Carolina Keno available now at all lottery locations

November 17, 2019 Posted by NC Lottery at 7:45 AM

If you enjoy playing Carolina Keno regularly or would like to try the thrilling game for the first time, we’ve got some great news for you and it all starts today.

Drumroll please

Playing Carolina Keno just got easier.

You can now buy tickets at all lottery retailers across the state. That’s more than 7,000 locations!
You can watch the draws LIVE on your smartphone using the N.C. Education Lottery Official Mobile app, or on the lottery’s website, nclottery.com.
If you type in your ticket number into the app, you’ll also quickly find out if you have a winner.

Why the change? Two of the more frequent questions we get from folks like you are: “Where can I play Carolina Keno?” and “Can I watch the drawings online?”

Well, you asked, and we listened.

So what’s the big deal with Carolina Keno? If you haven’t heard much about the game, sit back and let us explain why we like to call it the game where big thrills are served fast.

The excitement of Carolina Keno begins with drawings held every four minutes. This means there are 311 drawings a day. That’s 311 times you have a chance to win up to $100,000.

Even better news? Tickets start at $1 but Carolina Keno is a unique game because you decide how many numbers, called spots, you want to try and match. The number of spots you play and match determines how much you win.

For each drawing, 20 out of 80 possible numbers are randomly selected as winning numbers. If you want to know more about how to play, check it out here or watch the video below.

The approximate overall odds of winning a prize in Carolina Keno range from 1 in 3.86 to 1 in 16.63. The approximate odds of winning $100,000 on a 10 Spot Game are 1 in 8.91 million.

Still prefer to play at your favorite social establishment? No worries—they aren’t going anywhere. You can still get your big thrills served fast – every four minutes to be exact— at all your favorite “Stay and Play” places.

Let us know below if you’ll be playing Carolina Keno today. Have fun!

51 COMMENTS

4/02/2021 10:19 - Rose J.

I hope I can win

3/31/2021 02:52 - Nadia S.

3/17/2021 09:56 - Tammy M.

Would love to add to my tickets! I want to help my entire community, not just schools, but my area hospital, institutions and all the good people, even bad of Rowan county by rebuilding our hospital, under the care of Novant, I will make it good again!

3/04/2021 04:09 - Crista C.

Please add options for online play in this app

2/20/2021 02:05 - Jennifer L.

Please would love to play and win! I need it for my kid and family so I feel like I can do it! Thank you so much

2/18/2021 09:02 - Bryan S.

online play please

1/25/2021 12:58 - Jennifer C.

Please add to online play

1/23/2021 10:47 - FRANCES T.

WOULD LOVE TO PLAY KENO ON LINE..NO VEHICLE TO GET AROUND AND DISABLIED SO WOULD LOVE SOME FUN NC Lottery
Thanks so much for your feedback. We will share you comments with the folks who develop our games.

1/15/2021 12:37 - Candace R.

You need to put a list of Stay & Play online..I did see an email address in the below threads but it would be so much better if you had one online. There doesn't seem to be any around...What is up with that? Why did all the bars/restaurants stop doing it?

1/10/2021 01:15 - Ta P.

Can this be play online?NC Lottery
Hi Ta, Carolina Keno is not available for online play at this time. Thanks!

1/06/2021 12:01 - Izadora A.

Please make keno available to buy and play online!

12/31/2020 02:06 - Patricia K.

Hi - I love to play keno at restaurants, in fact I did tonight. Suggestion - Could you please have them make the font bigger on the numbers being played on the printed slip. They numbers are really small as compared to say PB or MM numbers on the printed slip. Also, would much prefer to play in a restaurant than fill out a slip at a gas station/convenience store and watch from my phone, computer, etc. but they seem to be few and far between. Can you create a link that specifically just shows restaurants that offer keno. Putting in the zip code can be time consuming checking all the icons that pop up showing all the lottery locations. Thanks!

12/12/2020 11:59 - Marcelina L.

I do not know whether i won NC Lottery
Hi Marcelina, You can check the winning results for drawings on the lottery's website. You can also use ticket checkers which can be found in most lottery retail locations to check your tickets. Good luck to you!

12/06/2020 02:35 - Jamie B.

Would love to play from my phone instead of just seeing numbers NC Lottery
Hi Jamie thank you for your feedback, we'll pass it along to the folks who make those decisions!

11/25/2020 08:03 - Craig R.

Your latest ads on tv are deceiving. You make it appear that you can safely play keno from the comfort of your home, which would be great and extremely easy for the lottery to setup. With covid-19 on the rise, no one wants to go out to play keno. Get with the times and make this possible from home.NC Lottery
Hi Craig, thank you for the feedback on our Keno advertising, we will take that into account in the future. The lottery commission has not approved Keno for online play at this time, but we appreciate knowing what our players may like to see in the future!

11/15/2020 09:38 - Oscar B.

I am trying to open an account, and for some particular reason I am not able to do so. I really would like to be able to purchase lottery tickets on line. Is there some reason why I am not able to open an account. Or perhaps I just don't know to do so. Help Me! obelmo@gmail.com NC Lottery
Hi Oscar we're sorry you're having trouble. Please contact our 24/7 online support team who will be more than happy to take a look and see what's going on https://nclottery.com/Help

11/05/2020 01:33 - Carolyn L.

Keno online gets my vote!

10/18/2020 08:42 - Kristi B.

I might play idk yet but good luck to those who are

9/23/2020 03:25 - Paul G.

I don't know how to play kenoNC Lottery
Hey Paul, We want to help you learn! If you watch the video above, you should learn the essential info to play Keno. If you're still wanting to know more, you can visit our How To Play page here: https://nclottery.com/KenoHow

8/25/2020 02:17 - John B.

Allow members to play keno onlineNC Lottery
We appreciate the suggestion, John! We don't have plans to offer Keno online at this time, but the folks that make decisions on new games and game updates read this blog and appreciate player feedback.

7/04/2020 04:24 - Jennifer S.

make it keno onlineNC Lottery
Thanks for the suggestion, Jennifer! We don't have plans to offer Keno online at this time, but the folks that make decisions on new games and game updates read this blog and appreciate player feedback.

7/02/2020 05:46 - Dora M.

When will NC allow members to play keno online?NC Lottery
Hi Dora, we don't currently have plans to offer Keno online, but we appreciate hearing what our players would be interested in for future games and updates. The folks that make decisions on those changes read this blog as well. Thanks!

5/13/2020 05:29 - Jartavious B.

Awesome game

4/13/2020 08:48 - Dewey W.

Keno is by far the best game out I love it and play every day

3/10/2020 03:29 - Jeremy c.

This is friggin awesome!!! I love keno and have been disappointed with this for years being there wasn't a place to play NC lottery keno anywhere close. This made my my dayNC Lottery
We're glad your excited to play Keno, Jeremy! Keep an eye out for Keno Multiplier, launching on March 15 as well!

3/10/2020 02:27 - Jesse C.

Make it online kenoNC Lottery
Hi Jesse, thanks for the suggestion! We don't have plans to take Keno online at this time, but the folks who make those decisions read this blog and appreciate hearing player feedback and what players would like to see in the future. Thanks!

3/02/2020 02:21 - Frank K.

Would be great to play keno online....

2/14/2020 12:22 - Wesley B.

I would like to see keno and the pick 3 available to play online and from reading a lot of comments from other players I'm not the only one.NC Lottery
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Wesley! We have shared your suggestion with our game development team.

2/09/2020 03:21 - David R.

Your location site for Carolina Keno only locates grocery stores. We were looking for restaurants to play while we eat dinner and have a drink. NC Lottery
Hi there David, Since Keno is now available everywhere, our retailer locator feature shows all retailers carrying Keno - gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. If you're interested in seeing a list of just bars and restaurants with Keno, we encourage you to email player.info@lotterync.net and someone will compile a list for you.

2/06/2020 08:46 - Sharon B.

I plan to play. Winning is the goal.

1/22/2020 06:39 - Aisha J.

I want to win billions on my first try

1/15/2020 11:44 - Shakiyla J.

I want to win...

1/12/2020 02:06 - Cindy A.

I want to win!

12/29/2019 04:08 - Trisha U.

How do I find a list of "Stay and Play" places in Charlotte, NC? NC Lottery
Hey there Trisha, Since Keno is available everywhere, we don't have a list of "Stay and Play" locations posted on our website. However, if you email player.info@lotterync.net and ask, someone here will work to gather a report for you.

12/21/2019 12:35 - Kevin R.

Will there ever be online keno on the NC lottery app NC Lottery
Hi Kevin. At this point in time, we have no plans to add Keno to online play. The reason for this is that we created Keno to be a social game played in a social setting. Right now, our focus is adding more retail locations that fit that theme. However, we are always looking for ways to improve our games for our players, so thank you for sharing your input on the subject!

12/14/2019 07:53 - Martin O.

Great news. I will be buying tickets at my local lottery outlet

12/06/2019 03:52 - Hazel E.

I am confused on how to play Keno, Help me if you can, #: *, Thank you HazelNC Lottery
Hi Hazel, We removed your phone number from this comment. If you have specific questions about how to play Keno, we encourage you to call our Customer Services team at 877-962-7529.

12/02/2019 04:56 - Heather L.

Have tried the 'on the go' version several times, and haven't won anything yet. Will stick to the 'old' way.

11/22/2019 12:03 - Tim M.

So..........I guess for future reference I need to have my ticket ready to go, watch the current drawing and as soon as it's over, buy my ticket, with cash if necessary. Also buy several draws so hopefully I'll win.....something. As for zero matches, if there's anyone who can do that, it's me. LOL. Incidentally, I had 4 matches. I only had to match 5 to win a dollar I think.

11/22/2019 11:28 - Sarah B.

@TIM M.: Hey Tim! You've got some great questions here. Keno drawings happen every 4 minutes, but not necessarily 4 minutes after you bought your ticket. It's possible that you bought your ticket just moments before the next draw was set to occur and had finished by the time you scanned your ticket. That's why it could tell you that your ticket wasn't a winner but the drawing animation had not displayed on the screen yet. Whether you buy 1 draw or 20 in a row, your odds will not change. The reason that you could win $5 if you match zero numbers is because it takes quite a bit of luck to match zero numbers. :)

11/21/2019 06:36 - Tim M.

I just bought my first ever Keno ticket Wednesday night. I played a 10-spot quick pick for a dollar, just one draw. Please explain something to me. I bought the ticket, paid with my debit card, walked back to the lottery display to stuff what few I bought in my checkbook but decided to scan my Keno ticket before I put it up. It said NOT A WINNER OR TICKET EXPIRED! No sooner had I paid and scanned and it wasn't a winner?! I know it's every 4 minutes but this is ridiculous! Am I basically buying a dud as I pay for it? Do I have to play it for multiple draws to even stand a chance? And why do you win $5 if you get ZERO matches? NC Lottery
Hi Tim, Please see our reply above.

11/21/2019 10:20 - Debbie C.

Will we ever be able to purchase keno tickets online? I would like to buy pick3 online also. NC Lottery
Right now we don't have any plans to add Keno or Pick 3 to online play, but we appreciate knowing that is something you are interested in.

11/19/2019 12:47 - Victoria W.

I am glad Keno is played everywhere because when it very first started I played a couple of times and quit because I got tired of going in that bar/restaurant. I felt uncomfortable. I tried to find other places but it was too far to drive. I am glad I check this website frequently because I wouldn't have known. Thank you so much, now I will start playing again. Now I have to read up on it again to see how to play because its been so long. LOL

11/18/2019 01:06 - Thomas G.

I brought two tickets but I don't understand the game.

11/18/2019 12:34 - Denver G.

To ANYONE that does not know how to play keno. Take the how to play pamphlet & a few play slips home with you. Read them over & over. Familiarize your self with the game. Do not expect the clerks to explain it, they won't know how!!! You can win a little by matching a few of your numbers. You will only big win if ALL of your numbers come up. Example, if you get 7 0f 7 on a 7 spot for a dollar you win $4500. But if you get 6 of 7 you only get $100. If you play for $2 $3 $5 or $10 you payout will increase accordingly. 2 x $4500 = $9000 and so forth....

11/18/2019 10:09 - yvonne f.

A store clerk tried to explain this game and I'm still not sure. Looking at the site it has plays for $1 so for $1 are we able to choose up to 10 spots and 10 numbers, or is it $10 to pick 10 spots and 10 numbers? And likewise $5 for 5 spots/numbers? Because the clerk said for $1 you can pick 2 spots...which isn't whst the graphic on the site says. I guess in a nut shell is it $1 "per" spot/number chosen per draw? NC Lottery
You ask a great question, Yvonne! You can play any Spot from 1 to 10 for $1, $2, $3, $5, or $10. The spot does not correlate to the price--it just correlates to how much you have the chance to win. If you have more questions about how to play Carolina Keno you can check out the How to Play page here: https://nclottery.com/KenoHow. Hope this helps!

11/18/2019 08:58 - carolyn b.

WHAT COUNTY WAS THE NOV 17TH CASH 5 WON IN.....NC Lottery
We have good news for our online players! Last night's jackpot winning ticket was purchased through Online Play. We won't know the location of the winner until they come in to claim.

11/17/2019 03:40 - Daniel J.

It is about the same as in a casino keno game, odds and all. There should be a special special second chance offered for this game as well with each keno ticket purchase eligible to enter.NC Lottery
That's a great idea, Daniel! We'll pass it along to the folks who develop our games.

11/17/2019 11:03 - Brenda S.

I have not played Keno, probably will not, as I like playing other games, cash three, cash five, Powerball and lots of scratch offs. Do like the lottery, and it's for a good cause, education.

11/17/2019 09:01 - Tim M.

Hey LZ! Where you say 'check it out here's there's no link provided in the word 'here's. This happens a lot here and not just with Keno. It happens with any number of things on this site. Don't your web guys know how to insert a hyperlink? I can even do that. LOL. NC Lottery
Thanks for catching that, Tim. The link has been added.

11/17/2019 08:53 - john a.

I won't be playing because I blow enough money on other games. I can't play them all.

Win up to $1,000,000 every 4 minutes

Big Thrills Served Fast.

Progressive Jackpot Estimate

Carolina Keno available now at all lottery locations

November 17, 2019 Posted by NC Lottery at 7:45 AM

Drumroll please

Helpful Links

Get the Mobile App

No Longer Just a Game? There's Help

Win up to $1,000,000 every 4 minutes

Big Thrills Served Fast.

Progressive Jackpot Estimate

Carolina Keno available now at all lottery locations

November 17, 2019 Posted by NC Lottery at 7:45 AM

*Drumroll please*

Helpful Links

Get the Mobile App

No Longer Just a Game? There's Help

Drumroll please