Keno 30^th Anniversary

30 Years of Keno

30 years ago in April 1995, “5 Minute Keno” launched. It offered a fun and approachable way to play, with clear odds and a range of options that empower players to make informed choices and experience the excitement of possibly winning. Now, Keno is BC's most popular screen game that offers continuous excitement with draws every three and a half minutes. It's available almost 24/7 with almost 400 draws a day. In 2024, B.C. lottery players redeemed more than $247 million in winnings from Keno.

The game got its first new enhancement in 2002, when the Keno Bonus was introduced. The Keno Bonus gave you a chance to get a bonus multiplier. Now if you opt to add the optional Keno Bonus, you could multiply your winnings by 1.5x, 2x, 5x, 7x or 10x. Our biggest win of all time won with a Keno Bonus 5x multiplier making his total prize payout one million dollars!

For 30 years, Keno has been an exciting option for players across British Columbia. As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the game’s evolution. Over the years we have added new bonuses, adjusted draw times, introduced free plays and promotion bundles. Looking ahead, we remain committed to safer play, innovation, and creating memorable moments for our players. Here’s to 30 years of Keno.

How To Play Keno on PlayNow

Maybe you've seen Keno at your local retailers but want to try it out online. We can explain how to play the game on PlayNow!

There are three simple steps to get started:

1. Pick up to ten numbers
2. 20 numbers are drawn
3. If your numbers are drawn, you could win!

To break it down a little further, for step one, you can either pick ten of your own numbers or choose “Quick Pick” which randomly selects a set of numbers for you. Remember, whether you choose your favourite numbers or select “Quick Pick” the odds are the same and the outcomes are completely random! You can also choose to add the optional Keno Bonus to multiply your winnings, the cost of the ticket doubles when you add the bonus.

The game starts with the Keno Bonus draw, then the numbers are drawn. There are 20 numbers drawn every three and a half minutes. If you have a match, the number box will highlight red, if it is not a match it will outline in red.

Once all 20 numbers are drawn, your ticket is automatically validated and moved to “Completed Tickets”. If you’ve won, your winnings will be automatically deposited into your PlayNow account.

Playing Keno for 30 Years and Beyond

At BCLC, we believe that games like Keno should always be played for fun, and we’re committed to supporting healthy play habits every step of the way. This includes ensuring that players have access to tools and resources to make informed decisions, from setting personal limits to understanding the odds.

Let’s be clear about Keno: learn how to stay aware of the common gambling myths and find some strategies for to keep the game fun.