Online Keno vs. Live Keno Guide
With increasing clarity, casino table gambling enthusiasts are learning that anything they can play in a retail casino can also be played online. In fact, online access is much more robust because online casinos are not limited in the games they can offer since there is no need for casino floor space. There is always plenty of room on the Internet.
We don’t often get a chance to talk about keno. In a retail casino, keno rooms are often located away from the primary gaming action, almost like the game is an afterthought. Of course, any table game offered online provides equal access to anyone who wants to play a particular game.
If you like playing keno or might consider doing so in the future, you might appreciate a comparison between playing it online versus playing it in a retail/live casino environment. We would like to take this opportunity to offer you such a comparison in this keno guide.
What is Keno?
Keno is often described as a lottery-style gambling game. The main objectives of the games are similar. Players are required to select a certain amount of numbered spots, hoping those spots are selected from a random drawing. Yes, both lotteries and live keno use numbered ping pong balls that coincide with the numbers that are available on the lottery or keno card.
In both cases, there is really not much required in the way of strategy. Spots or numbers are selected, random balls are drawn, and winners are identified. The main difference between lotteries and keno lies in the number of spots that need to be selected.
Most major lotteries require players to select six (6) numbers, hoping to match at least four (4) to five (5) for minor prizes, and all six (6) for the huge jackpot. Most keno games allow players to choose from one (1) number to as many as twenty (20) numbers, depending on the rules of a specific game. Payouts on keno are made based on a paytable. Like lotteries, players don’t have to hit all selected numbers for a payout. The payouts are proportionate to the number of spots they get right. If they hit all of their selected spots, players can win big bundles of money, depending on the amount wagered and the number of spots hit.
Note: Depending on the keno variation and the number of spots played, the casino’s advantage could run from just above 5% to maybe as high as 8%.
The Differences Between Online Keno vs. Live Keno
You are sitting at home, wanting to play keno. You have a retail casino nearby and your smartphone in hand. It occurs to you that you want to select the option that will give you the most enjoyable keno-playing experience. Only you can decide that based on what you value most. Our job is to merely point out the pros and cons of each option. To that end, we offer the following comparison.
Online Keno
There is a lot to be said for being able to play real-money casino games from the comfort of home. All you need is your smartphone, a Lay-Z-Boy chair, a stocked fridge, and a little free time. Should you choose to play online keno, here are a few of the pros and cons.
The Pros of Online Keno:
- Keno access is available 24/7 from the comfort of home
- Save on travel time and money needed to get to a retail casino
- Games flow much faster in an online ken environment – maybe a game a minute
- Online casinos often offer multiple keno variations
- Online casinos offer bonus promos to boost a player’s bankroll
- All banking transactions are electronic – no need for cash
The Cons of Online Keno:
- Little to no social interaction
- The playing atmosphere feels very sterile with no need for anything more than an electronic device
- Need to avoid rogue, unregulated online casino sites – there is risk
Retail or Live Keno
You hop in the car and make your way to the local brick-and-mortar casino to play keno and perhaps a few other casino games of chance. By choosing to play live keno, here are a few of the pros and cons.
The Pros of Live Keno:
- Some people thrive in a retail casino environment among the hustle and bustle
- There is value in being able to socially interact with other players in the keno room – helps pass time
- It’s a tactile experience – you get to touch the markers, keno cards, and tickets
The Cons of Live Keno:
- The games tend to be very slow – as much as 10 minutes between games
- Only cash is accepted – must have a cash bankroll on hand
- More risk due to higher betting limits – keno heavily favors the casino
- Not all retail casinos will set aside space for a keno room – even seating may be limited
What About Online “Live Casino” Keno?
Technology often changes the way that we interact with the world around us. As an online casino player, you have no doubt come to realize that the gaming process is evolving.
One of the big changes in online casino gambling over the last few years has been the creation of “live” casino table games. These are games that are streamed live from either a studio or an actual retail casino located in the region. Live online casino games intend to create the familiar retail casino feeling while players can still enjoy the comfort of gambling from home. This is a phenomenon that is picking up steam all over the world.
Typically, an online casino will offer a limited selection of live casino games with live dealers/croupiers in charge. The vast majority of the games center on popular options like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. However, live online casino software developers like Evolution Gaming are starting to address the inclusion of other table games like Casino Hold’em and Craps. Indeed, live Keno has started popping up here and there. It won’t be long before you can enjoy the combination of playing keno at home with a live casino environment in tow.
Which Keno Option is Right for You?
At this point, you are armed with enough information about both online and live keno. It’s up to you to decide which option is best for you. In making that decision, here are a few factors you might want to consider:
- How much time can you devote to playing keno?
- Can you get access to cash so you can visit a retail casino?
- Do you want access to a variety of keno options?
- Do you want to play at higher limits?
- Which option is most convenient based on your current circumstances?
- Do you crave social interaction?
We would like to offer this final piece of advice. Playing online casino games of chance for real cash is an exciting and fun form of adult entertainment. With that said, it’s incumbent on you to gamble responsibly. You should never risk more money than you can afford to lose. We would suggest that your bankroll should include what is referred to as discretionary money. That’s the money you would have remaining after you handle your statutory financial obligations and put savings away for a rainy day. If you do this, you can safely have fun and maybe win a little money in the process.
Good Luck!