Massachusetts Leads Nation in Keno Sales, With $1.28 Billion Spent in 2025
Massachusetts is leading the nation in Keno sales. Residents spent more than $1.28 billion on Keno this year alone.
Massachusetts is leading the nation in Keno sales. Boston.com reported that residents spent more than $1.28 billion on Keno this year, and licensed Keno agents operate at more than 7,000 locations across the commonwealth, including approximately 2,300 bars and restaurants.
What Is Keno, Anyway?
Keno is a fast-paced lottery-style game where players pick numbers 1 through 80. Approximately 20 numbers are drawn every three minutes. The more numbers you match, the bigger the payout. The most popular bet is a five-number “spot” that pays out $450 for a $1 wager.
According to Boston.com, Massachusetts started Keno in September 1993, initially limiting it to bars and restaurants with a Keno license. The state later expanded licensing and options over the years, including loosening restrictions in 2021 to allow all retailers to sell Keno.
What Makes Keno So Popular in Massachusetts?
Keno's popularity endures in Massachusetts' bar scene despite competition from sports betting and casinos. The game's popularity stems from its social, rapid-fire format and communal thrill, appealing to bar patrons who crave quick results and interaction.
“It's immediate gratification gambling,” said Sarah Leib, general manager of the Silhouette Lounge in Allston, in a statement shared with Boston.com. “If you do Megabucks, you have to wait a week to find out. With Keno, you find out in two minutes. If even a random person wins, they end up buying people drinks. Strangers will be giving each other high fives.”
Bar owners say Keno draws customers and builds camaraderie, but it isn't a significant profit driver. In fact, Keno agents earn only a 5% commission on sales and 1% on payouts.
“It's more of a hassle, and I certainly don't feel good about the money we make off it,” Leib admitted.
