Before you sit down, know what you're spending. Enter your bet, venue, and pace — get a clear dollar figure for expected cost per hour.
Adjust to match how you play
Lottery ~15 · Casino ~20 · Video keno ~45 · Online ~30
The "expected loss" is a long-run average — not a guarantee you'll lose exactly that amount in one session. You might win, you might lose more. But over many sessions, this is where you'll land.
Expected loss = Bet × Games/hr × House edge% × Hours
House edge is the percentage of each bet the venue keeps on average over time.
Keno's slow pace is actually a feature. Even with a high house edge, a state lottery keno game running 15 draws per hour at $1 costs you less per hour than a slot machine at $1 per spin running 600 spins per hour — despite the slots having a lower house edge.
Bring at least 3× your expected session cost as your bankroll. This gives you a reasonable buffer against short-term variance without risking money you can't afford to lose.
Online keno at a licensed casino has the lowest house edge (6–8%), meaning much more of your bankroll stays in play. See our top online keno sites for options with audited RTP data.
How different venues compare at a typical $5 wager per game.
| Venue | Draws/Hour | House Edge | Wagered/Hr | Expected Loss/Hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Lottery Keno | 15 | 27% | $75 | $20.25 |
| Casino Lounge Keno | 20 | 25% | $100 | $25.00 |
| Video Keno Machine | 45 | 8% | $225 | $18.00 |
| Online Casino Keno | 30 | 7% | $150 | $10.50 |
| Slots ($1/spin) | 400 | 10% | $400 | $40.00 |
House edge figures are approximate averages. Individual games vary.
See which venue pays the most for each spot count and match combination.
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Calculate OddsHonest comparison of keno vs. slots, video poker, and scratch-offs.
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