It All Started with a War and a Bird.
Keno isn’t just a game — it’s a story 2,000 years in the making. Its origins trace back to ancient China, where legend has it that a clever leader used a lottery to raise funds for war without overburdening his people. That leader? Cheung Leung of the Han Dynasty. His game? The prototype of what we now call Keno.
Keno started in Ancient China
The earliest version was called the “White Pigeon Game,” named after the pigeons used to carry the results to surrounding villages. Instead of numbers, the game board featured Chinese characters from a beloved poem, embedding luck and culture into every play.
From China to the West: Keno Goes Global
Fast forward to the 1800s. Chinese immigrants brought the game to the U.S. while helping construct the First Transcontinental Railroad. As Keno spread across the West, its format evolved: the poetry characters were replaced with numbers, and the name shifted from “Chinese Lottery” to the version we now know — Keno — likely derived from the French word quine.
In Nevada, clever casino owners even disguised it as “Race-Horse Keno” to work around lottery laws, with numbers posing as fictional horses. Eventually, it returned to its pure form — and became a casino staple.
Play Keno Where Luck Lives™. Right Here on the Hi-Line
Today, Keno is alive and well at Fort Belknap Casino, and there’s never been a better time to try your luck. Whether you’re a local or just passing through the Hi-Line, we’re rolling out a hot August lineup of cash, prizes, and free play opportunities.
Here’s what’s coming up — and where you might find your next lucky number:
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
🎉 Last August Weekend to Win
August 29 $1000 Hot Seat Cash Giveaway
6 pm–9 pm: $100 hourly drawings
10 pm–12 am: $200 drawings
Be actively playing to qualify. Sign off required.
August 30, 2025 Don’t Miss the Final Giveaway!
August 30 $3000 + Cruise for 2
$500 cash hot seats every hour from 5 pm–10 pm
At 11 pm, win a Cruise for 2 via hot seat!
Must be a Player Rewards Club member. Winners must complete tax paperwork.
We Love Keno
Keno is a timeless game because it seamlessly blends simplicity, suspense, and a rich legacy. It’s easy to learn, thrilling to watch, and even better when your numbers hit. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or a jackpot, you’ll find something to love every time those numbers start rolling.
At Fort Belknap Casino, it’s more than a game — it’s a part of our heritage, our energy, and our promise to deliver luck, laughter, and a chance at life-changing wins.