CasinoRules

Keno 20-spot: the biggest ticket

A 20-spot ticket is a keno bet on 20 numbers. With 20 balls drawn from 80, you usually catch about 5. Many pay tables pay for catching 0 and for big catches.

Reviewed Oct 15, 2026

Answer first

90s

01Pick 20 of 80 numbers.
02About 5 catches is typical.
03Catching 0 often pays.

Key numbers

20-spot at a glance

20Numbers pickedOf 80

5Most likely catchAbout 23%

1 in 843Catch 0Often pays

25%+House edgeTypical

In short

Key takeaways

Pay tables vary by casino.
Catching 0 is rare.
Big catches are very rare.
Read the pay table first.

Progress

How a 20-spot ticket works

1
Pick 20
Of 80 numbers
2
Draw 20
From 80 balls
3
Count catches
Matches
4
Pay
By pay table

Each casino posts its own pay table.

Chance of each catch

Catch	Chance
0	About 1 in 843
5	About 23%
10	About 1 in 254
12	About 1 in 11,000
14	About 1 in 1.8 million

Exact math for 20 picks, 20 drawn from 80.

Why zero pays

Catching none of 20 numbers is rarer than catching 10. That is why many casinos pay for it.

Middle catches such as 5, 6 or 7 are common and usually pay nothing. That is where most tickets lose.

Pay table

Sample pay table per $1

Glance before you bet

Catch	Pays
0	$500
8	$5
10	$100
12	$1,000
14+	$10,000 to top

Made-up table to show the shape; check the casino.

House edge

Keno edges are high, often 25% to 30% or more. The 20-spot is no exception.

Compare pay tables between casinos. A table that pays more for 0 and 10 can cut the edge.

Sequence

Playing a 20-spot ticket

Step 01
Read the pay table
Every catch.
Step 02
Pick 20 numbers
Any you like.
Step 03
Set your bet
Per game.
Step 04
Watch the draw
Count catches.
Step 05
Check payouts
Before leaving.

A worked example

You play a $1 20-spot ticket. The draw hits 10 of your numbers.

On the sample table, you win $100. On the next game you catch 5, which pays nothing, the most common result.

Aggregate limits

Most keno games have an aggregate limit, the most the casino will pay on one game to all winners. A 20-spot ticket takes longer to mark, so many players use quick pick.

If several big winners hit at once, prizes may be reduced to fit the limit. Others skip zero pays but offer a larger top prize.

The limit is posted on the rate card. Check it before playing large tickets. Video keno games run much faster than lounge keno, so losses can add up quickly.

Common mistakes

Expecting big catches: They are very rare.
Skipping the pay table: They vary.
Ignoring zero pays: Some tables pay it.
Playing without a budget: The edge is high.

Multi-race tickets

You can play the same 20 numbers for many games in a row with a multi-race ticket. Quick pick does not change the odds of any catch.

Wins are paid when you cash the ticket, usually within a set time after the last game. The same pay table applies to every game the ticket covers.

Keep the ticket safe, since it is a bearer item. Ask the writer for the rate card if you cannot find the pay table.

Floor rules

Keno terms

Know before you sit

Spot: A number you pick.
Catch: A number drawn that you picked.
Pay table: Payouts by catch.
Rate card: Prices and pay tables.
Quick pick: Numbers chosen at random by the terminal.
Multi-race: One ticket played for several games in a row.
Aggregate limit: The most a casino pays to all winners on one game.
Zero catch: Catching none of your numbers, which some tables pay.

Big wins and tax forms

Large keno wins are taxable. From 2026, the casino issues Form W-2G for keno wins of $2,000 or more after subtracting the wager. Some casinos pay small amounts for catching 1 or 2 as well as 0.

Bring a photo ID if you play for big prizes. You can play a 20-spot on video keno too, often with a different pay table from the lounge.

Keep records of your play so your tax records match.

Keep reading

Go play

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After the 90 seconds

Questions before and after you play

A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.

01Basics

What is a 20-spot keno ticket?

A ticket where you pick 20 of the 80 numbers. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

How many will I usually catch?

About 5, which happens about 23% of the time. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

Why does catching 0 pay?

Because it happens only about once in 843 games, rarer than catching 10. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

02Rules

Do all casinos offer 20-spot tickets?

Many do. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

Are pay tables the same?

No. Each casino posts its own table. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

Is there a top prize?

Yes, usually for catching 15 or more, capped by an aggregate limit. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

03Strategy

Is a 20-spot better than fewer spots?

No ticket size beats the house edge; compare pay tables instead. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

How can I play longer?

Use a small bet per game and set a budget. House rules vary, so ask staff if you are unsure.

Where can I get help?

If gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help any time of day.

Sources

Wizard of Odds — Keno Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Keno odds and pay tables
Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 15, 2026Approved games and gaming revenue reports
UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER