Ancient Origins

Keno’s story begins more than 2,000 years ago in China. Historical records describe a lottery-style game where participants marked selections on tickets, often using characters from the “Book of a Thousand Characters,” a poem widely memorized at the time. These tickets predate the modern 1–80 grid but share the same principle: mark choices, wait for a draw, and collect prizes based on matches.

Legend holds that early forms of keno were used to raise funds for large state projects. Some accounts suggest proceeds may have contributed to financing sections of the Great Wall of China. Whether or not that exact claim is accurate, what is clear is that keno-style lotteries offered governments a way to generate revenue while entertaining the public.

Migration to the West

In the 19th century, Chinese immigrants carried the game abroad, particularly to the United States during the construction of the transcontinental railroads. These communities recreated familiar entertainment from home, including lotteries resembling keno. To Western audiences unfamiliar with Chinese characters, operators gradually replaced symbols with numbers, making the game more accessible.

This transition marked the first step in the standardization of keno into the numbered format we recognize today. Cultural exchange reshaped the game, ensuring its survival beyond its original context.

Modernization in Casinos

By the 20th century, keno began appearing in Nevada casinos. To avoid legal conflicts with anti-lottery laws, it was marketed under the name “racehorse keno,” with numbers presented as “horses” running in a race. Players would “bet” on horses, sidestepping restrictions while maintaining the lottery-style experience.

As regulations evolved, the name reverted to keno, and the familiar 80-number, 20-draw format solidified. Casinos embraced the game because it offered simplicity, steady house edge, and entertainment value. By the mid-1900s, keno was a staple of Nevada casinos, with lounges dedicated to its play.

Digital Era

The late 20th and early 21st centuries transformed keno into a digital format. First came video keno machines, which resembled slot machines but allowed players to pick numbers and resolve draws instantly via Random Number Generators (RNGs). This sped up gameplay, shifting keno from a slow lounge pastime into a fast, individual experience.

With the rise of the internet and mobile apps, keno moved online. Digital platforms not only replicated the classic structure but also introduced themed variants, multipliers, free games, and animated designs. These innovations preserved the 80/20 backbone while experimenting with presentation and bonus mechanics.

Timeline Snapshot

• c. 200 BCE: Origins in China with character-based lottery tickets.
• 1800s: Carried to the United States by Chinese immigrants.
• 1930s: Nevada casinos introduce “racehorse keno.”
• 20th century: Standardized into the 80-number, 20-draw format.
• Today: Played in casinos worldwide, as well as online and mobile platforms.

Summary

Keno’s journey spans continents and centuries. From ancient Chinese lotteries that may have financed great works, to immigrant communities in the U.S., to Nevada casinos, and finally into the digital age, keno has evolved while retaining its essence: pick numbers, draw 20, and pay based on matches. Its adaptability explains its survival. The same mechanics that entertained crowds two millennia ago now entertain players worldwide, both in physical venues and online.

Next Steps

Explore How Keno Works to understand the mechanics and paytables that drive modern keno games.