Bonus Keno
Keno is known for being a pretty straightforward game: you pick your numbers, and if they hit, you win a prize. This simplicity is part of what has kept the game popular at NetEnt casinos around the world. But even in something as simple as keno, it is possible to throw in a few wrinkles that change the gameplay to make it just a little more interesting for veteran players.
NEtEnt are best known for their slots, but also develop a number of other games too. Bonus Keno is a great example of a game that takes the basics and adds a couple of changes to keep you on your toes. Not only does this version of the casino classic feature a progressive jackpot, but you can also earn your way into a special round with bigger prizes on offer for lucky players.
Easy Setup
In most respects, this game works like any standard version of keno. You are presented with a grid of numbers, ranging from 1-80. Before each game, you’ll have the option of choosing between two and 10 spots, or opting for an “auto pick” in which your choices are made randomly. Players can bet anywhere from €1 to €5 on each drawing, with prizes adjusting accordingly.
As you make your selections, you will see a paytable appear that will let you know how many matches you must make in order to win a prize, and what the size of those prizes will be. For instance, if you select just two spots, the potential prizes are:
- Match 2: 7-1
- Match 1: 1-1
Keep in mind that these payouts do not include your original stake, which is considered lost once you pay it: a payout of one unit is equivalent to winning your money back and breaking even. The payouts will continue to change as you add more numbers, up to a maximum of ten spots. If you pick ten selections, you will need to match at least three in order to win anything, while hitting all ten will earn you 10,000 times your initial bet.
Once you’ve locked in your spots, hit the go button to start the next drawing. A total of 20 numbers will be drawn, and the screen will note when your selections have been matched. Once the drawing concludes, you will be awarded a prize if you have earned one, and you can then move on to the next game at your leisure.
Special Features
This version includes a bonus round that offers you the potential to play a free game with double the normal prizes. Each time you play, there is a chance that one of your matches will reveal a bonus symbol. These are tracked on a chart above the main play area, with each symbol adding one letter to the word “bonus.” Get five to finish off the word, and you will activate the bonus round!
This feature entitles you to one free game at the lowest bet amount that you used during the drawings that triggered the feature. On this special draw, you will see all of the potential prizes doubled, making this an especially lucrative round.
Progressive Jackpot
On top of the other special features in this version, there is also the potential to win a keno progressive jackpot on every play. You do not have to win any prizes during play in order to win the jackpot; instead, this prize is activated by hitting a specific pattern of ten hits on the board that combine to make the shape of a “J.” The exact pattern can be seen in the rules of the game so that there is no confusion over whether or not you have earned the prize.
In order to win the entire jackpot amount (which is always displayed above the screen), you will need to have played that round for the maximum bet. However, you can win at any level; your winnings will be scaled downward to match a smaller wager. For instance, if you played for €1, you would win 20 percent of the current jackpot amount.
Why Play This Game?
If keno is a game that has caught your attention in the past, but hasn’t seemed quite interesting enough to be worth playing, then Bonus Keno might add just enough of a twist for you to finally enjoy this classic casino favorite. There’s still no strategy to consider or fancy graphics to look at, but for a relaxing change of pace, this is certainly something to keep in mind.
