A Complete Overview Of Keno Offerings In Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Lottery launched Keno at authorized retailers on May 1, 2018.
For some basic background, Keno is a lottery-style gambling game that can often be found at casinos and several state lotteries across the country.
Players choose a set of numbers, usually from one to 80. Typically, the host site draws a total of 20 random numbers. Payouts are based on how many of the numbers a player selects are among those drawn, and the amount the player wagered.
In Pennsylvania, the minimum bet on Keno is $1. Players can choose anywhere from one to 10 numbers. A computer randomly draws 20 winning numbers. The more players match, the more they will win.
The Pennsylvania Lottery is now holding Keno drawings every four minutes throughout the day. Players have the chance to win up to $100,000 on each draw.
Keno can be played at any participating Pennsylvania Lottery retailer. Executive Director Drew Svitko says it’s the first game the Pennsylvania Lottery is specifically marketing to businesses where adults gather to have fun, like bars and restaurants.
“Pennsylvania Lottery keno players are going to love this exciting, new way to play and win,” Svitko said in a press release.
Modernizing the Pennsylvania Lottery
Svitko views Keno as part of the Pennsylvania Lottery’s efforts to evolve with the times.
“Keno, along with our upcoming iLottery mobile/online games and Xpress Sports games, will bring the Pennsylvania Lottery into the modern gaming era while generating essential new funds to benefit older Pennsylvanians,” he said.
All Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds go to programs benefiting the elderly. This has held true since lottery product sales began in 1972.
Although Keno tickets can only be purchased at participating Pennsylvania Lottery retailers at this time, players can watch the drawings just about anywhere in the state. Spectators view results on big-screen monitors at hundreds of locations that also sell tickets. More locations are expected to begin showing drawings in the very near future.
In fact, Pennsylvania Lottery officials are asking players who don’t see Keno monitors in their favorite bars or restaurants to suggest businesses sign up to sell the game.
Players can also watch an animated depiction of the drawings on the Keno page on the Pennsylvania Lottery website. The animated depiction of the drawings is also available through the lottery’s official mobile app.
Keno players must be 18 or older.
How to play Keno in PA
Players will find play slips at participating Pennsylvania Lottery retailers. First, players select from one to 10 numbers. Again, the options fall between 1 to 80 (including those two numbers). Players can also opt for computer-selected Quick Picks by ticking the appropriate box on the payslip.
Players can bet the following amounts per play:
- $1
- $2
- $3
- $4
- $5
- $10
- $20
The next step in filling out the payslip is to select the size of the bet. Of course, prizes increase with the bet. The amount of numbers chosen has no effect on the cost of the ticket.
Players have the option of playing multiple consecutive drawings. They can choose anywhere from 1 to 20 drawings on the pla yslip.
Players also have the option of choosing the Keno Multiplier option for each ticket purchased. This constitutes a randomly drawn number that multiplies all prize amounts by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. However, choosing the Keno Multiplier option immediately triples the cost of the ticket. Selecting, or choosing not to select, the Keno Multiplier completes the play slip process.
After that, players simply hand the completed play slip to the lottery retailer, pay the required amount, and the venue will hand you back keno tickets with the draw number and your numbers on it. Keno tickets can also be purchased at one of the Pennsylvania Lottery’s touchscreen vending machines.
Then, just sit back, watch the drawing, and see what you’ve won.
Keno winners
The results of the most recent drawing and all past drawings can be seen on the Pennsylvania Lottery website or mobile app.
Winning Keno tickets up to $2,500 can be claimed at the same lottery retailer where the ticket was purchased or any other. Contact the Pennsylvania Lottery for wins over that amount.
If the payout is over $600, a claim form must be completed. Players must also file a claim form for any winning ticket older than 180 days.
Furthermore, players can always scan their tickets at lottery retailers to determine if it is a winner. All Keno prizes, chances of winning, and game rules are available on the Pennsylvania Lottery website.