The Best Legit Keno Online Casino for UK Players

Have you ever heard of keno online casino? A game of chance that’s not unlike the lottery, keno is a perfect choice for anyone who likes lotto-type casino games. Since there’s a lot of competition online, our experts have compiled a list of the top keno casino sites where you can expect a legit gaming experience. Montycasinos.com guide to the best keno sites for UK players will tell you everything you need to know about the game and how to pick the right casino to play it.

While keno is not difficult to play at all, you should have prior knowledge before playing it in an online casino games. We’re going to walk you through the basics and explain how to play the game and improve your chances of winning. We’re also going to present casinos with keno games and a top-rating as well as the biggest UK online casino bonuses in 2024.

What is a keno game?

Keno is a widely played gambling game commonly available at online casinos and even featured in some lottery games. Participants place their bets by selecting numbers from 1 to (usually) 80. After all bets are placed, 20 numbers are randomly selected (although some variants draw fewer numbers) by a ball machine akin to those used in lotteries and bingo or by a random number generator.

Every online casino has its own payout process, called “pay-tables”. The payout a player receives depends on the number of numbers selected (either by the player or the terminal), the number of matched numbers from the chosen ones, and the amount wagered.

Compared to other casino games, Keno typically has a higher “house edge,” varying from slightly under 4% to more than 35% in digital gaming and between 20-40% in physical casinos. The standard house edge for non-slot casino games is less than 5%, making online Keno appealing for those hoping to win real cash.

Keno information for beginners

Keno is not a complicated game at all, but most players will be more confident with a guide. The montycasinos.com casino guide will help you understand what keno is and how to play it with ease. Our experts have compiled an article that is very easy to understand even if you’re completely new to the game.

The history of keno begins sometime in 19^th century China. However, historians place it much earlier. According to one legend, it was invented by the famous Chinese general Cheung Leung, who based the game on the first 120 characters of the “Thousands Characters Classic”. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Chinese played the game with 80 Chinese characters and the game became pretty popular in just a short time. They also introduced keno to the US later in the 19^th century, where the game was Westernized into puck-apu.

Not long after, it became pretty popular in Texas, and was one of the few legalized forms of gambling. Another popular form of gambling was sports betting, more specifically horse racing.

Keno rules

Have you ever played the lottery? Keno is not much different. UK players place a bet on a string of many numbers ranging from 1 to 80. After they place their bet, a total of 20 numbers are drawn randomly with an RNG (Random Number Generator). Players are paid according to the paytable and the numbers that match the ones drawn.

The paytables differ from one keno casino to another. The different keno variants also come with a different house edge that can go between 4% and 35%. Keno casinos almost always offer the classic variant plus a bunch of others.

Bad luck payout

One of the best things a keno casino site can offer is the so-called bad luck bonus. This means that you will be paid for getting all the numbers correct plus the numbers you’ve missed. It’s a bonus payout that provides a nice payment boost all players will appreciate.

Game terminology

Just like online poker, keno uses special terminology that defines certain actions in the game. While they might sound pretty alien in the beginning, we’ll walk you through them and let you know what each one means.

If you want to play keno online for real money, it’s best to brush up on the terms that will help you understand the game better.

The first term you need to learn about is catch. It represents a number drawn that’s also on your ticket. If you selected 4, for example, and that number is drawn, it’s a catch.

Just like lottery, you mark the numbers you want to pick on a virtual ticket. These tickets have a number of spots on them. The term spot simply indicates how many spots you’ve ‘occupied’. For example, if you selected 5, it’s a 5-spot keno ticket.

Playing keno in an online casino means selecting numbers virtually. A keno online casino may also have an automated tool that can quick pick numbers for you. That’s what the term Quick Pick represents.

Pay table or book is a term that describes the payout on certain wagers for hit or missed players. The final term you should learn about is aggregate limit, which shows the maximum amount a casino pays in a single round of keno.

The best Online Keno games for free or real money

If this is your first-time playing an online game of keno, you’re welcome to try the game for free on this site. This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with keno. Once you’re ready, you can go ahead and play it for real money in any real money casino.

Better yet, you can claim a good bonus and play online keno for real money without breaking the bank.

Evaluating the top online casinos with Keno

Conducting a thorough evaluation of the leading online keno casinos requires time, but our professional critics leave no stone unturned in their assessments. We thoroughly examine each keno casino, from its mobile compatibility to its safety and security measures, to understand what they provide.

We are unafraid to criticise if we discover a casino site that does not meet the standards that online keno players should expect. Bearing this in mind, here’s what we consider when rating the top online casino sites currently available:

Variety of Keno Games

Our reviewers are assigned to play all the keno games an online casino offers. This includes scrutinising bonuses and special features within specific keno games. Some top keno titles online include Lightning Keno, American Keno, and Vegas Jackpot Keno.

Take Wild Casino as an example; it provides the standard Keno and Keno Megapays. In this game, players can win jackpots up to $200,000 in a low-volatility game, making it perfect for beginners.

Secure Banking Options

We endorse online keno betting sites that have proven their safety and reliability. This involves implementing TLS encryption for all transactions as a primary security measure. Moreover, we ensure that player data is kept in compliance with the safety protocols set by the industry.

Various secure banking options – like the 24 offered by Wild Casino – provide more choices for players. It can be incredibly frustrating when you need help managing your funds how you wish. That’s why we endorse keno platforms that offer a range of options, including those accepting VISA, Mastercard, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency.

We’re also vigilant about third-party agreements in casino websites’ terms and conditions (T&Cs), ensuring that your information is only being traded with your prior approval.

Experience with Mobile Keno

Top-tier online keno casinos ensure their websites are fine-tuned for seamless operation on mobile and tablet devices. Even the most superior real money casino applications offering Keno may occasionally need help with hiccups. As such, we monitor casinos that function via a mobile browser to confirm they run without issues.

Keno is a straightforward game that can be effortlessly optimised for mobile use. Interestingly, the keno games’ configuration suits the portrait screen orientation on mobiles and tablets.

Bonuses and Promotions for Keno

Engaging in online Keno becomes significantly more manageable when you have a casino bonus to apply to your game. We evaluate each site to see what introductory offers are provided to newcomers and check for any ongoing promotions.

Keno only sometimes contributes fully towards wagering prerequisites. Therefore, we thoroughly gather all the specifics and keep you updated before deciding on your chosen platform. Bovada and Slots.LV offer the most favourable wagering at 25x, and 100% of your bonus funds are considered when playing Keno.

How to start playing – step by step

Playing online keno is not hard at all. You don’t need any particular skills, and the best online casinos keno will have guides embedded in the games that will make things even simpler.

Games of chance don’t require prior knowledge like poker does. They can be played by beginners with ease since there are only a few outcomes. If you’ve ever played a lottery game, chances are you can easily fill up an online keno board.

You’ll need to pick numbers, place a bet, and wait for the draw. That’s it. No need to do anything else or use a complex strategy such as card counting to win – everything goes down to luck.

Before you play keno online, though, you’ll need to pick a casino first.

1. Find an online keno site from montycasinos.com’ recommendations – all options are legit;
2. Register at the site and make your first deposit – make sure to cover the min. deposit;
3. Collect your deposit bonus – it will boost your bankroll right from the start;
4. Choose a keno variant and hit the Play button. Good luck!
5. Won something? Use the fastest payment methods to claim your winnings.

How does one play Keno?

Many gambling aficionados choose Keno over all other games on the most reliable online casino sites. Suppose you’re curious about why because of the game’s simplicity. Keno is a game of luck, meaning it doesn’t require any specific skills. It’s solely dependent on chance. Keno can be best characterised as an exciting blend of bingo, a game widely loved on online gambling platforms and lottery. If you’re a fan of either of these two games, you’ll enjoy Keno, too.

Let’s now transition to the principles of the game. Keno’s objective is to predict the winning numbers. Usually, there are 80 numbers to choose from. Here’s how the game unfolds:

• Each player picks their numbers.
• Then, the players decide on the games they want to participate in and the amount they want to wager.
• The casino’s RNG (random number generator) picks the numbers individually, typically 20.
• The players receive a payout for each number they’ve correctly predicted.

As you can see, the rules couldn’t be more straightforward. Despite the simplicity, take some time to familiarise yourself with the game by trying a free version. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when playing with real money.

Remember, the number of picks you can make in each Keno round varies depending on the casino. This aspect differs from one gambling site to another. Some casinos allow players to choose up to ten numbers, while others may permit 15 or even more. The minimum selection typically stands at 2, although this can fluctuate, too. Therefore, always ensure you understand the rules of the casino you’re playing at.

Several versions of Keno exist, and while the games may slightly differ, the rules remain essentially the same. For instance, some variations may not feature the standard 80 numbers, offering fewer instead. Alternatively, the game might remain unchanged except for the potential bonus you could win at the round’s conclusion. The variances in different Keno versions are detailed further below.

Understanding online keno odds and payout tables

When playing online Keno, reviewing the payout charts associated with each game is crucial. For instance, traditional Keno only offers a £1 payout for a £1 wager if you only hit one pick. Below is a typical payout chart for online Keno:

Selection Count	Probability	Winnings
0	0.11%	£4
1	1.15%	£1
2	4.97%	£0
3	12.5%	£0
4	20.5%	£0
5	23.3%	£2
6	19%	£3
7	11.3%	£5
8	5%	£8
9	1.6%	£25
10	0.4%	£50
11	0.07%	£500
12	0.009%	£1,500
13	0.0008%	£3,000
14	0.00005%	£5,000
15	0.000002%	£10,000

The data shows that the keno payout system is more complex than expected. Players aren’t awarded any winnings if they match between two and four numbers in the game.

What’s the reason for this? The probability of you hitting between two and four numbers is relatively high, implying that keno sites are unlikely to pay out for these results. If you exceed five numbers, your chances drastically drop – so much so that there’s only a 1.6% likelihood of hitting nine numbers.

As a beginner, you can refer to this fundamental paytable while deciding your keno bet choices. Over time, you’ll discover your preferred number of picks. You might stick to zero numbers or aim to hit the maximum of 15.

Choosing Your Keno Bet

Besides various games, there are numerous betting options when playing Keno online. Here are three of the most prevalent:

• Straight bet: The online platform you choose may allow you to gamble that as many as 40 numbers will appear. Your cost increases with the number of numbers you select, but so does your potential reward, should those numbers be drawn. This is a straightforward and uncomplicated wager.
• Way bet: This involves selecting sets of numbers. While it may be harder to manage due to the multiple number groups in a single game, it accelerates the gameplay and potentially increases your winning opportunities.
• Quick pick: This option is exclusive to online platforms, perfect for those with limited time, perhaps during a brief break. The website will randomly select ten numbers for you, immediately arranging your wager.
• Odd and even bets are comparable to top and bottom wagers, but instead of wagering on high and low numbers, you’re placing bets on the quantity of your chosen numbers being odd or even.
• Combination bets are more intricate and allow you to wager on several groups of spots or numbers on a single ticket. For instance, you may want to bet on three numbers — 3, 10, and 41. Your friend might want to bet on five numbers — 17, 21, 74, 79, and 80. Your ticket now has a three-spot and a five-spot in Play. These groups can also be merged to create an eight-spot, providing three ways to win on a single keno ticket. The 190-Way Eight is a well-liked mixed bet among keno players, where every possible combination of eight spots is accounted for on the ticket.

The kind of wager you place frequently depends on your selected game. Hence, it’s crucial to take these factors into account simultaneously.

RTP and Keno House Edge

The payouts in Keno are less substantial than in other traditional casino games, but the number of drawn numbers and the type of your wager can significantly influence this. A reputable online casino typically offers an overall keno payout percentage ranging from 93.8% to 94.1%. The exact percentage is contingent on the number of numbers you play, and this sample figure signifies the combinations with higher payouts. For instance, matching only two numbers yields a 92% payout and matching one number results in a 75% payout.

The payout ratio refers to the amount a casino disburses in winnings relative to the total money bet. A payout ratio of 98% implies that the casino will pay out €98 for every €100 staked. The casino’s earnings are derived from the €2 gap.

It’s important to understand that the 98% does not represent your potential return on each wager. This is an aggregate figure for the casino, derived from the activity of thousands of players over a long period. However, as a general guideline, opting for a casino site that offers high keno payouts is advisable.

How does the house edge in Keno compare?

Keno lottery games are more closely linked to lotto draws than standard casino games; thus, the odds and house advantage mirror the diminished probability of winning that lottery participants typically face compared to casino games. In contrast, card and table games usually carry a house edge ranging from 0.5% – 2.7%, although less favourable variants can escalate up to 15%. However, the house edge for conventional Keno averages between 20% and 40%. Specific online keno versions can reduce the house edge to approximately 5%.

The probability of a specific number being selected in the winning 20 is one in four, and then the number of spots (numbers) you choose and the number of spots drawn will influence the odds and house advantage. Traditional online keno games permit you to select up to 15 numbers for a complete win, but numerous keno casinos will offer games with rewards for matching fewer spots. Typically, you’ll encounter around a 25% house advantage on a single-spot win, increasing to roughly 30% on a ten-spot win.

Differences between online Keno and traditional Keno

The first and most obvious difference between traditional and online keno is the fact that you can play the latter online. This means that you don’t have to wait for a round to bet – online keno games are available 24/7.

They are also available on desktop PCs, Macs, laptops, and mobile devices. Nowadays, most players prefer to play keno in mobile casinos rather than their PCs.

Online keno games can also be played for free. That’s not possible with traditional keno. Just like with traditional poker, you can’t practice for free unless you try the online variants. You can get all the practice you want with online keno, which will help you learn valuable information about the game before you play for real money.

Other differences include:

• Payout rates
• Variety of games
• Clear and easy-to-follow guides

Casino Bonuses for Keno

Online casinos offer a wide range of bonuses that are supposed to boost your bankroll and give you more money to play keno with. It all starts from the moment you register. Almost all casinos offer some kind of sign up bonus that usually mixes a first deposit match bonus with bonus spins.

Here at montycasinos.com, we only have the highest welcome bonus offers with most favorable wagering requirements (TC apply). Get your hands on any of these bonuses, and you’ll have plenty of extra cash to play with. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use secure payments in order to claim bonus.

Of course, it makes sense for you to learn how TCs apply first so you don’t miss other important conditions such as game weighting before you’re allowed to withdraw your winnings. In some casinos, certain deposit options are not eligible for sign up bonuses.

Varieties of online keno games

As mentioned previously, one of the many advantages keno casinos have over their land-based counterparts is the game availability. Land-based casinos rarely have more than one keno card – they usually stick to the traditional version.

On the other hand, a keno casino can have as much as a dozen variants of the game with exciting features.

For example, some add more balls to the action, while others are focused on a visually-immersive sim. New keno 2024 gives players more ways to play, which is a lot better than what traditional variants offer.

Top-tier casino websites offer a variety of keno games online. While the game’s fundamental rules remain unchanged, some variations come with additional features. These additions could be in the form of entertaining themes or substantial payouts.

Let’s explore the different types of keno games available online:

Themed Keno

Themed keno games incorporate engaging themes to enhance the gaming experience. For instance, you could opt to play Monkey Keno or Tutan Keno. The enhanced graphics add to the enjoyment of the game.

Power Keno

Power Keno is a new and exhilarating game of chance that allows you to win four times your bet when the last ball hits your keno number pick. For example, if the last ball is 15 and you have that number on your ticket, you will get a reward four times your bet. This variant is often called Super Keno in some casinos.

Available for free on social media sites and for Android devices, this new and fun keno variant helps you win big regardless if your other numbers match. It is quite popular among new players and the younger generation looking for a spiced-up version of the classic game.

Classic Keno

Playing classic Keno is straightforward, as you win with just 20 numbers. You select between two to ten numbers from the provided online keno card. You could receive a payout of 200,000 times your bet if you match ten numbers.

Progressive Keno

Progressive Keno is a cool variant of the traditional game that adds a jackpot to the mix. Not a standard jackpot, mind you, but a progressive one. This means that you can win the prize of a lifetime since the jackpot grows with each bet made on the game.

All of it could be yours if you’re lucky and you meet certain conditions. Progressive Keno is popular among high rollers looking to hit a stunning jackpot.

Multi-Card Keno

This keno game allows you to use 20 keno cards per round online. Once you select your numbers, the same wager and numbers will be applied to all your keno cards.

Multiplier Keno

Add an additional multiplier to enable higher bets. The multiplier will be selected randomly before the draw, potentially increasing your bets by 1.5 or even ten-fold.

Chinese Keno

While it’s rare to find it online, Chinese keno certainly has its fans. This is the traditional form of the game and one of the very few forms of gambling allowed in China. It’s the purest form of keno from which all other variants derive from.

As mentioned, you will rarely find this variant in a keno casino. That makes it all the more appealing, so if you ever spot it, make sure to go for a round.

Keno Tournaments

You’ll find several keno casino sites that offer tournaments where you get to test your luck against other players. These tournaments work simple – you advance up the leaderboard to win the biggest reward from often-sky-high prize pools.

For example, the top keno player (the one with most wins) can win the top prize of a €10,000 prize pool. It depends on the casino – the prize pool can be cash or feature other types of rewards that will certainly appeal to all players.

Before you opt-in to a tournament, read the terms and conditions. There might be some terms you’ll need to complete before you can get your winnings. And make sure you’re playing the right game – some tournaments are for specific variants of keno.

Top Online Keno Providers

Just like slots, online keno games are developed by numerous popular providers. The top names include NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech, which are also behind some of the industry’s best-known table games.

• Microgaming is widely considered the best studio in the iGaming industry. It’s also the first online casino game provider with hundreds of slots, progressive jackpots, and table games so far. Among the table game collection, Microgaming has released several keno variants. These span traditional keno and a few exotic variants that add fun to the exhilarating game.
• NetEnt is a Swedish game studio and Microgaming’s biggest opponent. While it is primarily known as a slot provider, NetEnt has released hundreds of RNG and live table games so far. Keno is one of them, coming in different shapes and sizes ranging from traditional to progressive jackpot variants.
• Playtech is the third-biggest provider in the industry and one of the oldest. The company specializes in slot and jackpot development, but makes table games too. The range of games in Playtech’s library includes online roulette, online blackjack, poker, and keno, of which there are several variants.
• Pragmatic Play is another prominent name in online casino gaming, offering a typical online keno game. This keno game is accessible for free and real money and can be found at the top casinos we suggest. In recent years, Pragmatic Play has established a reputation for delivering high-quality casino games across various online brands.
• SpinOro has introduced various novel features for online Keno, including Super Keno and Keno Star, amongst their range of keno games. With over a decade of experience in gaming, they are a renowned supplier of keno lottery games, scratch games, and casino titles.

Strategy for Online Keno

Developing your strategy for online Keno is less time-consuming than you might imagine. Unlike games like blackjack or poker, which could take years to perfect a strategy, Keno allows you to apply straightforward tactics in just a few minutes. Even beginners can formulate a keno strategy that starts to yield returns right from the start.

Our page dedicated to keno strategy is brimming with advice on emerging victorious in Keno. Check out our blog for expert keno tips to minimise losses. Our guides include basic strategy steps, such as:

• Begin with Small Bets

Start by placing small wagers and gradually increase your bets as you get more comfortable with the game. Many top-tier online keno games allow stakes of 10p per number chosen.

• Keep an Eye on Your Total Bet

Keep in mind that every number you choose counts as an additional wager. For instance, if your stake is £2 and you choose 10 numbers, your total bet would be £20. Always ensure your bets are within your budget.

• Consider RTPs

Bonuses within keno games are fantastic perks, but are they worth it? It’s essential to look at the paytable of the game you’re playing and review the Return to Player (RTP) percentage to determine if those bonuses genuinely enhance your winning odds.

• Choose Between 5 and 8 Numbers

Your chances of winning in keno range between five and eight numbers. Beyond this range, the odds diminish despite the significant increase in the jackpot amounts. If you’re content with winning anywhere from 2x to 8x your bet, selecting between five and eight numbers is your best bet.

• Ignore the Last Game

Several players who are superstitious tend to believe there’s a connection between the numbers that show up in one game and those in the subsequent one. However, online Keno games have randomisation codes in their software, eliminating any correlation between consecutive games. Therefore, you should avoid selecting a number based on the previous game’s outcome.

What bonuses can I use when playing online Keno?

The top online casinos provide bonuses to offer players additional money or credits to use on their preferred games.

Various bonuses are accessible to you. However, only some of them apply to keno games. Below are the principal bonuses that you can utilise when you engage in online Keno: 

Welcome bonuses 

As suggested by the name, sign-up bonuses are geared towards new users and become available upon registration on a website. This bonus typically comes in the form of a cash prize. Online casinos commonly link it with deposits, meaning the platform will match your deposit to a specific limit and percentage. 

No deposit bonuses

As you may anticipate, no deposit bonuses do not necessitate the need for you to invest your own funds to reap the benefits of using them. These incentives typically have a cash value; however, it’s uncommon for internet casinos to provide them. The rationale is that these platforms generally desire you to put forward some of your money to secure a bonus, thus ensuring they receive something in return. 

Live Online Keno

RNG variants of online keno are certainly fun, but if you want the full casino experience, you should go for live online keno. These games are the closest you get to playing in a bingo hall.

A live dealer casino replicates the atmosphere of said halls, but can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Or your mobile device on the go – whichever you prefer.

If you’re looking for the best live game keno variants, you can try any recommended casino with live games here at montycasinos.com. Keno at live dealer casinos may be an attractive option for you.

Mobile-Friendly Keno

In today’s digital age, more individuals gamble on mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and even smartwatches. While it may not yet be possible to select your lucky keno numbers on your smartwatch, you can play on your phone or tablet! Most online casinos offer mobile applications for iOS and Android, or their websites are designed to be compatible with mobile browsers. Ensure you have a reliable WiFi or data connection before engaging in live dealer games!

Advantages & disadvantages of playing online Keno at casino sites 

Partaking in Keno online can be an enjoyable experience. The rules are few, and the game-play is straightforward, making it a perfect game for novices and less seasoned players. 

However, the game’s simplicity may appeal to some, which means Keno has its drawbacks and benefits. 

For this reason, we have outlined the key benefits and drawbacks of the game to assist you in making a knowledgeable choice about whether or not to play Keno online: 

Advantages:

The rules and gameplay of the game are very straightforward 

• A multitude of online casinos offer keno games
• There are several variants you can explore 

Disadvantages:

The game’s payouts aren’t as impressive compared to other games 

• Due to its simplicity, there’s no room for implementing strategies 
• Keno games rely heavily on luck 

Online Casino Games Like Keno

Like Keno, other exciting casino games offer an equally thrilling gaming experience. If you’re keen on expanding your casino game knowledge and exploring new games, consider the following options:

• Online Bingo – This game shares similarities with Keno but is more competitive as you play against other gamers. You purchase a bingo card, and a machine generates random numbers. Mark off the numbers that match those on your card to complete lines. The first player to fill their card wins the substantial jackpot.
• Online Scratch Cards – These cards allow players to participate in games of luck without competing against others. The probability of winning is entirely random, much like Keno. Buy a scratch card and scratch off the surface to reveal hidden numbers or symbols. Matching at least three symbols or numbers will earn you a prize, and similar to Keno, the more matches you make, the larger your winnings!
• Internet-Based Roulette – Lovers of strategy in Keno will find roulette appealing. The online version of roulette provides a plethora of bets and payment opportunities based on your stake. Pursue large cash prizes with single bets or choose to play it safe with options like red/black or odd/even. Like Keno, online roulette is perfect for individuals evaluating their risk tolerance.

The History of Keno

While the actual inception of Keno remains a mystery, the game’s history spans several millennia. Keno’s intriguing past provides insights into the game’s rules and strategy.

While many attribute the birth of the game to China, the term ‘Keno’ has its origins in the Latin language. Given that the game’s history traces back to 200 BC in China, it is safe to conclude that it was invented around that time.

Keno’s Chinese Origins

The initial form of Keno was quite distinct from the contemporary game we play today, with symbols replacing 80 numbers. It was inspired by an ancient Chinese game called ‘the White Pigeon,’ a name attributed to using white doves to communicate the winning combinations.

Approximately 2000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty, a game known as Keno first surfaced under the rule of Cheung Leung. The game’s concept was based on a timeless poem by Zhou Xingsi, traditionally recited by Chinese parents to their children as a literacy learning tool. This poem consisted of 1000 characters and was divided into 250 phrases, each containing 4 symbols.

From this poem, Leung selected 120 characters and created 8 different subdivisions. The game’s objective was to predict the content of a subdivision, with the winner receiving a monetary prize that could be used towards purchasing food.

Consequently, Keno was pivotal in raising funds for an already overburdened society struggling with poverty and hunger. There are even rumours that the funds raised through Keno were used to construct the Great Wall of China.

Keno’s Journey to America

In the mid-1800s, the game ‘White Pigeon’ reached San Francisco’s coast, brought by Chinese sailors and railway workers who migrated to the area. This could be seen as a significant turning point in the history of Keno.

Initially, the game was recognised as the clandestine Chinese lottery, and only a few Americans understood how to play. However, as the 20th century began, the original Chinese symbols were substituted with numbers to appeal more to American participants.

In the early years of the 20th century, ‘The White Pigeon Game’ was given a fresh start when it was rebranded as ‘Keno’. The name is derived from the French word ‘quine’, which means a set of five.

Keno Horse Racing

When gambling was banned in the US, measures were implemented to camouflage the game. Thus, ‘Keno’ was rebranded as ‘Horse Race Keno’, taking advantage of the legality of horse racing.

To justify this, Keno operators at the time linked the 80 numbers on a Keno ticket to horse races. Each draw was referred to as a race in this variant of Keno.

Nevertheless, when lotteries were legalised, the game was renamed Keno, and it has retained this name ever since.

Modern Keno

This popular casino game is now provided by numerous casinos and lottery companies globally, including in the UK. While Keno remains a favourite in East Asia and America, it has also gained popularity in other continents such as South America and Australia.

In the modern era, live Keno utilises a round glass ‘bubble’ that houses the 80 balls that will be drawn. Online Keno is a digital version of the traditional Keno game, which can be played online for monetary rewards.

If you are new to online Keno, try our complimentary Keno game above. If you are already familiar with the game, consider playing at a real money casino. Check out our top online Keno casino list to discover the perfect site for you today!

Our Conclusion

A pure game of chance, online keno is a roller-coaster game that bingo fans will love. It’s more or less the same game with a few tiny differences. Keno is older than bingo and comes in many different shapes and sizes in any keno casino.

You can play it for free before you play with real money, and this is the biggest advantage of online keno variants.

If you’re looking for a fun game of chance, keno definitely fits the profile. Try it today and you’ll surely enjoy what the draws offer.

Expert’s Comment

As a fan of games of chance, I recommend online keno more. It’s easy to play, very fun, and most importantly, it can be quite rewarding if you choose the right variant.

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