Online Keno Variants – Read This Before You Play

There’s no doubt that online keno is one of the most exciting and potentially most profitable games you can play, but did you know that there are multiple variants of keno?

Let’s dive right into the important information on the different online keno games. I’ll also show you where you can play keno online.

Online Keno Variants

Mini Keno (40-Ball)

Most online keno games draw from a pool of 80 balls. This one draws from half that number.

There’s nothing particularly special about this game in terms of rules. Aside from being a mini version of the game, it follows the same rules.

Playtech offers a 40-ball keno game. Try this if you want a “lite” version of keno online.

Power Keno

When you match a number in keno, it’s called a catch. In this keno game, if you catch the last ball, you benefit from a 4x multiplier.

This is an 80-ball keno game, so your chances of matching the last ball are one in 80. That’s not what I’d call likely, but it’s possible. And since you don’t have to pay extra for a side bet, it’s worth playing this game.

20 balls are drawn in total, and you can pick between two and 10 numbers.

Bonus Spot Keno

Do you like the sound of the 4x multiplier in Power Keno? This game also offers a multiplier, but it pays when you catch the first ball rather than the last.

It depends on the casino. I’ve seen them going from 5x to 10x. I’ve also seen this keno variant at some land casinos I’ve visited.

In total, 20 numbers are drawn from 1 to 80, and you can pick between two and 10.

Progressive Jackpot Keno

Lots of players have likened keno to slot machines. It’s down to chance, you’re not likely to win big, but if you do, it can be a life-changing amount. Well, just like slots, some keno games also have progressive jackpots.

In any case, progressive jackpot keno will cost you more to play and may require a side bet, but you could win six figures or more if you get lucky.

Live Dealer Keno

Until 2020, there were no live dealer keno games online. Evolution changed all that with the introduction of Mega Ball. This is a keno/lotto hybrid game, but it works the same way all keno games do—matching numbers drawn from a ball machine.

This is a 51-ball game, and you can buy multiple cards for each draw. 20 balls are drawn in all, and before the final ball is picked, a random multiplier of between 5x and 100x boosts your winnings.

If you get super lucky and hit the maximum multiplier, you could win the top prize of 1,000,000x when you play Live Mega Ball.

Playing Keno Online – Picking a Game Variant

The list of keno variants above doesn’t cover all of the different variants you can find online. Depending on what keno site you play at, you could find other variants like Cleopatra Keno and many other variants.

Before you choose one, always find the following information.

What’s the RTP of the keno game you’re about to play?

Every casino game online has an RTP. This is an abbreviation for Return to Player. It’s always expressed as a percentage, and it tells you how much of all the money wagered gets returned to players.

Generally speaking, games with massive payout potential have lower RTPs, which is why progressive jackpot slots have lower RTPs (90% or less) than standard ones. Keep this in mind when choosing a keno game.

Are the Keno Payouts Competitive?

Always take a few minutes to look at the keno pay table of the game you’re playing. This will show you how much you can win based on the number of picks you’ve made versus how many balls you match.

Don’t assume that all keno games pay the same. They don’t, and randomly selecting a game without verifying this can be costly. Payouts vary from software provider to software provider and casino to casino.

The potential payouts are always based on both how many numbers you play and how many you match. Many experienced players feel that playing four to five numbers gives you the best chance of winning a high-value keno payout.

To clarify this concept in your mind, look at the keno pay table below. Study it for a few minutes, and you’ll begin to figure out what I said above. Playing too few numbers limits your payout potential, but playing too many makes it less probable that you’ll match the majority of them.

Does the Casino Offer a Real Money Keno Bonus?

Keno bonuses give you a huge advantage.

Thankfully, since keno usually has such a high house edge, most casinos permit playing it with the bonuses you receive. It usually counts 100% toward wagering the bonuses, meaning every $1 you bet counts $1 toward meeting the wagering requirements. The same can’t be said for most card and table games.

Luckily, I have a list of high-quality keno sites for you. Most of them offer generous welcome bonuses, and you can play keno online with the bonus cash. Save yourself some time and check out the list.

Online Keno Variants – Summary

You’ve learned that there are different keno variants online and that there can be subtle but important differences between them. I’ve covered the most popular keno games here, but there are others out there.

Now, it’s time to play keno for real money. If you do win a keno jackpot, don’t forget to spoil yourself and the important people in your life.