The Difference between Keno and Bingo

We’re guessing that as you’re reading this article on Online Bingo Finder, that you’re probably totally au-fait with, if not a massive fan, of bingo. You might, therefore, have heard about or come across another game called Keno on your internet travels, which may have left you wondering if they are one and the same, or if they’re just two slightly similar games.

Well, today we intend to explain the similarities and differences between both games, as well as look at how each is played.

The origins of the games

For starters, keno and bingo are definitely not the same. Keno is one of the oldest gambling games in history, and is thought to have been invented by Cheung Leung, in the rule of the Han Dynasty, in China about 3,000 years ago. It’s believed that the reasons for its creation were to raise vital funds for an ongoing war, and prevent the need for Leung to have to raise public taxes. It quickly gained popularity and became known as the “white pigeon game”, named after the white birds that were employed to fly winning numbers across the vast countryside.

Bingo, on the other hand, originated in the early 16^th century over in Italy. Known as “Lo Gioco del Lotto d’Italia,” it started life as a national state lottery, which still runs today, every Saturday.

The similarities

The only real similarities between the two online games are that they are both played with numbers, they use numbered cards/tickets, and players are rewarded for their numbers ‘coming up.’

The main differences

The main difference between keno and bingo is that bingo players do not have the option to choose their own numbers. OK, so some online sites allow you to change your cards if you’re not happy with your existing ones, but you can’t physically pick and choose each number on your card/cards. Neither can you control how much you ‘bet,’ other than by choosing to buy more or less game cards, or if you choose to play in cheaper or more expensive rooms.

With keno, players can pick up to twenty numbers from the selection available, and decide what type of bet they wish to make, and how much they want to wager.

The aim of each game

The standard version of keno is very similar to playing a lottery, as you are required to gamble on numbers of your choosing. You’ll need to wager on between one and twenty numbers, and in every round, twenty numbers are drawn. To win the jackpot prize, you will need to match fifteen of yours with fifteen of those that are drawn. You can still win smaller amounts of money for matching fewer numbers, but the amount depends on which online site you are playing at.

With bingo, there are many different variations of the game; common examples include 90-ball, 80-ball, 75-ball, 30-ball and five-line. The aim depends on which version you’re playing, but usually, you’ll need to either cover all the numbers on your card (known as a full house or coverall), get one or two horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines, four corners and the centre number, or complete a pattern. The jackpot is normally awarded to the player who is first to complete their card, whilst lesser prizes are sometimes given to those with one or two lines, and in some circumstances, players with one-to-go and two-to-go.

Placing bets

With bingo, you don’t really place a bet as such. You simply purchase your cards for a set amount of money, and aim to be the first player to complete a card, pattern or line. The odds can be tilted slightly in your favour if you buy several, rather than just one card.

In keno, you can choose a different bet every time, and you control how much that it will be. You can use your set of numbers for multiple games if you wish. Normally, there are two types of bets associated with the game – straight and way bets. With the straight variety, you’ll need to pick your numbers and place the minimum wager on each race. With way betting, your chosen numbers are divided into different sets. This allows you to not only win if all your numbers come up, but also win if sets of numbers are drawn.

What next?

Now that we’ve compared and contrasted these two equally-fun online games, why not have a go at keno next time you’re thinking of playing online? Some people prefer to stick to bingo, as the rules are considered more straight-forward. However, keno can offer tempting cash prizes and is more fast-paced, so it could add some additional excitement and variety to your online gaming experience.