How to Play Video Keno: Complete Guide
Video Keno brings the lottery-style keno experience to electronic machines, offering faster gameplay, lower minimums, and often better pay tables than live keno lounges. These machines are found throughout casinos and provide a relaxed, self-paced gaming experience.
Table of Contents
- What Is Video Keno?
- How to Play
- Video vs Live Keno
- Popular Video Keno Games
- Odds and House Edge
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Video Keno?
Video Keno is an electronic version of the traditional keno game. You select numbers on a touchscreen, the machine randomly draws 20 numbers, and you're paid based on how many of your picks match.
Advantages Over Live Keno
- Faster pace: Games run on demand
- Better odds: House edge often 8-15% vs 25-35%
- Lower minimums: Some accept 5-25 cents
- Immediate results: No waiting for draws
- Play anywhere: Located throughout casino
How to Play
Step by Step
- Insert money into the machine
- Select your bet amount (often adjustable)
- Pick your numbers (typically 1-10 spots)
- Press Play/Start
- Watch 20 numbers draw
- Collect winnings (if any)
- Play again or cash out
Number Selection
Most video keno machines let you pick 1-10 numbers (some allow up to 15 or 20). The more numbers you pick, the harder to match them all, but payouts increase accordingly.
Quick Pick
Don't want to choose? Press Quick Pick for random number selection.
Video vs Live Keno
| Feature | Video Keno | Live Keno |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant | 4-10 minutes per game |
| House Edge | 8-15% | 25-35% |
| Minimum Bet | $0.05-$0.25 | $1-$2 |
| Location | Throughout casino | Keno lounge |
| Social | Solo | Can be social |
| Multi-Race | Limited | Up to 20+ races |
Why Video Keno Has Better Odds
Video keno machines compete with slot machines for players. To attract play, manufacturers and casinos offer better pay tables than traditional keno lounges, which have captive audiences.
Popular Video Keno Games
Caveman Keno
Dinosaur eggs may randomly hatch before the draw, marking numbers that pay bonus multipliers (up to 8x) if drawn.
Cleopatra Keno
Egyptian theme. The last number drawn, if it matches your picks, triggers a free game with 2x multiplier.
Four Card Keno
Play four keno cards simultaneously. Each card can have different number selections. More action per game.
Multi-Card Keno
Similar to Four Card but with 7, 10, or 20 cards. Higher variance, more potential combinations.
Power Keno
The 20th number drawn pays 4x if it matches your selection. Adds excitement to the final ball.
Super Keno
If the first number drawn matches your selection, all wins pay 4x. Creates anticipation from the start.
Odds and House Edge
Typical Video Keno House Edge
| Pay Table Quality | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 4-8% |
| Good | 8-12% |
| Average | 12-15% |
| Poor | 15-20% |
Compare to live keno at 25-35%!
Probability Examples
| Spots | Catch All | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 of 4 | 1 in 326 |
| 5 | 5 of 5 | 1 in 1,551 |
| 6 | 6 of 6 | 1 in 7,753 |
| 7 | 7 of 7 | 1 in 40,979 |
| 8 | 8 of 8 | 1 in 230,115 |