Carolina Keno is here!

October 29, 2017 Posted by NC Lottery at 7:25 AM

It’s here. Today, you have a fun, new lottery game to play today. It’s called Carolina Keno and it offers chances to win prizes in drawings every five minutes.

Carolina Keno is a draw game, just like Powerball, Mega Millions or Carolina Cash 5. It’s just that the fun is served up fast and you typically play the game in social settings with friends or family. It’s exciting to have a brand new game played in a new way and in new places.

You’ll find the game in restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, fraternal organizations, and stores with spaces where people gather for food and drink.

In Carolina Keno, you choose how many numbers, or spots, you want to try and match. The number of spots you play and match determines how much you win. For each drawing, 20 numbers out of 80 possible are selected as winning numbers and they are displayed on nearby TV monitors. You can buy a single drawing for $1, $2, $3, $5, or $10.

So what are the odds for winning? They vary depending on how you play. Approximate overall odds of winning a prize range from 1 in 3.86 to 1 in 16.63. The approximate odds of winning $100,000 or $1 million on a 10 Spot Game are 1 in 8.91 million.

More locations are coming soon. For lists of locations where Carolina Keno will start in your region of the state, visit http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_locations.aspx .

70 COMMENTS

11/21/2017 09:35 - Ivy C.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts, David. We understand that this could be an issue, which is why we added the "Consecutive Draws" section on the Keno play slip. You can select up to 20 consecutive draws, so you do not have to keep submitting a new play slip every 5 minutes.

11/21/2017 07:54 - David J.

Yesterday I had about an hour to kill so I wanted to play keno so I went up to the local store in my community filled out a card and play the few games the biggest problem is I can tell the people that want to play have to continuously wait in line with people that are buying chicken beer and all kinds of things which are taking up their playing time. I also see the people working the store getting quickly tired of seeing the same people continuously coming up there playing slips for Keno. And there's people like I that want to play keno and when it's time to fill out another ticket don't want to have to wait 10-15 minutes in line to be able to play again they want to be able to play again and play quickly.. please let all the other stores at least be able to sell the keno tickets most people have their own phones and go online and check their tickets anyway.. I know there's two stores in Erwin North Carolina that sell Keno one of the stores sells a lot of chicken and people have to wait in line.

11/17/2017 11:50 - Gary L.

You couldnt put one of these in a convience store, youd have every person addicted to the lottery hanging around for hours playing and thered be 40 lottery junkiees blocking all the business and peeps would stop visiting the stores because of the creep factor. NC Lottery
Hi there, Gary. Carolina Keno is meant to be a social game. So only retailers with a dedicated space for customers to sit, eat, watch tv, etc., are eligible to become retailers!

11/01/2017 11:03 - Charlene W.

I agree that it needs to be in convenience stores instead of bars and restaurants which are the choices in my area. I don't think I will find this game appealing and just another way for the lotto to get rich while we get poor.

11/01/2017 10:47 - Charlene W.

To all the commenters posting negative comments against the lotto. I hear you loud and clear.It only takes research and Google is your friend!

11/01/2017 10:33 - bradley s.

Hahaha. Lol. Dang thought I'd seen it all. Take this Vegas style junk scam far away. Longest odds in town. Waste and a joke

11/01/2017 09:57 - Tony T.

Hey Turbo...at least you got a tee shirt ! :)

10/31/2017 04:26 - Denver G.

I had a great time at the promo event today. The guys & gals that were there were great to talk to. It was kind of slow ,so I ended up showing them pics of my bee hives. It really wasn't much of an event, the 2 hrs I was there I was the only one playing keno. I did get a long sleeve tee & a beer bottle cozi though, for that I am very thankful for.NC Lottery
Thanks for coming out.

10/31/2017 12:18 - stephanie g.

WHINE WHINE WHINE, THAT'S ALL SOME OF YOU ARE DOING!!! IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE LOCATION WHERE THE KENO IS SET UP, THEN DON'T GO SIMPLE AS THAT!! THEY HAVE SAID THEY WILL BE IN OTHER LOCATIONS LATER, SO WHY NOT WAIT TO FIND A CLOSER (SAFER) LOCATION IN WHICH YOU CAN PLAY?! GET IT TOGETHER PLEASE!

10/31/2017 10:56 - Denver G.

I just matched 5 of 7 on draw #562. Only a $17 win, but I'll take it. All the more reason to go back this afternoon ;-)NC Lottery
Congrats Turbo!

10/31/2017 10:31 - Denver G.

LZ, per my last comment. I figured it out. It was 30 minutes past my winning draw, but not enuff time had past since the last of my 20 draws. I prolly would have gotten $2 & an exchange ticket. but I wanted to get a $5 cash5. Cashed it in this morning & did exactly that. I'm gonna try to make it to the Promo event today between 2:30&4:30.NC Lottery
Hey, Turbo. We're stuck in Raleigh. But if you make it to the event, please introduce yourself to our sales team.

10/31/2017 08:36 - LEVIS V.

You are getting the game on low income area. This sound like a rip off. And why are you saying is to benefit education? We have the lower salary for teachers in North Carolina. Poor people play the lottery, but you just taking care of the upper class school districts. NC Lottery
Every county in the state receives lottery money. Last year we raised over $622 million for education. You can see where that money is going by visiting our website. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/beneficiary.aspx

10/31/2017 08:35 - Tony T.

@LZ....how many entries in the Monster Money so far? Happy Halloween everyone ! NC Lottery
Happy Halloween as well! So far there are over 945,000 entries in the Monster Money drawing.

10/31/2017 08:33 - Denver G.

Hold on to your tickets for awhile. Monday I got a 20 draw ticket, sat & watched the drawings with the waitress for almost 2hrs. Myself & 1 other guy were the only ones there, I was the only 1 playing. Anyway, I knew I had won a $1 on 2 draws & $3 on another. I used the ticket to scan my tic, It said I had won $2. This was more then 30 minutes after the drawing that I KNEW I had won $3. Triple checked my numbers on my PC. I indeed did win $5. You say drawing results good after 15 minutes, that was not the case.

10/31/2017 08:01 - Othell S.

I noticed u don't hear music with When getting ticket checked, will That change so it works like the Other games..NC Lottery
The music alert plays for prizes of $50 or more. Let us know if your prize was $50 or more and you didn't hear the music. If you can provide the name of the store and its location, we'll check it out.

10/31/2017 07:54 - David S.

This is stupid!! Can't get tickets anywhere. Oh well, I'll save my money now. So done with these ideasNC Lottery
Keno tickets are only available at specific retailers. The game is meant to be played with friends so you're going to find Keno primarily at restaurants, bars, and other social settings. You can find a list of locations where Keno is being sold by visiting the following: http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_locations.aspx

10/31/2017 05:11 - Judy W.

Not in Raleigh, rip offNC Lottery
The lottery does have Raleigh Keno locations. Check out the Raleigh Region list here. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_locations.aspx

10/30/2017 10:33 - Linda W.

Sounds Great

10/30/2017 08:07 - Richard D.

I have question about pick 20 or 5 numbers what I want pick 20 or 5. I am little confused with spot $10 Equal with pick 20 or 5 numbers. Please explain and specific NC Lottery
You get to decide how many numbers to match from 1 to 10. In Keno, these are called Spots. The number of Spots you choose and the amount you play per draw will determine the amount you could win. There are 20 numbers picked each drawing. If you try to match 5 numbers and succeed, then you would win the prize for matching five numbers. Check out our How To Play information at a Keno location or on the website. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_how-to-play.aspx

10/30/2017 07:32 - Tony T.

Bit off topic here but what's going on with the $2.00 double match game 553? Can't find the tickets anywhere I USED to get them just a couple weeks ago. Been looking in other stores in a couple diff. towns as of late to no avail. ( no, not going out of my way to find them but do look when in a diff. town ) Anyone here seeing them within the last week or two ? If so, just give me ( @notsharon) a shout out here saying yes. :)

10/30/2017 07:23 - Beverly R.

It's not fair to have a game that is only available at certain locations. I've checked the Mecklenburg County listing and most of the places offering Keno are either in areas I'm not comfortable going to including places like hole in the wall restaurants or bar/grills that I don't feel comfortable entering - even just to buy the ticket and leave. Plus all of the locations involve me driving more than a few miles from my usual routes. Either wait until the game is ready for rollout everywhere or don't have it at all.

10/30/2017 07:18 - charles m.

It's a waste of money game

10/30/2017 07:15 - John S.

I certainly understand the concept of playing in social settings. I played this game when the video poker machines were legal in NC, usually with a group of friends we all pitched in on the investment and took turns picking numbers, and it was a lot of fun. However, it would still be nice to be able to stop at any Lottery participating convenient store to play without having a seating area. I travel with my job and it's frustrating to locate a store to play at various times throughout the day. I would like to get my tickets and hit the road. I can check them later. Is it the intent to eventually be at all lottery retailers? I certainly hope so!

10/30/2017 07:10 - Rich V.

Playing in Burlington, no issues. Maybe a little confusing for some, but to me, it's like a rapid fire bingo!

10/30/2017 06:33 - Chris S.

Disappointed about the majority of retailers in the Wilmington area for Keno. Unfortunately, I don't frequent those establishments and I'll hold off comments about a few of them because of their reputation. Guess this is one game I won't play.NC Lottery
The lottery will be adding new locations in the weeks of head so check back and perhaps you'll find a place you would like to visit to try Keno.

10/30/2017 06:09 - Robert R.

are the Keno drawings on a closed feed to the retailers? or is there a way to see it on computers and smart phones ?NC Lottery
At this time, they are not available online. However, you can find the results of the drawings on our website. You can also go to any retailer and see if you're ticket is a winner.

10/30/2017 05:11 - Ralph W.

Don't want to ride to Greensboro just to play Keno no need in having the game if it's not going to be in every county. Got everything else here it's just logic. NC Lottery
The Keno Retailer list is divided by region. You don't have to drive to Greensboro to play. Here's one in your area: Liberty Plus 3305 N Liberty St., Winston Salem, NC, 27105 We hope you have a chance to check it out!

10/30/2017 04:08 - rick p.

I'm a fan of Keno and glad the NC Lottery is offering it! I'm fortunate to have a location near me that offers it at Waves Mart and Starfish Grill in Newport. Great set up with a tv to watch the draws. I get the concept to have it in social gatherings bc it brings a different element to the game! I spent $5 on 5 draws and won $18. Not too shabby, still waiting on the big one lol!NC Lottery
We're so glad that you're enjoying playing the game! Good luck!!

10/30/2017 03:43 - greg s.

saw someone win 420 on 5 spot . was happy for them and it was a quick pick 3 draws

10/30/2017 03:19 - teressa m.

In response to what stores. The only 2 listed for keno and they have no slips and machine not working. 412 Carthage Street cameron nc 1943 Hwy 24/87 NCNC Lottery
Thanks for getting us specific locations. We'll look into it!

10/30/2017 02:10 - Ralph W.

This game isn't in WinstonSalem NC Lottery
Good news! The game is in your area. Just go to the following and look under the Greensboro Region for a list of retailers. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_locations.aspx

10/30/2017 01:25 - gary s.

I went to a couple of places and they don't have any playslips and there button don't work on the machine when will I be able to playNC Lottery
Carolina Keno is played in social settings so you will find it primarily in restaurants, bars, taverns, public, fraternal organizations, and convenience stores that serve food and drinks and serve as social hangouts. You can see a list of Keno locations in your region of the state on our website. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_locations.aspx

10/30/2017 12:10 - Robert R.

will we get points in luckezone for Keno tickets?NC Lottery
Yes you will!

10/30/2017 12:05 - David J.

Congratulations you screwed up again lots of people wanting to play keno lots of people don't want to go to bars and restaurants to play

10/30/2017 10:46 - Betty G.

Every gas station (711, Circle K), grocery store (multiple Harris Teeters) etc. terminal I have seen shows the KENO buttons at the very bottom under the pick 3 quick pick buttons. I understand you can scan them there but the fact that it shows buttons for $1, $5 and $10 plays confuses both the player and employee because it gives the idea it can be played. They should not show up if they are not available. The terminal does not need play buttons shown just to check a ticket, right?

10/30/2017 10:43 - Phyllis R.

PHYLLIS RIDGILL said, this game seem like ALL OR NOTHING. Hard to win. SEND technicians out to deal with these problems instead of asking which stores are having the problems. NC Lottery
We need to know which stores are having problems in order to send someone to see what's going on.

10/30/2017 10:31 - jimmy j.

I work at 55 fast mart in Newton grove and the button for Keno doesn't work.do we have Keno in Newton groveNC Lottery
You can see if you have a keno retailer in your area by checking the following:[url]http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_locations.aspx.[/url]

10/30/2017 08:41 - Denver G.

If you get tickets and don't have a chance to check them soon after the drawing don't click on (20 latest drawings). Instead back on the main page , click on games, then Keno, then if you have a ticket with 20 draws. Say, 000090-000109. Put in the 1st # (90), then on the pull down tab select 20 consecutive draws to get your specific draw results.

10/30/2017 08:35 - Shannon K.

I think it is just another way for them to get money. NC Lottery
Good morning Shannon!Keno is a chance for us to offer a new game for people to play with their friends. It's also a chance for us to raise money for education. You can see where the money we raise goes by going to our website. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/beneficiary.aspx

10/30/2017 08:29 - Denver G.

To anyone wanting to know WHY stores have the keno button on their terminal screen.. It is there so they can scan your ticket to see if it's a winner . ALL terminals have that button, NOT just the ones that offer Keno. You will not find play slips at merchants that don't offer keno. If the stores offer Keno, they will have a big Keno poster in the window & a TV screen displaying the drawings somewhere inside. If not you will NOT be able to play Keno, no matter how hard or many times the clerk tries......

10/30/2017 08:00 - Crystal M.

I went to ISYBELLES cafe in Mooresville, NC and inquired about Keno. Apparently their workers are not informed. First she told me that it hasn’t started yet. I told her it started yesterday because I played it. Then she said that the only thing she knew how to do was sell the tickets and basically she didn’t have access to the password. Well they just missed out on a 50 dollar sale. The lottery or whomever responsible for traing these people need to do a better job. It should have been added to the regular terminals like Lucky for Life was. Smh. NC Lottery
Thanks for letting us know! We're sorry you ran into that situation and hopefully you'll be able to enjoy playing Keno the next time you want to play.

10/30/2017 07:18 - Chester W.

I traveled too far yesterday to play KENO. Need it in all stores. Sheetz is a good place for keno.

10/30/2017 06:58 - Darlene E.

Checked the website locations, Didn't see Winston-Salem on there anywhere?? Are we going to be able to play It here??Several locations Know nothing about this new game.NC Lottery
Yes. There are Winston-Salem locations. Please check under the Greensboro Region list here. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_locations.aspx

10/30/2017 04:58 - Bruce L.

Do to fairness and odds of winning. The keno game should not be playing until 100% ready including all locations LIVE.

10/30/2017 04:56 - Chester W.

I believe this game should be available at all stores and in the future online. Whats the biggie. It pretty printed a regular ticket. Easy peasy!

10/30/2017 04:42 - Othell S.

Will keno results be on lotto Apps?NC Lottery
Yes they will. You'll be able to view all draw game results.

10/29/2017 11:19 - EMILY R.

Can you play Keno online? I didn't see that option? Sorry if this is a repeat question but I didn't see it in comments here nor the replies I glanced at here. Thank you.NC Lottery
Good morning, Emily. No. Carolina Keno is not available online.

10/29/2017 10:11 - bryan h.

Another game u guys have got figured out to where u can't win jack. Just taking people's $$$$$$$ like always played 100$ today and won back 30$$$$ total.played mostly 5 spot and couldn't match 5 numbers when 20 numbers are drawed lol this game sux . Once the new wears off , the game will shut down , when ppl figure out they can't make any $$$$$$$$.I won't be wasting any more $ period on the lottery. Feel free to give me some feedback NCEL , I always enjoy hearing your lame responses.

10/29/2017 09:19 - jackie w.

My husband and I played this afternoon and I enjoyed it so much, little hard to catch on but it got easier. He won $50 and I won nothing, next time I will copy his numbers. I hope it doesn't end.NC Lottery
We're so glad that you enjoyed playing, and that you won!

10/29/2017 09:13 - Matthew P.

Just tried to play at 2 different stores and neither one had play slips or even knew what keno was.??? Another great roll out for our NC lottery... JeeeeeezNC Lottery
Oh no! Let's get this figured out. What locations did you try?

10/29/2017 06:19 - Pamela S.

I went to one of the listed locations (QT on George Lyles Blvd., Concord, NC) and the clerk could not get a ticket from the machine even thou Keno was listed on the lottery machine.NC Lottery
Thanks for letting us know! We'll look into what's going on and get it figured out.

10/29/2017 06:18 - Eleanor K.

When does it start?NC Lottery
Keno started Sunday morning!

10/29/2017 03:06 - teressa m.

It is strange you have had over 100 draws and no machines are functioning to play in the cameron area or spring lake nc areas and none of the stores have playslips. Very discouraging for those who may have considered trying out the gameNC Lottery
We definitely want to get this figured out. Which specific locations did you try?

10/29/2017 02:15 - Michelle H.

Most stores listed in my area do not have slips and some of the store clerks didn't know what I was talking about when I asked for some sheets for Keno so I could get my numbers in before church. A little disappointed but I will eventually play. Guess I will have to wait until the app update to play. NC Lottery
Which stores specifically did you try? If you give us locations, we can look into it.

10/29/2017 02:02 - lynne a.

We are in Beaufort,it won't let us play. When will it be available.NC Lottery
Which specific location were you at? We'll look into it!

10/29/2017 01:41 - Sam M.

Can not scan ticketsNC Lottery
If you call 1-855-767-1863 someone should be able to help you figure out what's going on.

10/29/2017 01:38 - Betty G.

I was at a random gas station and the Keno buttons are now on the new terminals with quick pick options to play $1, $5 or $10 plays but they would not work when the employee tried to push the buttons. Why are these buttons showing up on the terminals if players cannot play them at these locations?NC Lottery
Do you remember which gas station you stopped at?

10/29/2017 01:22 - Kimberly O.

So I am at the state line and play keno in another state and can watch each draw , is that option available for NC?NC Lottery
You can see results of the drawings no matter what state your in by going to the Keno page of our website. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno.aspx

10/29/2017 01:09 - Debbie T.

At Murphy's Usa I went to play keno and the cashier said she couldn't get it to work for players to play. I drove over 10 miles to play the new game.

10/29/2017 01:08 - Terrance M.

Being from the DC Metro area, I consider myself an avid kenoer. I got out to play this morning. Won $55 on a $5 playslip. Just a few comments and or suggestions. I realize that this is only the beginning of the game, but the lottery did not do well advertising the new game. I went to one of the only 2 stores in my area that currently offers the game. At 10am I was the only one playing. I realize that some may have been at breakfast or brunch or church but I expected a crowd (balloons and all!) I digress....the wait is too long. Going to a draw every 3 minutes is a much better pace. Also, the lottery might want to add bonus multipliers (as they do with the cash 5 option). Random mulitipliers of 3x, 4x, 5x and 10x bonuses. I love keno, have 2 games i play on FB for fun, I look forward to playing more and hopefully within the next 6 months or so some changes will be implemented. Thanks, Terrance

10/29/2017 12:56 - William D.

Any news yet on the new website?NC Lottery
It's coming in just a few weeks!

10/29/2017 12:50 - William D.

guess I will just hafta wait, no keno in this town. not going to drive 30 minutes to play just a little. Better odds with cash 5

10/29/2017 12:13 - Vincent O.

So how much will this cost? $10 a play, 10 spots, and 20 draws, $200?NC Lottery
You can play Keno for as little as $1. For more information about Keno and buying multiple draws you can visit the following: http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/keno_how-to-play.aspx

10/29/2017 11:21 - connie b.

why don't u list the winners to be notified city address at least.ell us where they are from thks..cb

10/29/2017 11:14 - Crystal M.

Are we going to be able to check our numbers like we do for all of the other online games? ie: the “check your numbers” link and all the winning combinations show up? NC Lottery
The numbers will be listed online. You can also check to see if you're a winner at any lottery retailer, even if they don't sell Keno.

10/29/2017 11:08 - Crystal M.

Ok. That’s what I thought but I wanted to make sure. Thank you.

10/29/2017 10:56 - Crystal M.

Can you do a repeat play of a Keno ticket at any retailer or do you have to specifically go to a Keno retailer?NC Lottery
You can only play Keno at Keno retailers. However you can check your ticket to see if you've won at any lottery retailer.

10/29/2017 10:16 - Mike S.

$40 wagered, won $14, lost $26, oh well.

10/29/2017 09:42 - Denver G.

Well to answer my own question. YES you can enter your Keno ticket for points right away no need to wait. I just got a $20 keno ticket , entered it & got 40 points. I like the online # checker/draw results back on the main page. last 20 draws or individual draw . Also like the way your tickets have draw numbers. Example my says " draw numbers 000050-00069.

10/29/2017 07:41 - Mike S.

After all of the hoopla I guess whoever is responsible for posting the winning numbers on the Keno page either overslept or forgot to turn on the posting of the results. 2 -1/2 hours since the first draw and no numbers are posted. Gotta laugh... NC Lottery
We are aware of the issue. There is a technical glitch with the website that is being fixed. UPDATE. All good now. Also, we have some other ways to check numbers in case you need them. Here's how. Visit any lottery retailer in your area for the 10 most recent Carolina Keno winning number updates. Scan your ticket on any retail location Ticket Checker or Touch Vending Machine to see if it’s a winner.

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Carolina Keno is here!

October 29, 2017 Posted by NC Lottery at 7:25 AM

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