It might not usually be deemed the funnest game in the universe of betting, but keno has loads of dedicated enthusiasts. And why not? It’s a constantly thrilling lottery-style game that’s simple to pickup, abundantly available in a number of assorted formats, and one that might return mega-dollars for people who master its innumerable subtle nuances. But let’s start with the basic rules for now.
When defining keno to amateurs, some wagering connoisseurs compare it to bingo. This is at least partly correct, in that each game is essentially numerical. Yet to take that comparison too far will be to undervalue the innumerable unique aspect that make keno so exciting. Not like bingo, keno players have the ability to choose the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the player is granted an increased degree of personal responsibility by being able to pick as many (or as few) numbers as he wants. And it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your picked numbers with a standard#2 pencil like you had when you were in third grade.
After you’ve picked your numbers, carry the card back to the clerk at the keno booth. The nice person will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Make sure no to lose this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the clerk remembers your loud shirt and wants help out, without a winning ticket in hand, you will collect precisely $.00 for your time spent.
Now there you have strategy number one: always be sure to keep your keno slip. Let us advance to something a bit more useful, shall we?
Now that you’ve selected your numbers, get into a nice keno booth and observe the action happen on the video monitor. This is where the winning numbers are shown for us. If you selected winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Make sure not to move to slowly, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You need to get back to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, and then a new drawing will almost certainly begin within five minutes.
Strategy number two: always make sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you can not trust yourself to meet that 5 minute margin every time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the self same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from 2 to twenty tickets. When the maximum number of games (matching the amount of tickets) is played out, you may then get off your numb bum and go redeem your winnings.
Yet another option is referred to as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which generally allows you make number selection for thirty keno games or more. Golly, you can take a Swedish massage and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to collect your winnings. Most "stray and play" game cards are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you know a couple of indispensable techniques for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable player, they may seem quite obvious. However, it will never hurt to bone up on the basic methods, and if you are a beginner keno player, every tiny bit of direction will help make your keno experience more fun.