Keno is a simple lottery-style game which can make for a welcome break from the other more complex games in the casino, but did you know there are lots of different keno variants, all with their own unique twist?
In any game of online keno you are going to pick a certain number of balls between 1-80, and then a 20-ball draw will take place, with your aim being to match as many as possible. That holds true throughout all versions of keno, so what makes one type of keno different from another?
Let’s look at some of the best-known keno game types. When you play keno online make sure you understand exactly what variant you are playing before placing your bets. And don’t forget to check out our keno tips page.
Classic Keno
Classic keno games are the best-known kind and are typically what people think of when they think keno.
First, you will pick between three and ten numbers out of an 80 number pool.
Then, 20 balls will be drawn from a keno hopper. In online games, a random number generator will pick these.
Finally, you will be paid based on how many balls you matched. The largest prizes are reserved for players who picked 10 balls and matched them all, but it is not necessary to do this to win money playing keno.
Keep this game structure in mind, because all keno game styles follow it with some minor differences.
Caveman Keno
Caveman keno differs from standard keno games because three numbers are drawn before the game draw begins. If at least two of these numbers then come out in the 20-ball draw, you as the player will win a multiplier.
These pre-selected numbers are known as ‘eggs’, and the multiplier you will win depends on how many of them are matched. Usually, a x1 multiplier will be applied to zero or one match, a x4 multiplier will be applied to games wee two matches take place, and a x8 multiplier will be applied where three matches occur.
Power Keno
Power keno is played in the same way standard keno game are played, except that there is one exciting twist – if you catch the 20th ball drawn, your winnings are subject to a x4 multiplier.
If you are going to play keno for real money online, you might as well increase your chances of winning extra money by playing a variant with a multiplier included. After all, you have just as much chance of catching the last ball drawn as any other.
Super Keno
Super keno is played in exactly the same way as power keno, except that the x4 multiplier is applied if you catch the first ball drawn, rather than the last. This is also the case in the keno variant called Fire Power.
Again, when playing keno for real money, you want to give yourself as many opportunities to score cash wins as possible. A game with an built-in multiplier makes a lot more sense than a game without one.
Cleopatra Keno
This is an exciting variant of keno because if you catch the last ball in the 20-ball draw, you win 12 free keno games.
In addition, any wins during the 12 free games of keno which follow are doubled. This gives you a lot of chances to play real money keno free with double prizes if you hit winners.
That’s a pretty attractive proposition as far as online keno games go.
Triple Power Keno
Triple Power keno games unfold exactly the way standard keno games do, except that if you if the last ball drawn is one of your picks, you get three extra keno balls for free, and if any of them is a match, wins are subject to a x3 multiplier.
Again, you have just as much chance of catching the last ball as any other. There is no guarantee you will catch any of the three extra balls you are given, but it is like a mini free keno ticket as a bonus.
Keno Draw Poker
If you enjoy both keno and video poker, this variant of keno is likely to appeal since it combines the two.
In versions of this game, we have encountered you can opt to play a keno game alongside a hand of video poker. If you win, you may be played a flat win as in a standard keno game, of you might be paid a multiplier on the video poker hand.
This can be pretty exciting as two games unfold at once. Since video poker pays out such high returns, the keno game at the same time nudges the return to player percentage close to 100%.
40 Ball Keno
Whereas normal keno games online are 80-ball games with 20-ball draws, this version of keno only picks numbers between 1-40.
If you had any hopes of an advantage in terms of odds, sorry to disappoint you, but those are flattened by the fact that only 10 balls are picked, making this essentially a game on mini-keno.
Klub Keno
This is a variant of 40-ball keno, in which one of the numbers between 1-40 will be given special status as the ‘star ball’.
If this star ball is picked during the 10 ball draw, a x2 multiplier applies.
Which number the ‘star ball’ is will not always be outlined beforehand. It all depends on the game you are playing.
Top Bottom Keno
In this keno variant, you choose numbers between 1-40 or 41-80, rather than the standard 1-80 games in classic keno games.
In this game numbers, 1-40 are the ‘top’ and number 41-80 are the ‘bottom’. You are paid according to how many balls you match within the half you have chosen. 20 balls are drawn, just as in standard games.
Krazy Keno
Krazy Keno is pretty much the same as klub keno, except that numbers range from 1-80 and a 20-ball draw takes place, making it a full version of keno.
The twist in real money krazy keno games is a bonus ball will pay out double if you match it. Again, why would you ever play a standard version with no multipliers, when you can enjoy the same game with a potential multiplier in there for the same price?
Progressive Jackpot Keno
Progressive jackpot keno games are played just like every other keno game, except that the jackpot has potentially rolled over numerous times in many previous games, meaning it could potentially be life-altering amounts of money.
Progressive jackpot games of any kind are always more exciting than others. Keno is no exception. Progressive jackpots are usually reserved for players who play 10 numbers and match them all. The prize is often well into the millions.
So, Why Play Online Keno?
The best thing about playing keno online is you will be able to choose any game variant you want. Whereas you may be limited to a few select games in a bricks and mortar casino, all types of keno are just a click away on both mobile and desktop devices. Check out our recommended casinos to play online keno for real money now.
