Keno strategy
No numbers are lucky in keno – the only real choices are the pay table, how many spots you play, and how much you bet.
Best keno numbers: there are none
Each draw picks twenty numbers from eighty at random, so every number has the same chance every time. Birthdays, rows, diagonals and "best keno numbers combinations" all have the same odds as any other pick.
If the 7 came up in five draws in a row, its chance in the next draw is exactly the same as the 33's.
Past draws do not change future draws – there are no hot or cold numbers. See the gambler's fallacy for why streaks fool us.
How many numbers to play in keno
| Numbers picked | Best prize (for 1) | Chance to catch all | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 1 in 4 | 75.00% |
| 2 | 12 | 1 in 17 | 72.15% |
| 3 | 40 | 1 in 72 | 69.38% |
| 4 | 120 | 1 in 326 | 75.32% |
| 5 | 750 | 1 in 1,551 | 79.67% |
| 6 | 1500 | 1 in 7,753 | 65.41% |
| 7 | 5000 | 1 in 40,979 | 77.65% |
| 8 | 10000 | 1 in 230,115 | 87.98% |
| 9 | 10000 | 1 in 1,380,688 | 82.10% |
| 10 | 10000 | 1 in 8,911,711 | 83.59% |
Our example video keno pay table. Casinos set their own pay tables; the return changes with them.
- One spot: returns 75.00% of what you bet
- Four spots: returns 75.32%
- Eight spots: returns 87.98% – the best of these four
- Ten spots: returns 83.59%
- These are our learning table's numbers – a different pay table gives a different best spot count.
Pick the pay table first
The pay table decides your return, not the numbers you mark. In past surveys, Wizard of Odds found live keno in Las Vegas returning 65% to 80% and video keno in San Diego returning 84% to 95%.
Before you mark a single number, read the pay table and find the spot count with the highest return.
Compare tables side by side on the keno payouts page.
Bet small and set limits
Decide your total budget and number of games before the first draw, and stop when either runs out.
- Every game keeps a share of each bet on average, so more games mean more expected loss.
- Big prizes are very rare: catching all ten of ten spots is about 1 in 8,911,711.
- Use the smallest bet size you enjoy.
- Try spot counts for free in the keno simulator and learn the basics in how to play keno.
Questions
What are the best numbers to play in keno?
There are no best numbers. Every number has the same chance in every draw, and past results do not change the next draw.
How many numbers should I play in keno?
Pick the spot count with the highest return on the pay table in front of you. On our learning table, eight spots return 87.98%, while one spot returns 75.00% and ten spots return 83.59%.
Do hot and cold numbers work in keno?
No. Draws are random and independent, so a number that came up often recently is not more or less likely to come up next.
Is there a keno strategy that wins?
No. The pay table keeps a share of the money bet over time, so the only useful steps are choosing the best table and spot count, betting small, and setting limits.
What are the odds of hitting all ten numbers in keno?
Catching all ten of ten spots is about 1 in 8,911,711, so plan your budget as if it will not happen.