If you’ve ever walked into a casino or played games at an online gambling site, chances are you’ve come across two popular games – Keno and Bingo. Both games involve selecting numbers and have similar gameplay, but what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Keno and Bingo, exploring their differences in gameplay, odds, and strategies. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of these two games and be able to decide which one is the right fit for you.
1. Understanding Keno
Keno is a game that originated in China, and it has been around for over 2000 years. It became popular in the United States during the 19th century when Chinese immigrants brought the game with them. Today, you can find Keno in almost every land-based and online casino.
How to Play Keno
Keno is played by choosing numbers from a grid of 80 numbers. Players can select up to 20 numbers per card, and typically, players will choose between 4-10 numbers. After selecting your numbers, 20 numbers are drawn at random using a random number generator (RNG). If your selected numbers match the drawn numbers, you win. The more numbers you match, the higher your payout will be.
One of the key differences between Keno and other lottery-style games is the frequency of draws. In Keno, a new draw takes place every few minutes, giving players the opportunity to play continuously and win multiple times in a short amount of time.
Odds and Payouts in Keno
The odds of winning in Keno vary based on how many numbers you select and how many numbers are chosen in the draw. For example, if you choose four numbers, the odds of hitting all four numbers are 1 in 3.86, while the odds of hitting seven numbers out of 10 is 1 in 621.
The payouts in Keno also differ depending on how many numbers you match. In general, the more numbers you match, the higher your payout will be. However, payouts can vary from casino to casino, so it’s best to check the paytable before playing.
Strategies for Playing Keno
Since Keno is a game of chance with random number draws, there isn’t a foolproof strategy that guarantees a win. However, some players have come up with different strategies to increase their chances of winning.
One popular strategy is to choose consecutive numbers, believing that they are more likely to be drawn. Another strategy is to bet on the same numbers that have been drawn previously, known as “hot” numbers. However, it’s essential to remember that each draw is independent, and there is no guarantee that any specific number or pattern will be drawn.
2. Exploring Bingo
Bingo is another popular game that originated during the 16th century in Italy and has evolved into various forms over the years. The game is played worldwide in retirement homes, community centers, and casinos. With the rise of online gambling, Bingo has become even more accessible, allowing players to play from the comfort of their own home.
How to Play Bingo
Bingo is played using a card with a grid of numbers on it. The caller, who is usually an automated voice in online bingo, will call out numbers at random. Each player marks off the numbers on their card as they are called. The objective of the game is to create a winning pattern on your card, such as a straight line, diagonal, or all four corners.
Unlike Keno, where players select their numbers, in Bingo, each card is pre-printed with numbers. Additionally, in traditional Bingo, players must purchase a ticket to play, while online bingo often offers free games with the option to buy additional cards for better chances of winning.
Odds and Payouts in Bingo
The odds of winning in Bingo depend on the number of players and the number of cards in play. The more cards there are, the lower your odds of winning. However, since many online bingo games have a limit on the number of players or cards, this can increase your chances of winning compared to playing in a physical setting.
The payouts in Bingo also vary depending on the game and the winning pattern. Typically, the more challenging the winning pattern is to achieve, the higher the payout will be.
Strategies for Playing Bingo
As with Keno, Bingo is a game of chance, so there is no guaranteed strategy to win. However, some players believe that purchasing multiple cards gives them a better chance of winning. Others suggest choosing cards with different numbers to increase your odds of having a winning card. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference, and there is no one strategy that works every time.
3. Comparing Gameplay Differences
While both Keno and Bingo involve selecting numbers and matching them to drawn numbers, there are key differences in their gameplay.
Frequency of Draws
One of the most significant differences between Keno and Bingo is the frequency of draws. As mentioned earlier, Keno has new draws every few minutes, while traditional Bingo typically only has one draw per game session. This means that players can continue playing and potentially winning in Keno, while in Bingo, you have to wait for the next game to start.
Number Selection
In Keno, players select their own numbers, while in Bingo, the numbers are already printed on the card. This gives players more control over their gameplay in Keno, as they can choose which numbers they want to bet on. In Bingo, the numbers are randomly assigned, so there is no strategy involved in choosing numbers.
Winning Patterns
In Keno, the objective is to match as many numbers as possible. In Bingo, players must complete a specific pattern on their card to win. This adds an element of strategy to Bingo, as players must carefully mark off numbers to achieve the winning pattern. In Keno, players can match numbers in any order, giving them more flexibility in their gameplay.
4. Analyzing Odds and Payouts
When deciding which game to play, it’s essential to consider the odds of winning and the potential payouts.
Odds
As mentioned earlier, the odds of winning in Keno depend on the number of numbers you select and how many numbers are drawn. The odds of winning in Bingo depend on the number of players and the number of cards in play. Overall, the odds of winning in Keno tend to be slightly better than Bingo since players have more control over their number selection.
Payouts
Both games offer various payouts depending on the number of numbers or patterns matched. However, since Keno offers higher payouts for matching more numbers, there is a chance for larger returns than in Bingo. Bingo may have smaller payouts, but there is also the potential to win a progressive jackpot if your card matches all the numbers called.
5. Differences in Strategies
While there are no guaranteed strategies for winning in either game, some players believe that certain approaches increase their chances of winning.
Betting Patterns
In Keno, players can choose different betting patterns, such as consecutive numbers, hot numbers, or cold numbers (numbers that haven’t been drawn recently). These patterns may give players a false sense of control, but ultimately, each draw is entirely random, and there is no guarantee that these patterns will result in a win.
Card Selection
In Bingo, players can purchase multiple cards to increase their chances of winning. This strategy can be effective in land-based bingo games, where players have a limited amount of time to purchase cards. However, in online bingo, players can join multiple rooms and play with multiple cards simultaneously, making it difficult to manage and keep track of all the cards.
6. Which Game Should You Play?
The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy more control over your numbers and prefer the potential for larger payouts, Keno might be the game for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy completing patterns and a slower-paced game, Bingo may be a better fit.
It’s also important to consider the odds and payouts, as well as your budget. Both games offer different chances of winning and payouts, so choose the one that aligns with your goals and budget.
Conclusion
While Keno and Bingo are both popular games that involve selecting numbers, they have significant differences in gameplay, odds, and strategies. Whether you prefer fast-paced, high-risk gameplay or a more controlled, pattern-focused game, there is something for everyone in these two games. Consider the differences outlined in this article, and try both games to see which one you enjoy the most. Remember to gamble responsibly and have fun!