CasinoTrackpot – Iconic21 Keno interview 

We are delighted today here at CasinoTrackpot to be joined by Iconic21’s spokesperson and Chief Product Officer, Edvardas Sadovskis.

1. Keno is a game that’s stood the test of time; it’s simple to play and doesn’t require too much in the way of learning. What was it that prompted you to add Keno to your portfolio?  

Yes, Keno has been a popular game for years and has become a staple in the gaming industry. Even people who are not as familiar with gameplay will probably recognise the format and the mechanics. We wanted to add it to our portfolio because it is a fun game and the pared-back format is approachable for newcomers and regulars alike. 

2. For those who haven’t actually given Keno a try before, can you talk them through the basic rules of the game? 

It’s as simple as setting your bet amount, choosing a Risk Level (Low, Medium or High), selecting between 1 and 10 numbers from the grid and pressing Play to start the round. 

The game will randomly draw 10 numbers from the grid. If any of your selected numbers match the drawn numbers, a winning multiplier may be applied according to the selected risk level and number of matches. 

3. Modern casino games often compete by adding more features and increasingly complicated mechanics. Was Keno deliberately designed as an alternative for players who simply want something straightforward and easy to pick up? 

A lot of the market competes by layering on mechanics. That works for some players, but other players might feel overwhelmed by it. Keno is perfect for the player who wants to start immediately. They don’t need to watch tutorials or “how it works” videos because the game is easy to understand. There are no cluttered UI/UX or bombastic animations in other types of games. This is uncluttered, simple, and instant to learn, making the barrier to entry really low.   

However, we do want to add that Keno is meant to sit alongside more complex products, not replace them. A portfolio is stronger for carrying different levels of complexity. 

4. Players can choose between Low, Medium and High risk levels. Do you think giving players control here helps them better understand the type of session they are choosing, particularly compared with games where the volatility may be less obvious? 

Yes. The three levels make the shape of the session an upfront choice rather than something a player only discovers mid-play. Making volatility a choice up front is something we think matters for enjoyment and for responsible play because the player is choosing the experience that suits them. 

5. Was there any temptation on your part to add new features and mechanics to Keno, or is this the sort of game that deserves to retain its original gameplay mechanics? 

We definitely didn’t want to add too many mechanics. Adding mechanics would undo the one thing that makes Keno work: that it needs no explanation. However, we did make it more flexible with three risk levels, a 1,000x ceiling, and operator customisation. None of it changes how the game is actually played because we think the beauty of the game is in its simplicity. 

6. What’s your personal approach to playing Keno? Do you use Auto Pick and Autoplay and let things play out, or do you like to meticulously pick your own numbers? 

I’m definitely more of a pick my own numbers guy. I have a few numbers I keep coming back to: birthdays, numbers I like, and numbers that for some reason just feel lucky. Of course, they have exactly the same chance as any other numbers, but it makes the game more special and fun for me. 

For me, that’s how Keno should be played: for fun. Sometimes my lucky numbers hit and I get a nice win, which is always great. Other times I lose, and that’s part of the game too. I don’t chase losses; I just enjoy the excitement of each draw and see where my lucky numbers take me. 

7. Most modern players are more accustomed to slots and crash games. Can you give them a reason to give Keno a try instead? 

There’s no learning curve. You’ll understand it in one round! Think of it as a change of pace rather than a rival to slots or crash. It’s something uncomplicated to have in the rotation.