It may not ordinarily be considered the most lucrative game in the arena of betting, but keno has huge amounts of steadfast followers. And so it should! It’s a regularly thrilling lottery-type game that’s easy to learn, abundantly available in lots of alternate variations, and one that might yield millions for people who master its limitless subtle intricacies. But let’s start with the basics for now.
When defining keno to novices, some wagering connoisseurs compare it to lotto. This is at least in part apt, in that both games are essentially numerical. However, to take that comparison too far can be to downplay the innumerable unique characteristics that make keno so entertaining. Unlike bingo, keno players have the power to choose the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the user is granted an extra level of personal responsibility by being able to choose as many (or as few) numbers as he wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to ascertain how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your desired numbers with a every day old#2 pencil like you had back in the day.
Once you’ve picked your numbers, carry your game card back to the nice person at the keno stand. The nice person will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Do not misplace this (potentially) lucrative piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your mug and wants help out, without a winning receipt with you, you will collect precisely $.00 for your actions.
Now there you have strategy numero uno: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let’s move to something a little bit more advanced, shall we?
After you’ve picked your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and watch the action happen on a video monitor. That’s where the winning numbers show up for all to see. If you checked winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Be sure not to take too much time, or sit there praising yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You want to get up to the keno booth to get your winnings, and a new keno game will certainly begin within five minutes.
Strategy number two: always make sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you don’t trust yourself to beat that 5 minute deadline each time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the self same set of your chosen numbers on anywhere from 2 to twenty slips. When the max number of keno games (matching the amount of tickets) is completed, you should then get off your numb bum and go retrieve your winnings.
Yet an additional opportunity is recognized as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which generally lets you make number picks for 30 games or more. Golly, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to collect your winnings. Most "stray and play" game tickets are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you have learned several required techniques for winning keno. If you are an accomplished keno player, they may appear to be quite obvious. However, it doesn’t hurt to bone up on the fundamentals, and if you are a newbie keno player, every tiny bit of direction will help make your keno games more captivating.