Number games such as Keno and Jueteng are immensely popular in the Philippines, making legal online Keno games for Filipino players a highly sought after form of gaming. Due to its simplicity, anyone can learn the game quickly, making it a great option for all legal gamblers. Another huge plus for Keno is the fact that it can be played in-person or online with such ease.
In the Philippines, the game, known as Keno Lottery Express, is run by the Philippines Charity Sweepstakes Office and is legal for all residents over the age of 18. Players in the Philippines can also enjoy Keno through legal online casinos, assuming they operate outside of the Filipino government’s jurisdiction.
What is Keno?
Keno is a simple numbers game that originated in China in the 19th century. Sometimes described as the casino’s version of a lottery, playing Keno is simple. Players choose 10-15 numbers ranging from 1-80. Once selected, numbers are presented via draw or random number generation. Usually, depending on the house rules for particular Keno games, 20 numbers are drawn. Adding a mix of bingo into a lottery-style game, the more numbers that match, the higher the payout can be.
Is Keno legal in the Philippines?
Not only is playing Keno legal in the Philippines, but the government even runs its own version of it. Keno Lottery Express is sanctioned by the PCSO, and despite a recent suspension of activity, the game is safe and legal.
Keno is also available on a variety of online gambling sites. For Filipino players, the online casino of choice must be an offshore website as online casinos based out of the Philippines are not allowed to accept Filipino players according to PH gambling laws.
Best Sites Offering Keno For Players in the Philippines
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Age | Accepts Filipinos? | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 100% Max $3,000 | 18+ |  | Visit Site Review |
 | Up To 7 BTC | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
 | 150% Max $750 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
 | 250% Max $6000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
 | 100% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
 | 100% Max $300 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
How to play Keno
Keno is played by selecting 10-15 numbers from a list of numbers between 1 and 80. After the player selects their numbers and places their bets, the numbers are then randomly picked or generated by the gamemaster or number generator.
Depending on the type of Keno played, 20 numbers or so are drawn. The more numbers that the player picked that are drawn, the higher the payout can be.
Odds of winning in Keno
The odds of winning at Keno depend on the amount of numbers picked. For example, there’s a 1 in 4 chance of matching one number if only one number is picked.
On the other side, there are 1 in 8,911,712 chances of matching 10 numbers if 10 are to be picked.
Keno, strategy, tips, and tricks
Since Keno is a game of chance, implementing an effective strategy for guaranteed winnings can be near-impossible. With that being said, there are a few tips and tricks that players utilize in an effort to maximize returns.
- Playing the minimums
This is a conservative strategy that can extend the life of a Keno bankroll. By playing with the minimum bets allowed, players lose less money at a time. With more chances to play, there is a greater likelihood of hitting a large payout.
- Betting the same numbers
Some players insist on betting the same numbers every time. There is no mathematical proof this can work, although a sense of stability in a random game can be enough to put a player at ease.
- Betting the same quadrant
Similar to betting the same numbers, some players only choose numbers in one quadrant. When split into fourths, the range becomes four unique boards with 20 spots apiece. By only betting in one of the 20-spots, the randomness can feel reduced.
Why is Keno a good alternative to Jueteng?
Since Jueteng is illegal in the Philippines, there is always a chance that players are not paid out properly or they could just be cheated altogether due to lack of regulations and laws. But with Keno, whether done through the government or offshore online casinos, players are always guaranteed to be paid their fair winnings without fear of cheating.
Keno is one of the best alternatives to Jueteng since both games are number-choosing lottery-style games. With the same style of play, playing Keno legally is a great way to avoid the perils of illegal Jueteng games.
Mobile Keno Games for Philippines Players
Our recommended online casinos all have mobile optimization, allowing for a seamless transition from computer play to mobile casino play. Whether on a phone or tablet, Keno is available to all players with an internet connection in the same great format as a standard desktop computer.
Can I use Philippines pesos to play Keno online?
Depending on the online casino chosen, pesos may or may not be accepted. According to BetOnline’s website, they only do business in US dollars. However: “If you want to use a different currency for your deposit, you’ll need to pay a fee for the currency conversion process, details of which are available by contacting BetOnline’s customer support staff.”
Are There Bonuses for Online Keno Games?
Each site has its own unique bonuses. In most cases, the game of Keno is not eligible to be included in the casino welcome bonuses. However, the promotions change regularly, so we encourage you to check out the terms of the offer to see if Keno is included. For the times when you don't find any promotions for playing keno online, we recommend that you accept the primary welcome bonus or reload bonus and then use your winnings from that to play keno.
There are some instances in bonus offers where casinos will allow you to count Keno gaming towards the wagering requirements at either full value or at a reduced value. It is always worth checking because the bonus offers are typically very generous.
Are Keno games fair?
Playing Keno through our recommended sites or through the Filipino government ensures that all games are safe and fair. With their random number generators, regulated by the laws of the governing jurisdictions for the online casinos, Keno is just as safe online as it is through the government’s version.