History reputes that classic keno originates from 7th century China at a time when the country began constructing the Great Wall. As immigrants arrived in America, those from China brought keno to the west coast. From there, the game expanded across America and online keno is now widely playable at casino sites, with mini keno being one of the key variants.

While classic keno draws 20 numbers from 80 balls, mini keno has been streamlined to draw 10 numbers from 40 balls. Although 40-ball is the most popular form of mini keno, there can be other variants that are played with 50 balls instead. Of course, this information should be found within the particular version of keno that the user intends to play.

Betting Options

In mini keno, a player can win by matching multiple balls on their tickets. However, where mini keno differs from a lottery draw is in the player having the option to pick their numbers as opposed to them being randomly selected. The highest payouts in mini keno are reserved for the more ambitious players who pick multiple numbers and then match them on the ticket. Ultimately, the ticket should highlight the cash payouts that are awarded for matching specified numbers.

Outside of the standard betting options, mini keno can also allow for the player to bet on “ways”, which are subgroups of multiple numbers that cannot be repeated across different ways. Meanwhile, the user can bet on multiple sets of numbers if they choose to place split bets before the draw is made.

Where available, straights and ways can be combined on one ticket if the user chooses the option of placing a combo bet. Alternatively, a king ticket is created when a user creates multiple groups with the aim of matching the “king” number in each and every one of those groups.