For those familiar with Keno and Bingo, some similarities between the two games are obvious. Both involve numbers and a random number generator to select the winning numbers.
However, they also have distinct differences that lead to contrasting gameplay experiences. Overall, you only need basic mental capacity to enjoy either game; their simplicity is part of their enduring appeal. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these games alike and yet uniquely different.
Origins and Background
Keno and Bingo have very different origins and histories behind them:
● Keno has ancient roots tracing back over 3000 years to Ancient China. According to legend, the ruler of the Han Dynasty invented the game to fund his army without taxing the citizens. The original name "baige piao" translates to "white dove ticket" referring to the white doves used to carry the winning numbers across the empire. Chinese immigrants later introduced the game in America while working on the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s.
● Bingo has a much more recent origin, created in Italy under the name "Beano" because players used beans to cover called numbers. It rose to popularity as a weekly national lottery before spreading across Europe and abroad under the Bingo name. Today, Britain has over 1.9 million monthly bingo players, more than the country’s 1.7 million tennis players.
So while Keno dates back over three millennia, Bingo has only been around for several decades in its current form. Both games continue to have strong followings for their simplicity and engaging gameplay.
How Numbers Are Drawn
Both Keno and Bingo rely on randomly generated numbers to play. However, subtle differences exist:
● In Keno, a machine selects 20 numbers out of 80 possibilities for each round. Historically, ball machines resembling lottery machines were used, but most modern games rely on computerized random number generators.
● In Bingo, a host calls out numbers one by one as players check their cards. Online Bingo sites automatically daub matching numbers on electronic cards as numbers come up. Games continue until someone scores Bingo by matching all numbers on a card.
So while both utilize randomness, Keno draws multiple numbers simultaneously as Bingo reveals them sequentially over multiple rounds.
Gameplay and Betting
Betting and general gameplay also differentiate the two:
● Keno players choose which numbers to bet on each round, allowing customization and betting strategies. The numbers chosen and amount wagered determines payouts.
● In Bingo, players buy set cards with prearranged numbers that cannot be changed. The standard buy-in equals the potential payout, removing betting complexity.
Keno also encourages number grouping where players bet on number sets for additional winning chances. Bingo lacks this added nuance but offsets it through players using multiple cards simultaneously.
Ultimately, Keno offers more variety and control through number picking and special bets. Bingo opts for simpler, uniform cards with standardized bets across rounds.
Odds and Probabilities
The probability of winning also differs substantially between the games:
● In Keno, the odds depend heavily on chosen bet numbers, ranging from 1 in 4 for single digits to over 1 in 40 million for hitting all 20. Matching 15 or more traditionally wins jackpots.
● Bingo simplifies odds by keeping uniform cards across players. While technically possible for any called number to win games, 43 numbers on average come up before someone scores Bingo.
So while Keno odds fluctuate based on bets, Bingo standardizes odds for its generic cards. Keno also generally offers longer odds due to having more possible number combinations.
Game Speed
The pace of play sets the two games apart as well:
● Keno moves rapidly, with new rounds starting immediately after number revelation. The ability to select numbers each round also creates constant activity.
● Bingo proceeds at a more relaxed tempo in between number calls as players monitor cards. Rounds last longer on average than Keno hands as players await winning arrangements.
So Keno caters to those wanting dynamic, rapid-fire action compared to Bingo’s steadier, drawn-out gameplay.
Prize Potential
Lastly, prizes and payout structures differ:
● In Keno, multiple players can win per round since bets don’t affect others. Players can also win millions from jackpots by hitting unlikely number combinations.
● Bingo limits each round to one main prize winner determined first to complete a winning card. Prize amounts directly correlate to buy-ins, rarely reaching the vast sums possible in Keno.
Keno rewards long shot wagers but Bingo focuses payouts on consistency through fixed prize pools.
Final Thoughts
While both Keno and Bingo utilize random number generation for their number-matching gameplay, they differentiate across origin stories, mechanics, betting, and prizes.
Keno emphasizes customization through number picking and special bets for a rapid-fire experience where unlikely wins net enormous jackpots.
Bingo opts for straightforward gameplay via standardized cards and bets for relaxed play where payouts correlate directly to buy-ins.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – fast-paced vs steady, risky vs safe, jackpots vs consistency. Either way, their shared simplicity mixed with chance makes for enjoyable experiences for novice and experienced players alike.
