can click the ‘Information’ button in the lower left or right corner of your screen to receive a detailed overview of the game rules.

4. Start With a Low Ticket Price

You can play Keno for a few cents but also for NZ$20 and more per game round. To prevent you from immediately suffering large losses, we recommend that you start with low ticket prices. In this way you slowly but surely learn more and more about Keno without losing a lot of money.

5. Don't Get Lost in the Game

Like all games of chance, Keno can be addictive. You can play Keno for a relatively low amount, but because there are so many daily draws at online casinos, it can really add up if you play regularly.

It is important that you do not lose yourself in the game. After all, it has to be fun. Therefore, do not play the game every day, but for example once a week or a few times a month. This prevents you from losing large amounts of money and becoming addicted.

If you think you may be at risk of a gambling problem, visit our Responsible Gaming page.