Keno is an ancient Chinese bingo game originated over 2000 years ago from the Han dynasty between 205 and 187 B.C., where you have to predict which numbers are going to be drawn. Chinese immigrants brought the game to America in the 19th century.

The word "keno" has French or Latin roots Fr. quine five winning numbers, L. quini five each.

During the time of war, its widespread popularity helped to raise funds to build the Great Wall. According to one source, results of keno games in great cities were sent to outlying villages and hamlets by carrier pigeon. Eventually, Chinese immigrants introduced keno to the West when they sailed across the Pacific to help build the American trans-continental railroad in the 19th century.