Keno is famous for offering massive jackpots, but it is also infamous for having some of the worst odds in the casino. However, not all Keno games are the same. A machine in Las Vegas might have a House Edge of 25%, while an online video Keno game might only have a 5% edge.
How do you tell the difference? You have to look at the Paytable.
Our Keno Payout Analyzer (designed specifically for standard Pick 10 games) allows you to input the specific payouts of the game you are playing to instantly see the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. Don’t make a bet until you know the true cost.
Enter Payouts for Matches:
How to Use the Keno Payout Analyzer
This tool reverses the math used by casinos. By combining the fixed probabilities of hitting numbers with the specific payouts offered, we can determine the game’s long-term value.
- Enter Your Bet: Input your standard wager amount (e.g., $1).
- Enter the Payouts (Pick 10): Look at the paytable of your game. Enter the payout for each catch result (0 through 10).
- Note: In a Pick 10 game, catching 0 numbers usually pays money back. Don’t forget to enter this!
- If a specific catch pays nothing (e.g., catching 1, 2, 3, or 4 numbers), leave it as 0.
- Analyze Results: Click calculate to see:
- RTP (Return to Player): How much money the game pays back over time. Higher is better.
- House Edge: The percentage the casino keeps. Lower is better.
Real-World Examples: Good vs. Bad Keno
Why is this tool useful? Because a small change in the payout for hitting 5 or 6 numbers drastically changes the value of the game. Here is a comparison of two typical “Pick 10” paytables.
Example 1: The “Tight” Casino Game (Bad Value)
You input the following payouts for a $1 bet:
- Catch 0: $2
- Catch 5: $2
- Catch 6: $20
- Catch 7: $100
- …and standard top prizes.
Result: You might find an RTP of only 75% (House Edge 25%). This is a “sucker bet” typical of lounge Keno.
Example 2: The “Loose” Online Game (Good Value)
You find a different game with slightly better mid-range pays:
- Catch 0: $4
- Catch 5: $5
- Catch 6: $25
- …same top prizes.
Result: The RTP jumps to 94% (House Edge 6%). This puts the game on par with many slot machines. By simply finding the better paytable, you save huge amounts of money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a good RTP for Keno?
In land-based casinos, Keno RTP is often very low, ranging from 65% to 75%. In online casinos, a “Good” Keno game typically offers an RTP between 92% and 96%. If you calculate a game and the RTP is below 85%, you should generally avoid playing it.
Why does this calculator only work for “Pick 10”?
The mathematical probability of catching numbers changes depending on how many numbers you pick (Pick 5 math is totally different from Pick 10 math). This calculator is hard-coded with the probabilities for the most popular variant, Pick 10, to ensure maximum accuracy.
Does picking specific numbers change the odds?
No. Keno uses a Random Number Generator (RNG). The probability of drawing numbers 1-2-3-4-5 is exactly the same as drawing 12-34-55-67-80. The only way to improve your odds is to find a machine with a better Paytable (higher RTP).
Why does catching 0 numbers pay money?
In a Pick 10 game, it is actually quite statistically difficult to miss every single number (it happens about 1 in 22 times). Because it is somewhat rare, many casinos reward a “total miss” with a small payout, usually 2x to 5x your bet.