Exploring the Journey of Keno: From Ancient Chinese Traditions to Modern-Day Casino Favorites

Iasmina Bunea

Casino expert

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Keno stands as one of the world's most ancient games, making a triumphant return within the digital casino realm. This guide will delve into its rich past, tracing its roots back to Ancient China and following its journey into the bustling atmosphere of today's casinos.

What Is Keno?

Golden keno balls

One of Keno's key attractions is its straightforward nature. At its heart, it is a lottery-style game where participants select up to 20 numbers from a pool of 1-80, winning prizes if their choices are drawn.

To win, it's crucial to match all selected numbers. The greater the selection of numbers, the larger the potential reward.

In traditional casinos, numbers are periodically drawn, keeping patrons engaged throughout the day within the casino environment.

Online platforms offer the thrill of immediate draws, allowing players to engage in consecutive games rapidly.

Cash prizes are the norm, though occasionally physical goods may be included, typically alongside monetary rewards.

The Ancient Origins of Keno History

Great Wall of China

Few games rival Keno's historical pedigree, dating back 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest known casino games.

The inception of this game traces back to the Han Dynasty in China, between 205 and 187 BC, under the reign of Cheung Leung, who needed funds to support his dwindling army.

Faced with the challenge of taxing an already burdened populace, Leung devised Keno to allow citizens the chance to win while collecting a portion of the profits as tax.

Profits from Keno significantly contributed to financing the construction of the Great Wall of China.

To increase participation, rural villagers were encouraged to play, with results dispatched via carrier pigeons, inspiring the term Baige Piao or 'White Pigeon Ticket.'

Instead of numbers, players originally chose Chinese symbols or characters from a poem for their tickets.

Keno’s Journey to the West

For further insight into Keno's essence, let's examine its expansion beyond China.

Keno ventured West by the late 1800s, influenced by Chinese immigrants working on the transcontinental railroad and during the California Gold Rush.thWhile initially limited to private circles within the Chinese community, curiosity about winning ensured its broader adoption.

Frequently referred to as the 'Chinese Lottery,' the concept of the 'White Pigeon Ticket' wasn't easily translated, prompting changes.

To broaden its appeal, symbols transitioned to numbers, and the game was renamed 'Keno,' derived from the Latin for 'five winning numbers.'

This modification quickly gained traction in Las Vegas, marking Keno's mainstream acceptance in the West, with casinos frequently hosting successful daily games.

By the 20th century, Keno had secured its place in American casinos, initially using cards and balls from a rotating cage, akin to contemporary bingo.

Keno’s Evolution in Modern Casinos

Neon Keno Sign

By the mid-20thPlayers marked cards and awaited the drawing of numbers in what was dubbed a casino lottery, albeit on a smaller scale than national lotteries.

Despite retaining its fundamental rules throughout history, technology has modernized Keno's mechanics.

Modern Keno employs random number generators, mirroring online slots, with players able to choose numbers on paper or electronically.

Online Keno unfolds swiftly, whereas land-based games are leisurely, allowing participation in other activities while awaiting results.

Most casinos feature dedicated Keno areas, with tables displaying the 1-80 number spread.

Table setup

Close view of Keno cards

While some modern venues offer digital input for numbers, traditionalists may utilize paper tickets, marking selections and submitting them for validation.

Players then return to verify results, often displayed live on large screens.

Understanding Keno requires familiarity with its five primary betting options:

Keno betting options

Straight ticket: Select numbers on one ticket.

  • Split ticket: Allows participation in multiple games with varied number selections.
  • Way ticket: Groups multiple numbers into varied combinations.
  • King ticket: Selects a single number used across all combinations on one ticket.
  • Combination ticket: Merges several bet types on a single ticket.
  • Winnings hinge on bets and specific combinations, with payouts reflecting investment levels.

Once accustomed to Keno in a physical casino, the online version is a comparable but more streamlined experience.

How to Play Keno Online

Keno button on laptop

Choose an online casino, make your selections, and await the outcome determined by a random number generator. how to play keno online Historically, Keno games spanned hours or even days; today, the online format concludes in minutes.

Certain online casinos feature special weekend games, permitting advance ticket purchases for larger prize pools.

Keno stands out as one of the pioneers of lottery-styled games, enduring since the early second century BC.

In the table below, find details like origins, game objectives, house edge, and strategies to answer the question: what is keno?

Ancient Rome, organized by Augustus Caesar

Choose and match numbers drawn

Keno vs. Other Lottery Games: A Detailed Analysis

Neon Keno background

Match numbers called, aiming for a line or full card

Mark numbers drawn from a rotating drum

Keno Lotteries Bingo Tombola

Origin

Ancient China

Low house edge, comparable to Bingo

16th Century Italy

Italy

Object of the game

No specific strategy as it's mostly chance-based

No specific strategy as it's mostly chance-based

Focus on prompt and precise number marking

Mark off numbers with speed and accuracy

House edge

Varies with bet

Up to 50%

Usually low, around 10%

Keno offers multiple game variations, detailed below for reference:

Player strategy

Simple number selection

Power Keno: Introduces multipliers to specific numbers and winnings.

Super Keno: Rewards players for the first number matched within a game.

Progressive Keno: Provides a network-wide progressive jackpot with substantial rewards.

Popular online variants

Keno's history unveils unmatched game diversity, with subtle rule distinctions introducing strategic opportunities.

  • Optimize odds: Seek the most lucrative games with considerable jackpots.
  • Progressive jackpot variants, though pricey, have significant payout potential.
  • Reduce variance with multiple cards: Playing several cards broadens number coverage and attenuates risk.

Best Strategy for Keno

Manage finances prudently: As Keno is high variance, wager within comfortable limits to endure potential losing streaks.

Here are our top top online keno strategies :

  • Engaging with Keno online via a casino bonus is a practical approach to gaming. keno odds Bonuses may include deposit matches for substantial amounts or no-deposit options for risk-free play.
  • Your bankroll and preferred stakes dictate bonus suitability. Smaller bankrolls benefit from no-deposit bonuses providing bonus funds without upfront investment.
  • Players with more substantial bankrolls should consider deposit bonuses for better long-term returns.

Maximize Your Keno Experience with Top Casino Bonuses

Keno strategy

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Tracing Keno From Its Roots in Ancient China to Today's Casino Floors

Discover the intriguing journey of Keno over millennia, transforming into a quintessential favorite in online gambling today.

L'histoire de Keno : Un voyage de 2,000 ans, de la Chine ancienne aux casinos contemporains

Take a look at the best no-deposit bonuses in Canada that you can use to play keno online.