What Is Keno in Online Gambling?
Keno is a lottery-style gambling game in which players choose spots, usually from 1 to 80, before 20 numbers are drawn without replacement. A ticket wins only when its matches qualify under the displayed paytable; the wager, number of spots and hits determine the return. The mathematics stays fixed, but payouts and return to player vary by game. For Canadian players, the relevant provincial or territorial authority governs legal availability, while Ontario’s competitive market requires operators to register with the AGCO. This glossary explains the draw, exact catch-all odds, payout mechanics and why every result remains independent.
How Keno Draws, Odds and Payouts Work
Standard keno draws 20 distinct numbers from a field of 80 after the player chooses a set of spots and confirms a wager. Online versions normally use a certified random number generator, while draw-based variants may use physical equipment. Each round is independent: repeating a selection does not improve its probability. For an n-spot ticket with exactly r hits, the probability is C(n,r) × C(80−n,20−r) ÷ C(80,20).
The paytable converts hits into returns, so identical draw odds can produce different RTP and house-edge figures. A one-spot number appears with 25% probability, or 1 in 4; matching all five selected spots is about 1 in 1,551, and all ten is about 1 in 8,911,711. Players should check every qualifying match, prize multiplier and stake limit before wagering. In Canada, game availability and technical controls depend on the applicable provincial or territorial framework; Ontario-regulated sites must meet AGCO requirements.
| Spots Chosen | Catch-All Result | Exact Odds (1 in) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 of 5 | 1,551 |
| 10 | 10 of 10 | 8,911,711 |
