As a game of chance like lottery drawings and slots, keno can seem entirely random and down to luck. However, while you can’t guarantee wins, you can tilt odds in your favor with smart play. I’ve spent over a decade analyzing keno odds and testing theories to discern the best ways to boost payout potential. Here, I’ll share professional tips to leverage math and wise bets so you can improve your chances while playing responsibly.
Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
Bankroll strategy is essential for all casino games at CrownPlay Casino, but especially one with low odds like keno. The house edge ranges from 20-35% depending on the version, so proceed knowing profits long-term are unlikely. To offset low odds:
- Set a budget per session and stick to it
- Wager 1-5% of your bankroll per round
- Quit when you meet a profit goal or hit a loss limit
Conserving your balance enables more spins and chances to hit numbers. Try seeing keno as an entertaining lottery rather than a consistent money maker.
Understand the Odds and Payouts
While keno depends mainly on luck, you can make informed bets by learning math. Study the statistical chances of hitting different amounts of numbers based on how many you choose per round. This table shows the odds and payouts:
| Numbers Matched | 6/80 Odds | 10/80 Odds | Payout |
| 0 | 54.87% | 37.97% | Loss |
| 1 | 27.76% | 26.57% | Loss |
| 2 | 9.38% | 17.36% | Loss |
| 3 | 4.22% | 11.29% | Break Even |
| 4 | 1.05% | 4.81% | Break Even |
| 5 | 0.20% | 1.48% | 5x Money |
| 6 | 0.03% | 0.27% | 10x Money |
Picking 6 numbers yields better odds of smaller hits but lower chances for bigger payouts than choosing 10. Balance risk and reward potential as part of your tactic.
Have a Strategy for Picking Numbers
- Though keno results are random, many players use systems to select numbers. Two approaches are scatter shot bets across the board or targeted ones on specific digits.
- Scatter shot example: Pick numbers evenly across the entire card without repeats. This spreads bets for a better chance of some matches.
- Targeted example: Choose a section of the card and focus number selections there, with some repeats. This exploits the tendency for winning numbers to run in clusters.
While wins ultimately come down to luck, having a rationale behind your picks boosts perceived control to keep the game interesting.
Weigh Risk vs Reward with Each Bet
Rather than playing by gut instinct, use a risk-reward calculator. This tool helps decide wager amounts on odds of various payouts. Here’s a hypothetical example:
- Say you bet $1 per round on an 80-number game with 10 picks allowed
- If you match 3 numbers, you win $1 (break even)
- Matching 6 numbers pays $500
- Plug the 3 and 6 number odds from the payout table into an online risk-reward calculator
- It shows expected value of -.26, meaning a slight expected loss
- To improve expected value, you can bet less than $1 or only wager on rounds with better projected value
The more informed your betting, the better your long-term results are likely to be.
Have Fun and Avoid Chasing Losses
Like any game of chance, keno comes down largely to the luck of the draw. While it’s thrilling to ride winning streaks, cold spells with multiple losses are inevitable. Walk away rather than chase losses by raising bets or exceeding loss limits hoping to get even. This usually just leads to overspending.
Keno is best enjoyed as light entertainment, not a serious profit source. Setting affordable budgets and reasonable expectations are key. Follow the tips here to make informed wagers, then let go and have fun whether you win or lose. The more strategic your play, the better your chances to occasionally beat the odds. Just don’t count on it.
Conclusion
With expert keno tips like these, you can stretch your entertainment budget and occasionally profit. Strategize within your means by bankrolling wisely, understanding the payout math, picking numbers systematically and calculating risk versus reward per bet. This fully informs your play. But ultimately, Keno’s instant number draws are games of chance. Have fun playing the odds as a lively lottery while spending within your limits. Avoid chasing losses and simply appreciate any wins that happen to defy the odds and brighten your day.