🔢 Video Keno: the real odds & smartest way to play

Q: What is the house edge on Video Keno?

~5–8% (RTP ~92–95%, varies by machine). Keno edge = 1 − (paytable return). Video keno paytables are documented to return roughly 92–95% (house edge ~5–8%), far better than live keno's ~70–75% return. The precise figure varies by machine and spots chosen and is proprietary; we publish the well-established general range only.

~5–8% (RTP ~92–95%, varies by machine)house edge
YOUR SHOT: POOR

The electronic, self-paced cousin of keno — and a big improvement on the live game's odds. Video keno generally runs ~92–95% RTP (a ~5–8% edge), still worse than table games but dramatically better than the 25–30% lounge keno. The exact machine figure is undisclosed.

Updated June 2026 · VegasEdge · Education, not a way to beat the house

✅ Best bet

Video keno is generally far BETTER than live/paper keno — machine keno commonly returns ~92–95% (a ~5–8% edge) versus live keno's brutal 25–30%. Among video keno games, the paytable and number of spots chosen change the return; there's no single 'good' bet, but the machine version is the less-bad way to play keno.

🚫 Sucker bet to avoid

Live/paper lounge keno (25–30% edge — see the Keno entry), and the highest-spot tickets on weaker video paytables. Specific machine RTPs are proprietary; we give the documented general range.

How the edge is computed

Keno edge = 1 − (paytable return). Video keno paytables are documented to return roughly 92–95% (house edge ~5–8%), far better than live keno's ~70–75% return. The precise figure varies by machine and spots chosen and is proprietary; we publish the well-established general range only.

Optimal strategy

No skill changes random draws — picking 'lucky' or 'due' numbers does nothing. The only real choices are to play VIDEO keno over live keno (much lower edge) and to compare paytables where you can. Treat it as cheap, slow entertainment, not a value play.

What to expect

Play it smart. Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money — the house always has the long-run edge, and no system beats it. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it. If gambling stops being fun, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), available 24/7.

Compare other games

🃏 Blackjack — ~0.5%🎲 Craps — 1.41% (Pass) → ~0.37% with full odds 🀄 Baccarat — 1.06% (Banker)🎰 Video Poker — 0.46% (9/6 Jacks or Better, optimal play)🔴 Roulette — 5.26% (double-zero) / 2.70% (single-zero)🂡 Pai Gow Poker — ~2.5% (with 5% commission)← Full best & worst odds ranking All gambling guides & etiquette →

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