What does sweepstakes keno mean?
Since keno is a part of the lottery-style of games, like bingo, it means it’s been primarily played with real money for much of its history. The sweepstakes version of this is a direct opposite to that, meaning you get to play keno online for free.
This is possible thanks to the sweepstakes model, which certain casinos use to offer casino-style games without the reliance on real money. So, if you were to play on sweepstakes bingo sites, for instance, you can play the game for free without needing to make any financial commitments.
In the same vein, sweepstakes casinos users can play free keno using virtual currencies or tokens with no real-world value.
The pros and cons of social keno
These are the upsides and downsides we found when exploring free online keno games:
Social Ken: Pros & Cons
- Quick gameplay
- Simple to understand
- Variety
- Huge prizes
Keno Variations
The simple nature of keno hasn’t saved it from the march of development, as there continue to be new variations of the game. Not only does this make for variety, but it also keeps things fun and modern.
Here is a breakdown of some of the different forms of keno we found:
1. Traditional/classic keno
This is the mother lode—the one to start it all. The original version of keno can be traced back to China, which is interesting considering the word “keno” is latin for five lucky numbers.
The classic version revolves around 80 numbers, and players are allowed to pick any 20 of your choice. The more numbers you predict correctly, the higher your prize.
2. Multi-card keno
This is a specialized version of the game that features up to 20 keno cards in each round. Each card had a similar entry and chosen numbers.
3. Progressive jackpot keno
This variant of keno is similar to another, video keno, with the major difference being the addition of a progressive jackpot system. This new element means that the jackpot peaks with each new round of play, even when no one wins the round. It’s no surprise that progressive jackpot keno sometimes have huge pot prizes.
4. Themed keno
This is an artistic reimagining of the classic game, where vibrant and aesthetic themes are built around the game. Some popular examples are Tutan Keno and Monkey Keno. The improved visuals of these games make for an immersive and impressive playing experience.
5. Video keno
Video keno is in the same format of games as video slots and video poker. This variation of the game is more fast-paced than the original, since no one has to wait for others to lock in their predictions. Simply make your entry on your preferred numbers and hit the start button whenever you’re done.
6. Multiplier keno
When making large prediction entries, this variation allows for bonus multipliers. However, players have no hand in the multipliers, as they are randomly assigned before the draw commences and may be anywhere between 1.5x to 10x.
7. Live keno
Live keno is basically a live streaming of a real keno session at a physical casino. It brings out the immersive atmosphere of the game, featuring a real croupier, who randomly picks out a number one after the other.
About 20 numbers are selected in total, with anticipation building steadily until the last few. This is a great game to play alone or with family and friends.
Top sweepstakes casinos for October 2023
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$25 No Deposit + 250,000 Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Players from Virginia accepted
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30 SCs on 1st Purchase + 4.5 SCs FREE
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$5 No Deposit + 250 GameCoins + 600 Diamonds
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1,000 ($10) No Deposit Free Coins + 360,000 Gold Coins + $8 FREE Coins
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Day 6: 10 free SC extra for $30 package purchase: $30 = 40,000 LC + 40 SC (25% Off)
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How to play keno
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how keno works:
- Pick a free keno game. We’ll recommend a trustworthy operator below, so you can check out their keno collection.
- Select your preferred numbers. In most games, you will be allowed to pick anywhere from 1 to 20 random numbers from the keno grid.
- Select your preferred entry per draw. Feel free to adjust each entry using the arrows on the amount.
- You might be required to indicate how many games you intend to play. For instance, if you enter a draw with 50 GC on your numbers and play, say, four games, you will have used 200 GC at the end of the playing period.
- Wait for the winning numbers to be drawn to see if you have any matches. The system will automatically draw the maximum amount of numbers allowed in the game. Use an X or ✓ on your card to signify hits and misses. Your prize is determined by how many winning numbers you predicted correctly.
Mini Reviews: Where to play social keno
For this guide, here is our recommended list of sweepstakes casinos that offer free-to-play keno games:
Stake.us
Stake.us is one of the leading social casinos in the US, with a well-rounded, modern casino structure that promises lots of games, variety, and a stellar bonus system.
To find keno games, simply input the word “keno” into the search bar in the game lobby. At the time of this writing, only a single game turned up. While this isn’t nearly enough variety, the quality can’t be missed. The operator prioritized developing a single high-end game over stocking a range of mediocre ones. That works for us.
Stake.us: Pros & Cons
- High-quality games library
- Variety
- Lots of promotions and offers
- Cryptocurrencies are allowed
$25 No Deposit + 250,000 Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Tips for playing free keno
In our expert opinion, here are some pointers to look out for when deciding where to play keno games for fun:
First and foremost, you want to ensure that you have taken your business to a reputable operator. Check for a reputable license and ensure that the operator is legally cleared to operate in your region.
There are lots of casino software developers in the market, some more popular than others. However, when it comes to certain games, some developers are just better than others. For example, developers like Konami, SG Digital, and Grand Vision Gaming are well known in the keno community for their stunning games.
What kind of prizes are you winning? Knowing helps to narrow down your choice, making it easier to pick a keno game. To learn about these prizes, visit the charts and compare past winners.
Keno’s simplicity means that it’s easy to render on most devices. The rounds are quick and the game is straightforward; not a lot of processing going on there. It’s no surprise that the game ports well on smartphones.
Conclusion
As simple as keno presents, people have devised strategies and skills for getting better at it over the years—meaning there’s more to the game than understanding the rules. We recommend learning these tips and tricks to improve your gameplay and test them out in fun mode with GC.
That said, we encourage you to check out more games on our website to learn more about other sweepstakes games. Recently, we covered sweepstakes baccarat sites in the US and many more.
Our favorite sweepstakes casino bonuses
1.
$25 No Deposit + 250,000 Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 3x Deposit
2.
30 SCs on 1st Purchase + 4.5 SCs FREE
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: 9.99
3.
$5 No Deposit + 250 GameCoins + 600 Diamonds
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
1,000 ($10) No Deposit Free Coins + 360,000 Gold Coins + $8 FREE Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
Day 6: 10 free SC extra for $30 package purchase: $30 = 40,000 LC + 40 SC (25% Off)
Players from Virginia accepted
Sweepstakes Keno FAQ
🔢 Can I play keno online?
Keno has existed in different forms since it was first discovered. Like any other lottery-style game, it has since established a digital following. You can find out more about lottery-style games and operators that offer them in our reviews and guides.
🧪 What is the keno formula?
Every experienced keno player has a go-to strategy that works for them. These tactics are often devised after years of playing and studying the game. Read our pieces for insights into games, developers, operators, and more.
🤑 What are the winning numbers in keno?
In each round of keno, the winning numbers are shown after entries have been made and locked in. For the online version, the croupier or system proceeds to reveal these numbers one after the other. If you’d like to learn more about keno and how it works, visit our website today.
