Best online keno casinos in 2025

Our top Canadian keno casinos in October

What is keno?

Keno is a lottery-style casino game where you wager on numbers ranging from 1 to 80 for a chance to win a cash prize. Typically, 20 numbers are drawn at random, and payouts are awarded to those who match the corresponding numbers. The more numbers you match, the higher your payout potential.

As keno has straightforward rules, fast gameplay and wide betting ranges of $0.01 to $1,000, it’s popular with casual and seasoned players in Canada. It’s also produced several millionaires over the years – the latest being David Campbell from British Columbia, who played BCLC keno and won a $1 million prize!

History of keno

Keno originated in ancient China over 2,000 years ago as a lottery used to fund public projects. In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants introduced the game to North America, where it quickly found a place in gambling halls. By the mid-20th century, keno had become a staple in land-based casinos, with large prize pools drawing in players.

Despite being introduced two millennia ago, keno remains popular today for its simple rules, low entry cost, and huge payout potential. Gambling sites have only increased its popularity, as playing keno at real money online casinos is more convenient than travelling to land-based venues.

You’ll also find keno live draws at provincially-run online casinos like PlayNow.com and ALC.ca, which allow Canadians to place bets on daily keno draws with prize pots of up to $250,000.

Keno rules explained

Most keno games use 80 numbers, 20 of which are randomly selected each draw. You must pick between one and 20 numbers before the draw takes place to play. If you match the number(s) drawn, you win a cash prize. The most frequently occurring numbers, referred to as “hot” numbers are 1, 4, 23, 34, and 72.

At keno online Canada casinos, you can typically bet between $0.10 and $20 per ticket, although this rises to $2,000 in titles like Super Keno. Each game also has a paytable showing how much you could win depending on the number of catches, number of picks made, and bonus features like jackpots.

Larger wagers increase win potential, but payouts are also dependent on how many of your chosen numbers match those drawn. For example, hitting 4/8 numbers with a $1,000 stake will pay between $50,000 and $75,000 compared to $2,000–$5,000 with 3/10 numbers.

Understanding keno payouts

Keno payouts depend on the number of spots (numbers) you select and how many of those are drawn. The fewer numbers picked, the easier they are to hit, but rewards remain modest. Selecting more numbers increases potential payouts, but the odds of hitting all numbers are low.

Average returns also vary by bet size and the game’s RTP. You’re more likely to win a payout by choosing four to eight numbers, which balances risk and reward.

Here’s a typical payout table for a standard keno game:

(Exact payouts vary by online casino/game)

Amber Langley Expert casino reviewer

“Even with a 4–8 number strategy, there’s no guarantee of winning at keno, as it’s a game of chance. I picked eight numbers with a $5 stake on my first play and matched four, resulting in a nice $250 win. Instead of chasing another jackpot, I cashed out my winnings as I’d spent my budget. Always gamble responsibly and know when to stop, so games like keno remain fun and you don’t overspend.”

Tips for how to win at online keno

Winning at online keno is never guaranteed, but there are strategies and steps you can follow to improve your experience. Here are our experts' tried-and-tested tips:

• Play at licensed online keno casinos: Choose trusted sites like Lucky Ones and JustCasino, which hold licences with regulatory authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority and Curaçao eGaming.
• Review keno payout tables: Not all keno games pay equally. For example, Jungle Keno pays $100 when you match 5/8 numbers with a $50 bet, while Super Keno pays $150. Reviewing paytables can help you play keno games that increase your long-term returns.
• Look for progressive jackpot keno: Choose keno online casinos with jackpot games to maximize your win potential. Even a $1 ticket could unlock a seven-figure payout in Canada.
• Balance your picks strategically: Looking at how experienced gamblers play keno, most opt for 4-8 numbers. It offers steady wins compared to chasing, say, 10/10 numbers, which have a 1 in 8.9 million chance of hitting.
• Manage your bankroll: Set a budget and/or time limits before playing to avoid chasing losses and gamble responsibly. This will ensure playing online keno for real money remains fun.
• Use bonuses wisely: Check that keno is eligible for bonuses at your chosen online casino before you deposit real money. Bonuses are a great way to get extra value out of your gameplay.

Traditional online keno in Canada

Traditional keno remains widely available through provincial lottery platforms. This includes WCLC in Manitoba, OLG in Ontario, and BCLC keno options via PlayNow. These games mirror the classic format: choose numbers, watch the draw, and win if they match. The daily keno OLG option is particularly popular, with a prize of up to $2,500,000 up for grabs.

Compared to modern versions with features ranging from multipliers to faster draws, classic keno is slower but more straightforward. It’s especially popular among lottery-style players who prefer simple gameplay over flashy features. While usually not as lucrative as progressive jackpot keno, the classic style still offers huge payout potential. Here’s an overview of odds for standard keno:

More popular online casino games in Canada

Beyond keno, Canadians enjoy a variety of games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and craps. We recommend Plinko and crash games, such as Aviator, if you enjoy games that deliver instant wins. Meanwhile, progressive jackpot slots are similar to progressive keno if you’re seeking huge wins. Bingo and scratch cards are also popular among Canadians who enjoy instant win casino games.