Keno Glossary

Here is a glossary of terms used when playing keno. This article is designed with the beginning player in mind and includes even the most basic of keno terms.

The keno term ‘balls' refers to the numbered keno balls that are responsible for determining the winning keno numbers. These balls are numbered from 1-80.

The ‘aggregate limit' in keno is the total payout a casino pays for a single game.

If you play a keno ticket as ‘all-or-nothing' you will only win money if all the numbers you picked are drawn. The only other way to win money with all-or-nothing is to have none of your numbers drawn.

Also, if you play a keno game called ‘catch all' you have to have all of the numbers on your keno ticket called. There is also a ‘catch zero' version in which none of the numbers on your ticket are called.

The ‘blower' is the part of the keno machine. This is similar to lottery blowers that allow the numbered balls to be dispensed and subsequently viewed.

If there is an unused keno ticket it is known as a ‘blank'.

The keno ‘caller' is simply the person whose job it is to call out the keno numbers as they are selected.

This next keno term is very common sense. The term ‘computer ticket' is a ticket that was generated by a computer.

When referring to a ‘crayon' you are talking about something in which you mark off numbers that have been called.

The term ‘deuce' means that two numbers selected are next to each other on the keno ticket.

The ‘draw' of a keno game are all the numbers selected throughout the keno game. There are 20 numbers selected in each keno game.

The ‘draw sheet' can be obtained from the counter and shows all the numbers drawn from the previous game. The purpose of the draw sheet is so you can check your numbers. Generally the draw sheet has the selected numbers punched out to make checking easier.

The term ‘exacta' refers to a ticket that you play for two separate games. Exacta tickets generally have a higher payout.

The ‘flashboard' is an electronic sign that flashes the keno numbers as they are drawn so every player can see the number.

The term ‘free play' means that your keno ticket won but pays no money.

A ‘high-end ticket' is a keno ticket that pays more money for higher number spots, but less for few spots.

The term ‘goose' describes the machine in which the keno balls are blown from.

If you have a ‘high roller ticket' it means that your keno ticket has a high minimum bet.

You ‘hit' if the number drawn matches one of the numbers on your keno ticket.

The ‘inside ticket' is a keno ticket that has been completed and returned to the casino.

The ‘jackpot' refers to the total pot that can be won. The keno jackpot is progressive. The jackpot is the total above the regular payoff.

A ‘keno lounge' is a room where players gather to play a keno game. There is a desk at the front of the room for the caller and the goose.

The ‘keno manager' is supposed to ensure that the keno game runs smoothly.

If you would like to know what the current jackpot is then checkout the ‘jackpot meter' which is an electronic display which is continuously counting the current jackpot.

The ‘keno counter' is where you go in order to place your keno wagers. You also return to the keno counter to collect you winnings.

While at the keno counter you will come across the ‘keno writer' who is an employee working behind the counter. It is their responsibility to place the bets of all players, supply players with keno tickets, and check winning keno tickets and handle payouts.

The ‘left-right ticket' has number marked vertically down the center of the ticket. When playing with a left-right ticket your goal is to have all numbers drawn on one side or the other of the keno ticket.

A ‘multi-game keno ticket' means that you can play the same ticket for several games.

The ‘limit' a casino has on each game. The limit refers to the amount a casino pays out for each game.

The ‘Nevada Gaming Commission' is the commission that governs all gambling in the state of Nevada. This means that all casinos in Las Vegas must run their business according to the rules set forth by the gaming commission.

When playing keno it is important to look at your ‘odds' of winning. The odds are usually expressed as a ratio and are a mathematical probability of a certain outcome.

The ‘pattern' of a keno ticket is the shape it makes from a grouping of drawn numbers. You can also find the same patterns on keno flashboards.

If you have a ‘pay any catch ticket' it means that no matter how many numbers on your keno ticket are drawn, you will still win money.