Keno moves quickly, which is why questions about fairness often pop up. How are numbers chosen? Can online versions be trusted?
This guide breaks down how keno works, how numbers are drawn, and what the odds and house edge really mean. You will also see how regulation and testing protect players, how to read a paytable, and what to check before you play.
If you ever feel unsure about a game, you will find simple ways to verify its credentials. Always keep play within your means and treat it as entertainment.
Is Keno Rigged?
Concerns about rigging usually stem from the speed of the game. In the UK, keno offered by licensed operators must be fair and random, and it is checked against rules set by the Gambling Commission. These checks confirm that results cannot be influenced by the casino.
Keno draws use either physical balls in live games or computer programmes in online games, both designed to produce random outcomes. Each number has the same chance of being selected on every draw.
There is a house edge, shown in the odds and paytable, which is how the operator expects to profit over time. That edge does not mean the game is fixed, only that the payouts are set so the operator has a long-term advantage. If you are ever unsure about a site, look for its licence details and independent testing certificates.
With that in place, it helps to understand what is actually happening during a typical game.
How Does Keno Work?
Keno is a lottery-style game with numbers from 1 to 80 shown on a ticket or digital card. Players pick their numbers, known as spots. Different games allow different numbers of spots, often from 1 up to around 15.
After selections are made, 20 numbers are drawn at random. The more of your chosen spots that appear in the draw, the higher the potential payout. Exactly how much depends on two things already introduced here: how many spots you picked in total and how many of those were matched.
For example, picking 8 spots and matching 5 usually returns a smaller payout than picking 8 and matching 7, but more than picking 8 and matching 3. Each game shows these amounts on its paytable, which is why checking it first is useful.
How Are Keno Numbers Drawn?
The drawing process is central to fairness. Most keno games use either live draws or random number generators to select results, and both are designed to produce unpredictable outcomes.
Live Draws
In live keno, numbered balls are mixed inside a transparent machine before being selected and shown to players. The process mirrors a traditional lottery, with the mechanism visible and outcomes announced in real time. This visibility helps build trust in the draw.
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
Online keno relies on RNGs, which are computer systems that generate sequences of numbers at random. Well-run sites use certified RNGs that are routinely tested by independent organisations to confirm that results cannot be predicted or altered.
So what does that mean for online play in practice?
Are Online Keno Games Fair?
At licensed sites, online keno must meet strict standards for randomness and integrity. Testing agencies audit the RNGs at regular intervals and confirm that every number has an equal chance of being drawn. These checks are part of the requirements for holding a UK licence.
Players who stick to regulated platforms are playing games that have been verified to meet these standards. If transparency around testing and licensing is clear and up to date, that is a strong indicator that the game is being run properly.
How Is Keno Regulated And Independently Tested?
In the UK, the Gambling Commission sets the rules operators must follow. Keno games are reviewed for fairness and clarity, and the systems behind them are assessed by independent testing agencies such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs. These third parties verify that the RNGs used in digital keno produce unpredictable results.
Operators must publish licensing information and details about audits they have passed, typically in the website footer. If you can easily find this information and it links to current records, it shows the operator takes compliance seriously.
Fairness is one part of the picture. It also helps to understand the numbers behind the game.
What Are The Odds And House Edge In Keno?
Keno outcomes are random, and the odds change with the number of spots chosen. Picking more spots increases the potential top payout but also makes it less likely that all will be matched. Picking fewer spots reduces the size of any top payout but increases the chance of getting at least some matches. Neither approach changes the underlying fairness, but it does change volatility.
The house edge is the portion of total wagers the operator expects to retain over the long term. In keno, it is often higher than in many other games, frequently in the range of 20% to 35%, though exact figures vary by paytable. This is why understanding a game’s payouts before you commit is important.
If you plan to play, decide your spend in advance and stick to it. Treat any wins as a bonus rather than something to rely on.
How To Read A Keno Paytable
A keno paytable shows what is paid for matching a certain number of your chosen spots. It usually lists the total spots selected down one side and how many matches trigger a payout across the top. Where the row and column meet, you will see the payout for that result.
Two paytables can look similar but pay very differently. One 8-spot game might pay more for hitting all 8, while another pays more for hitting 5, 6 or 7. That difference affects both potential returns and how often you are likely to see a payout. If a game publishes its return to player (RTP), that figure is based on the paytable and can help you compare versions.
Checking the paytable before you start lets you choose a game that matches your risk appetite and budget.
What Signs Suggest A Keno Game Might Be Rigged?
Licensed keno games are checked for fairness, but there are warning signs worth noting. If a site hides or omits licence details, that is a strong reason to avoid it. The same applies if there is no clear information about independent testing or how often the RNG is audited.
Repeated technical glitches, sudden rule changes without notice, slow or inconsistent payouts, and unhelpful customer support can also point to poor practice. Seeing clusters or repeated numbers is not a reliable red flag on its own, because genuine randomness can produce streaks. It is the lack of transparency and weak oversight that should set alarm bells ringing.
Can Patterns In Keno Results Prove Rigging?
Short answer, no. In a random sequence, it is normal to see repeats, clusters and quiet spells. Over a small sample of draws, patterns often appear simply because randomness is uneven at close range. Over a very large sample, the distribution settles, which is exactly what independent testing checks.
If something feels off, look for evidence of recent audits and current licensing. Where those are in place and easily verified, patterns in results are best seen as a feature of randomness rather than proof of interference.
How To Check A Keno Game's Fairness Before Playing
A trustworthy keno game leaves a clear paper trail. Look for an active UK licence linked from the site’s footer and a direct reference to independent testing. Reputable operators publish recent audit reports or fairness certificates that explain what was tested and when. You may also see a badge from a recognised laboratory, which indicates the RNG has been reviewed to industry standards.
Licensing pages and testing summaries should load on official or verifiable domains, not just images pasted onto a website. If these details are hard to find or out of date, consider that a warning sign. Tools that help you manage your play, such as deposit limits and time-out options, are another indicator that the operator takes its responsibilities seriously.
Differences Between Live And Online Keno
Live keno is played in person, often with paper slips and a visible draw machine. Results arrive on a public schedule and are announced by a host, which gives the experience a communal feel. The pace is steady and set by the venue’s timetable.
Online keno runs through websites or apps. Players select numbers on a device, the RNG handles the draw, and results appear instantly. You can usually start a game whenever you wish, and different versions can vary in speed and paytables.
Both formats are regulated in the UK when offered by licensed operators, and both should publish clear information about their fairness checks. If you decide to play, keep your budget front of mind and step away if it stops feeling enjoyable. If gambling affects your well-being or finances, support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.