Introduction

The appeal of keno is its adaptability. While Classic Keno provides a simple framework—pick numbers, draw 20, count matches—variants add bonus features that change the shape of payouts and the feel of play. Free games, multipliers, wild substitutions, and thematic overlays are common. Casinos rebalance paytables so that return-to-player (RTP) remains in a target range, while variance and player experience shift dramatically.

Keno Masters supports a wide library of variants. Each can be configured with custom paytables, then tested in transparent simulations. This section expands on the major variants, explaining their mechanics, volatility profiles, and practical considerations.

Classic Keno

The standard version of the game. Players pick up to 10 numbers from 1–80, then 20 numbers are drawn. Payouts depend on the number of matches and the active paytable. No multipliers, no free games — Classic is simple, transparent, and often used as the baseline for comparison.

RTP varies depending on the paytable, usually 92–95%. Variance is moderate, with most results clustering around 0–3 hits.

Cleopatra Keno

If the 20th ball matches one of your picks, you trigger the Cleopatra Bonus: 12 free games. All wins during these games are doubled. The feature adds excitement and variance by clustering payouts in bonus streaks.

Casinos typically adjust base payouts downward slightly to balance the bonus. RTP remains in line with Classic, but volatility increases.

Caveman Keno

Each round, three dinosaur eggs are placed on the board. If two of the eggs are drawn among the 20 numbers, wins are doubled; if all three hit, wins are quadrupled (some paytables even allow 8×).

The eggs introduce a multiplier mechanic that increases variance. Most rounds are unaffected, but egg-triggered rounds create clusters of elevated payouts.

Fireball Keno

An extra Fireball number can substitute for one of your missed picks, increasing your hit count by one. This raises hit frequency, particularly converting near-misses into wins. Some versions cap upgrades or require an extra side bet.

Fireball smooths gameplay by making results feel less punishing, while variance depends on whether upgrades can reach top tiers.

Power Keno

If the 20th and final ball drawn is one of your picks, your win for that round is multiplied by 4×. This mechanic concentrates excitement at the end of the draw and creates right-tail boosts in payout distributions.

Variance is higher than Classic but lower than Lightning, as only a subset of rounds receive the 4× multiplier.

Lightning Keno

Before each draw, several numbers are struck by “lightning” and given multipliers, often ranging from 2× to 12×. If those numbers are drawn and match your picks, your payout is multiplied accordingly.

Lightning produces the highest volatility among standard keno variants. RTP is often rebalanced downward to offset multiplier potential, but the excitement comes from rare, outsized wins.

DaVinci Keno

Inspired by Renaissance art, DaVinci Keno introduces wild symbols or gems. Wilds can substitute for missed picks, and some versions apply multipliers when wilds trigger. This increases mid-tier wins and smooths variance while adding artistic flair.

RTP is kept consistent by adjusting the paytable, but the experience feels distinct. Frequent mid-tier hits create a sense of progress, punctuated by occasional boosted wins.

Summary

Variants change payout shapes and volatility profiles but not the foundation: pick numbers, draw 20, count matches. Each bonus feature alters how wins are distributed:

• Classic — baseline, no extras.
• Cleopatra — clustered free games.
• Caveman — egg multipliers.
• Fireball — substitution upgrades.
• Power — last-ball multiplier.
• Lightning — high multipliers, extreme variance.
• DaVinci — wild substitutions and mid-tier boosts.

Next Steps

Learn the math behind these variants in Probability & Math. Read Bonus Features for detailed breakdowns of multipliers, substitutions, and free games.