It might not often be seen as the sexiest game in the realm of gambling, but keno has millions of keen supporters. As well it should! It’s a regularly entertaining lotto-esque game that’s easy to pickup, abundantly available in a number of different formats, and one that can yield millions of dollars for players who master its limitless subtle intricacies. But let’s deal with the basic rules here.
When describing keno to newcomers, some gaming experts compare it to the lottery. This is at least in part correct, in that each game is generally numerical. But to carry that comparison too far is likely to be to belittle the great many unique characteristics that make keno so fun. Not like bingo, keno gamblers have the freedom to choose the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of eighty numbers, but the user is granted an extra degree of personal responsibility by being able to choose as numerous (or as few) numbers as he or she desires. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your handpicked numbers with a ordinarypen like you used when you were in grade 3.
Now that you have checked your numbers, carry your keno card back to the keno pit manager at the keno booth. The clerk will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t lose this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your loud shirt and would like to help out, without a winning slip on you, you will be given precisely $.00 for your actions.
OK, so there you have strategy numero uno: always make sure to keep your keno ticket. Let us get on to something a little bit more useful, what do you think?
Now that you’ve picked your numbers, settle into a comfortable keno booth and observe the action take place on a big video monitor. That’s where the winning numbers appear for us. If you selected winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Make sure not to move to slowly, or sit there praising yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You want to get back to the keno booth to get your winnings, and then a new drawing will likely start within a few minutes.
Strategy number two: always go back to the keno booth on time!
Since you don’t trust yourself to beat that 5 minute margin each time, you always retain the option of buying a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your chosen numbers on anywhere from two to 20 cards. When the max number of keno games (fitting the amount of tickets) is completed, you are then able to get off your lazy butt and go redeem your winnings.
Yet another choice is recognized as a "stray and play" keno slip, which generally allows you make number selection for thirty keno games or more. Golly, you can take vacation to Greece and not have to fret about getting back in time to retrieve your winnings. Most "stray and play" game cards are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you have learned several necessary strategies for winning keno. If you are an experienced player, they might seem to be quite obvious. However, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on the fundamentals, and if you are a newbie keno player, every bit of direction will help make your keno gambling more enjoyable.