If you enjoy trying your luck in a world of numbers, the game of keno will appeal to you. It features very simple gameplay – all you do is choose 20 numbers out of a possible 80, running on a scale from 1 to 80. And that holds regardless of whether you are playing live keno or video keno. Of course, if you’re playing video keno, it’s much easier to use strategies that can help you win big. But we will get into the differences later.
Once you choose your numbers, the keno machine draws 20 numbers using a random number generator. And if yours match those on the machine, you win! To make the game even better, you don’t need to match the 20 numbers. In fact, that’s almost impossible because there is a 1 in 3,535,316,142,212,174,336 chance of scoring 20 numbers. Yikes!
So, you find that the casino pays out jackpots when you match 9 to 10 numbers. And we can all admit that it should not be such an uphill task. After all, even beginners match an average of 3 numbers on their first try! With this ease of gameplay, you can imagine that this game has become the go-to for most people.
Video Keno vs. Live Keno
We earlier mentioned that playing video keno gives you an edge to use strategies in your favor. But why is that? Let’s look at what the two keno variations entail:
- Video Keno: Unlike live keno, where you play games at a slow pace, video keno is much more heated. You can play tons of rounds per minute, much like a slot machine. So, you make your picks and leave the machine to do its work. Interestingly, this variation has a much lower house edge than its live version. But, of course, when you are playing tons of hands per minute, you should enjoy this perk.
- Live Keno: As the name suggests, you play the rounds in real-time. Thus, you often find that most casinos will start a new round every five minutes or so. If you miss a round, you must wait for the next one, unlike video keno which is available around the clock. So, why would anyone choose to play keno live? Well, the big jackpots! Even with a wager as small as $2, you can walk away with a million-dollar win. The key lies in finding the progressive jackpots.
So, what should you choose?
Weighing the Options
Both variations have their advantages as outlined below:
Video Keno
Playing against a computer affords you the following advantages:
- You play at a fast pace and can play several rounds per minute,
- You don’t have to wait for a round to commence so you can play,
- Most casinos offer various video keno options with bonus games,
- Thanks to the low house edge, you have a higher chance of winning, and
- The wagers are cheap.
It also comes with some cons:
- The fast game mode puts you at risk of losing money fast because several rounds occur in a minute.
Live Keno
While video keno comes with many benefits, live keno still has a following. Its perks include:
- Big wins on small wagers – you can make millions from a few dollars,
- You do not need any skills to play the game,
- You get to play at a slow pace which helps you think of ways to strategize for better pay,
- More flexibility in the type of gameplay.
Even so, it does have some downsides, including:
- The need to wait before a round commences,
- It can be intimidating to new players,
- A higher house edge compared to video keno.
So, is there a better option?
Both keno games are fairly easy to master, though live keno does take some getting used to before you can play it well. Even so, the ultimate choice comes down to what you prefer. If you want a fast-paced game with a low house edge, then video keno is the way to go. And if you want a slow game where you can take your time to choose your bets, then going live is a good option.
What’s it going to be?