Bingo and Keno in online casinos: What you need to know.
Time to read: 5 min
Published:
- Introduction
- Fundamentals of Bingo and Keno
- Bingo and Keno in Online Casinos
- Strategies and tips for playing Bingo and Keno
- Safety in Online Casinos
- Advantages and disadvantages of playing Bingo and Keno in online casinos
- Conclusion
A Brief History of Bingo and Keno
Bingo and Keno are two games of luck that have captivated the hearts of players for centuries. The origins of Bingo can be traced back to a lottery game in Italy called "Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia," which started in the 16th century. By the 18th century, the game had crossed borders, finding popularity in France, where it evolved to a more recognizable form of today's bingo.
In the early 20th century, the game reached the shores of North America. Hugh J. Ward standardized the game in the early 1920s and began to sell bingo cards. A few years later, Edwin S. Lowe, a toy salesman from New York, rebranded the game as 'Bingo'. He enlisted the help of Columbia University mathematician, Carl Leffler, to increase the number of unique bingo cards to 6,000. Since then, Bingo has grown in popularity, maintaining a constant presence in gaming halls and becoming a staple in online casinos.
On the other hand, Keno's history is steeped in legend. Said to have originated in China around 200 B.C., Keno was purportedly invented by a warlord named Cheung Leung as a way to fund his military operations. Interestingly, it's said that proceeds from the game helped fund the Great Wall of China. Keno, in its original form, used characters from an ancient Chinese poem instead of numbers. The game was brought to North America by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century, where it was Americanized, switching to numbers, and it gained the name Keno.
Popularity of Bingo and Keno in Online Casinos
In the digital age, the charm of Bingo and Keno has not waned. Quite the contrary, their popularity has exploded with the advent of online casinos. These games are loved by many players for their simplicity and the excitement they offer. A person doesn't need to be a seasoned gambler to enjoy a round of Bingo or Keno.
With the proliferation of online casinos, these games are now accessible to a wider audience than ever before. Players can enjoy these games from the comfort of their homes, or on the go, thanks to mobile-friendly casino platforms. An added allure of playing online is the array of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos, particularly for table games such as Keno and Bingo. These incentives are a magnet for both novice and veteran players, making the online gaming experience even more attractive.
While Bingo and Keno are essentially games of chance, there are keno strategy tips and bingo strategy guides that players can employ to increase their chances of winning. These strategies, along with the game's simplicity and the promise of substantial winnings, continue to draw people to online casinos. From humble beginnings, Bingo and Keno have indeed become giants in the world of gambling games, both in brick-and-mortar casinos and in the digital gaming landscape.
Fundamentals of Bingo and Keno
Rules of Bingo
Bingo is a simple, yet thrilling game. It starts with players purchasing bingo cards, each displaying a 5x5 grid filled with numbers ranging from 1 to 75. The word "BINGO" is written atop each column, with each letter corresponding to a set of 15 numbers.
A caller or a random number generator, in the case of online playing, draws numbers one at a time. When a number is called, players check their cards and mark the number if it's present. The goal of the game is to form a specific pattern on the bingo card, which is determined at the start of the game. These patterns can be straight lines vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or even a full card, also known as "blackout" or "cover-all."
When a player completes the pattern, they shout "Bingo!", signaling the game's end. The player's card is then checked for accuracy, and if the claim is valid, they are declared the winner.
Rules of Keno
Keno is equally as engaging, but with a different game dynamic. In Keno, players are given a card with numbers from 1 to 80. Players choose up to 10, 15, or 20 numbers to bet on, depending on the specific game's rules.
The game proceeds with a random drawing of 20 numbers. In physical casinos, this is often done using a ball machine, much like in Bingo. In online keno games, a random number generator is used. The more numbers a player has that match the drawn numbers, the larger the potential winnings. Each casino has a unique payout table that details how much players win based on the number of correct picks.
Key Differences between Bingo and Keno
While Bingo and Keno might seem similar due to their lottery-style format, they have key differences. In Bingo, players compete against each other. The first player to complete the pre-determined pattern wins. However, in Keno, players play against the house, not each other, and there can be multiple winners.
The way winnings are calculated also varies. In Bingo, the prize is usually a fixed amount, while in Keno, the payout is based on how many numbers the player correctly predicted, with higher payouts for more correct numbers.
Additionally, while Bingo games have a set number of balls (75 in American Bingo and 90 in British Bingo), Keno allows players to choose from 80 numbers.
Both games are chance-based and require no particular skill to play. However, adopting certain strategies, like a well-planned keno strategy or a comprehensive bingo strategy guide, can increase the chances of winning in these games.
Bingo and Keno in Online Casinos
How Online Casinos Work
Online casinos bring the thrill of gambling to the digital realm, allowing players to engage in their favourite games without leaving their homes. An online casino operates on a software platform that offers a suite of games. These platforms utilize random number generators to ensure the fairness and randomness of outcomes in games like bingo and keno.
A player begins by registering an account with the online casino, a process which often requires age and identity verification to ensure responsible gaming. The next step is to deposit funds into the account, which can usually be done using a variety of payment methods, including debit or credit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers.
One appealing aspect of online casinos is their bonuses and promotions, specifically designed to attract and retain players. For instance, many casinos offer a welcome bonus to new players or regular promotions for ongoing players.
The Process of Playing Online Bingo
Playing bingo in an online casino is a simple and enjoyable process. After logging into their account, a player selects the bingo game variant they wish to play. They then purchase one or more bingo cards for that specific game.
Once the game begins, the online platform automatically draws and announces the numbers. The software also offers an auto-dab feature, which marks off the numbers on the player's card as they are called. This feature allows players to manage multiple cards without the fear of missing a number.
When a player completes the required pattern, the system automatically calls bingo and stops the game. Winnings are instantly credited to the player's casino account. The convenience and ease of online bingo make it an enticing option for many players.
The Process of Playing Online Keno
Playing Keno online follows a similar straightforward process. Upon choosing a Keno game from the casino's game library, the player is presented with a digital card featuring numbers 1 through 80. The player selects their chosen numbers by clicking on them - usually up to 10, 15, or even 20, depending on the game's rules.
After deciding on the numbers and the bet size, the player initiates the game, prompting the software to draw 20 random numbers. If enough of the player's chosen numbers are drawn, a win is registered, and the winning amount, based on the paytable and number of correct hits, is added to the player's account.
Playing Keno online allows players to test different keno strategies without the pressure of a physical casino environment, increasing its appeal to a wide range of players.
Strategies and Tips for Playing Bingo and Keno
Popular Strategies for Bingo
Despite being a game of luck, there are a few bingo strategy tips players can employ to enhance their chances of winning.
1. Strategy of Buying More Tickets
One popular strategy is the simple mathematics of buying more tickets. The more cards a player has, the higher the probability of having the winning combination. It's important, though, to ensure that the number of tickets can be comfortably managed. After all, in online bingo, where the marking may not be automatic, losing track of numbers on your cards could potentially lose you a game.
2. Strategy of Playing in Less Crowded Rooms
Another effective bingo strategy is choosing the right time to play. Playing during off-peak times, such as on weeknights or afternoons, can often lead to less crowded bingo rooms. Fewer players mean less competition, thereby increasing the odds of winning. Showing up to the game 30 minutes early and finding a good seat near the front can also add to the winning potential.
3. Automatic Marking Strategy
In the context of online bingo, players can use the auto-daub function, which automatically marks off called numbers on your cards. This feature can be quite useful, particularly when playing multiple cards at once. This strategy allows players to stay organized without missing any potential wins, especially when playing with a large number of cards.
Popular Strategies for Keno
While luck plays a substantial role in Keno, players can still use a few keno strategy tips to help sway the odds in their favour.
1. Choosing the Number of Numbers
An important keno strategy involves deciding how many numbers to bet on. While you can usually choose up to 10, 15, or even 20 numbers, that doesn't always mean you should. Most experienced players agree that choosing between four and eight numbers offers the best chances. Betting on fewer numbers can increase your chances of a payout, although the potential winnings are higher when more numbers are selected.
2. Progression Strategy
Another keno strategy involves using a progression system. This means increasing your bets after losses in the hope of recouping previous losses when you win. While it may seem attractive, it's essential to consider your bankroll and set limits to ensure you don't chase losses too far.
3. Random Numbers Strategy
Since Keno is essentially a random number game, some players employ the strategy of choosing completely random numbers each time. This can be done manually or by using the 'quick pick' feature that many online keno games provide. While it doesn't increase your chances of winning, it makes each round a unique experience and keeps the game exciting.
Tips for Effective Online Bingo and Keno Play
Whether you're employing a bingo strategy guide or using keno strategy tips, here are a few extra tips to make your online play more effective:
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Understand the Game: Before playing, make sure you fully understand the game's rules and payouts. Each online casino may have slightly different rules or payouts for their games.
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Check the Bonuses: Look for online casinos that offer bonuses or promotions for bingo and keno games. This can give you extra funds to play with, increasing your chances of winning without spending more of your own money.
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Set a Budget: Always set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. This can help prevent you from chasing losses and ensures that you gamble responsibly.
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Practice: Many online casinos offer free versions of their games. This can be a great way to practice your strategies or get a feel for the game before playing with real money.
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Relax and Enjoy: Bingo and Keno are games of chance, so there's only so much you can do to influence the outcome. The most important thing is to enjoy the game. Winning is just an added bonus.
Safety in Online Casinos
Online safety is crucial when playing games like bingo and keno online. Here are some considerations to ensure you're playing safely.
How to Choose a Safe Online Casino
Selecting a reputable and safe online casino is the first step towards a secure gaming experience. Here are a few tips on what to look for:
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Licensing and Regulation: Always check that an online casino is licensed and regulated by a recognized authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. This helps ensure that the casino operates under strict rules and regulations, offering fair play and secure transactions.
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Reputation: Read reviews from other players. Reliable online platforms generally have a large number of positive reviews and high ratings from their users.
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Security Measures: Online casinos should use advanced security measures, like SSL encryption, to protect players' data. This information is usually available on the casino's website.
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Fair Gaming: Casinos should use a Random Number Generator (RNG) for their games, ensuring that outcomes are fair and unpredictable. Some casinos are also audited by independent organizations like eCOGRA, providing an extra layer of fairness assurance.
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Responsible Gaming Tools: Look for online casinos that offer tools for responsible gaming, like setting deposit limits or self-exclusion options.
Protection of Your Personal Data and Financial Transactions
Online casinos collect personal and financial data, so it's crucial they take measures to protect this information. Here's how they do it:
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Data Encryption: Casinos use data encryption, typically 128 or 256-bit SSL encryption, to secure data during transmission. This makes it almost impossible for cybercriminals to decode personal and financial information.
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Privacy Policies: Before signing up, read the casino's privacy policy to understand what data they collect, why, and how they use and protect it.
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Secure Payments: Ensure the casino offers secure payment methods, like credit/debit cards with secure codes, e-wallets, or bank transfers. These methods use their own security measures to protect your transactions.
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Account Verification: Reputable casinos require identity verification before you can withdraw winnings. While it may seem like a hassle, this process ensures that winnings go to the right person and helps prevent fraud.
Online gaming should be fun and secure. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy playing bingo or applying your keno strategy with peace of mind, knowing your information and transactions are safe.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Bingo and Keno in Online Casinos
Like all forms of gaming, playing bingo and keno in online casinos has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Playing Bingo and Keno
Advantages |
Description |
---|---|
Convenience |
Online casinos bring the excitement of games like bingo and keno right to your living room, allowing you to play whenever and wherever you want. |
Game Variety |
Online casinos often offer a variety of game options, including different types of bingo and keno, that physical casinos cannot match. |
Bonuses and Promotions |
Online casinos often provide promotions, bonuses, and rewards that are rarely found in traditional casinos, enhancing your potential winnings. |
Comfortable Learning Environment |
Online platforms provide an environment where you can learn at your own pace. Beginners can take time to understand the rules, try different strategies, and gain confidence before betting real money. |
Disadvantages of Playing Bingo and Keno
Disadvantages |
Description |
---|---|
Less Social Interaction |
While online casinos can try to replicate the experience, the social interactions that come with playing in a physical location can be missing. |
Risk of Addiction |
The convenience and accessibility of online casinos can lead to excessive gaming. It's essential to play responsibly and be mindful of your gaming habits. |
Withdrawal Times |
Although depositing money is often instant, withdrawals can take a few days to process, which can be a drawback for some players. |
Conclusion
Playing bingo and keno online can be a fun and exciting way to potentially win money from the comfort of your home. While the games are largely dependent on luck, strategies can be employed to increase your chances of winning. Remember, though, that the most important part of gaming is to enjoy it.
By understanding the game rules, applying effective strategies, taking advantage of bonuses, and ensuring that you are playing at a reputable and secure online casino, you can maximize your enjoyment and potential winnings.
However, it's also crucial to remember that responsible gaming should always be the priority. Set a budget, stick to it, and ensure that the fun of playing doesn't turn into a problem. As long as these guidelines are followed, bingo and keno can be rewarding games to play online.