March 23, 2023
A Keno Paytable

Keno Payout Schedules

The prize tables in keno can look a bit complicated. Here’s our quick tips on what to look out for in keno pay schedules.

Each casino has its own system of payouts, which you will find set out in the Keno brochures or payout schedules around the casino or, if you’re playing Video keno you’ll find a payout table on each machine. An example is shown below.

The term ‘spot’ refers to how many numbers you have marked on your ticket. The term ‘catch’ refers to how many of your chosen numbers match what the house draws.

The table shows what you will win for a 1 coin stake. You need to multiply these amounts by the amount you are wagering. So in the example below, if you make a $2 bet, pick 4 spots and catch 3 of them you will win $12 (that is, $2 x 6).

This schedule does not pay out if you don’t match any numbers. But in some cases if you mark a lot of numbers the casino pays off if you catch 0.

Note that in Keno you do not get your stake back if you win.

Another Example of a Keno Paytable

example keno payout schedule

This is the payout schedule for online casinos running on Microgaming software. If you like the look of it, here’s where to find Microgaming casinos.

In a live casino keno game, where lots of players are gambling on the same draw, the most the house can pay out for any one draw is generally $50,000. If there are too many winners they will each get a proportionate share of this sum.

Online Keno Variations

How Online Keno Games Vary

As a whole Keno is played the same way all over the world. But there are some minor differences that you have to take into consideration. Read about the most common variations below!

The differences between the online keno games fall under two types: firstly differences in the game rules, which depend upon the type of game software the site uses, and secondly differences between the policies and management of the casinos at which they are played.

In terms of the Keno game itself

The overall average payout rate. The better games pay out over 90% of your wagers over time. But some are pay back the same as a land-based video keno game – around 75%.

The payout schedules. All games display a payout schedule showing what you win for each of the numbers you match. Some offer a choice of schedules. Some payout for zero catches. And a small number offer schedules like the special tickets you’d find in a land-based casino eg ‘top & bottom’ wagers.

The jackpot. We’ve specifically compared the top payouts you might win for a $1 stake. The majority of sites have a jackpot of $10k-$15k. But you’ll find some casinos with much higher. A few casinos have a Progressive Jackpot.

The level of bets allowed. Typically $1-$10 per play. The lowest minimum we’ve seen is 25c, and the highest maximum $100. The number of spots allowed – usually either 10 or 15. One or two games allow only 8.

In terms of the casino as a whole

There are all sorts of factors which can differentiate online casinos. Some of the key ones are:

  • The reputation of the casino for honesty, good service and efficient payouts.
  • Whether they are properly licensed and regulated.
  • The type of customer support they provide – avoid any where you can’t get hold of someone to answer your queries 24 hours a day.
  • The bonuses and other promotions available. There are many different schemes. In most cases you get your bonuses once you start making cash deposits over a certain level, but some offer bonuses simply for registering and downloading the software. Watch out for clauses in the small print if you are attracted by sign-up bonuses.
  • The quality and reliability of their gaming software and website.
  • The range of games they offer in addition to the keno. Some casinos have over 100 different games, and many have poker rooms, arcade games and even bingo alongside the more traditional casino offerings.
  • The currency used for playing. Increasingly casinos are offering the option of playing in Euros or sterling as well as US$. Some offer other currencies.
  • Whether they have language options other than English.

Keno Variations In Summary

Putting all these factors together, we’ve chosen what we believe to be the very best casinos for keno. Find out who made it into The Keno Guide Top 10.

Keno Way Tickets

Keno Way Tickets

Keno “Way tickets” basically show several bets which are made by combining a given set of numbers in all possible ways.

Keno Way Tickets Guide

They are really just a convenient method of playing several bets at the same time. Way Tickets are more complex to complete then straight tickets. Here’s an example:

Say you pick 5 pairs of numbers. You circle each of these pairs. What you want to do is bet on every possible 6-spot that can be formed by combining your chosen pairs. There are 10 possible ways to form 6-spots out of your 5 pairs.

Example 1 of Keno Way Tickets:

You decide to place $1. That’s $10 in total. So, you write on the ticket:

keno way ticket

Example 2 of Keno Way Tickets:

Alternatively you might also want to play the 10-spot that would be formed by using all your 5 pairs. That ticket would be marked:
keno way ticket

So there you have it, Keno way tickets. If you need any more guides, browse our site for the best Keno guides and more general Keno information and Keno news.