Do Modern Players Prefer Keno for Its Blend of Luck and Strategy?
Dec. 2 2025, Published 1:40 a.m. ET
Many online gambling games involve both strategy and luck. However, it is always more luck than strategy, which is often why the odds are not in your favour. That said, games like keno have been around for centuries; they predate the internet, television and the car, and are among the oldest gambling games in the world.
Modern keno has a substantial online audience, and while it involves some luck, as with all forms of gambling, there’s some disagreement about how much strategy plays a role.
How online keno rejuvenated the game
Modern players prefer to play the game online due to the seamless way it has adapted to the modern market, which is one of the many appealing factors behind its success. As with so many other types of gambling, keno involves some luck.
Unlike other gambling games, such as poker, where you can use skill and strategy to gain the upper hand against more inexperienced players, there’s nothing you can do in keno that will allow you to leverage strategy to give you the upper hand.
Now, some may disagree completely with this. There are plenty of people who talk about keno strategy, but they often refer to the methods they use and the numbers they play time and time again, rather than strategies that work.
While variants of the game have exploded in range and variety over the last few years as those who play keno online can confirm, the essence of the game is similar to lotto or bingo-style number-picking games. We aren’t going to say they are identical because we know they aren’t, but the factors that attract audiences for lotto and bingo are the same ones that have helped keno flourish in the digital age too
Strategy in online gaming and betting
We often see people talk about strategy in betting, and it can be tricky to navigate. Some games involve a pretty sizable chunk of strategy, with poker being an obvious example.
We’ve seen casino games adapt to the latest developments in finance and technology. Bitcoin’s rise in the world of gaming and in the world of finance has been mesmerizing to watch, particularly since the beginning of this decade. While people look for information on how to mine BTC and the best ways to invest and trade the asset, it is another digitally driven market where strategy and a bit of luck matter.
Keno is a numbers game, just like the lotto is. Some might have lotto superstitions. You might pick numbers that are related to important birthdays or old house numbers. It is not an exact science as it is totally random, just like keno is, so don’t get pulled into the idea that it is half strategy and luck, as this is simply not the case. It’s completely about luck, and this should be the foundation of any keno gaming you do. Play safely within your limits and ensure that you do not get into the habit of chasing losses. This is a red flag that can indicate a serious issue with your betting.
Factors that fuel keno’s popularity
If we move away from the idea that luck and strategy are the primary factors in determining keno's popularity, two key elements can’t be overlooked. The first is the rise of mobile gaming, which has ushered in a whole new type of keno that people can play on the move, whether they are on their way to work or sitting at home on the couch playing on a mobile device.
The second factor is the social element introduced to the market by the exponential growth of online keno. It has allowed people to use online resources to find out more about the game, experiment with its variants and how they operate and find like-minded people who enjoy playing the game.
Usually, social elements can be found in social settings, internet forums and live in-game chats, which are becoming more prevalent in the world of online keno. Although sites like Discord originally started as message boards where gamers could share common interests, they have since rapidly expanded to encompass several other industries. However, social elements bring together those who have a penchant for keno and a keen interest in the mechanics of the game
Final thoughts
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As we mentioned earlier, keno is not a game that combines strategy and luck the way poker does. Modern players choose keno because it has an easy set of rules and follows conventional betting patterns that are familiar from lotto and bingo.
At the same time, it blends these gaming structures, the ease of mobile gaming and the fun of playing with friends; there are plenty of reasons people prefer the modern version. However, do not get pulled into the false belief that there is a strategy that is going to tilt the odds in your favour.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Gamble or play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. If you’re in the U.K. and need help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
