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On average, slots return more of what's wagered than keno does. The Wizard of Odds house edge table (last updated Aug 3, 2026; checked Oct 13, 2026) lists keno's house edge at 25%–29% and slot machines at 2%–15% (the slot range is based on one major manufacturer's available returns). Neither game involves skill, and neither can be beaten over time.
House edge is the casino's long-run average take per bet. RTP (return to player) is the flip side: 100% minus the house edge. A 25% keno edge is a 75% RTP. A 5% slot edge is a 95% RTP. These are averages over a huge number of plays, not what you'll see in a session.
Keno is a lottery-style draw: you pick numbers, the game draws numbers, and the pay table sets what each match pays. The cited source puts its edge in a narrow, high band (25%–29%). Paying out big for long-shot picks, at a high built-in margin, is how the game is designed.
A slot's return is set by its maths model, and the same title can come in several RTP versions. That's why the range is wide (2%–15% edge in the cited table). Online, many games show their RTP in the help or info screen. If you can't find it, you don't know which version you're playing.
Return tells you the average. Volatility tells you how bumpy the ride is. The Wizard of Odds lists slot standard deviation at 8.74 per bet for the one machine it measured (versus about 1 for even-money table bets), and notes slot volatility is "very high". In practice: long losing stretches are normal, and big wins are rare by design.
Pick for entertainment, not to "beat" anything. If you enjoy unhurried draws at low stakes, keno can suit that, even though its edge is high. If you play slots, choose games that publish their RTP, set a time and money limit first, and don't chase losses.
On average slots return more. Cited figures: keno 25%–29% house edge, slots 2%–15% (Wizard of Odds, checked Oct 13, 2026).
Over a very large number of spins, the game is designed to pay back about $95 for every $100 wagered. Any single session can be far above or below that.
No. Each draw is random, and number choice doesn't change the house edge.
Usually in the game's help or info screen, if the provider publishes it.
Related: lowest house edge games
Source: Wizard of Odds, House Edge of Casino Games Compared (updated Aug 3, 2026; checked Oct 13, 2026).