It might not ordinarily be looked at as the sexiest game in the universe of gambling, but keno has massive amounts of devoted players. And why not? It’s a constantly thrilling lottery-like game that’s a breeze to learn, abundantly available in lots of different formats, and one that might pay out millions for those who learn its many subtle rules. But let’s deal with the basics here.
When defining keno to beginners, some wagering masters compare it to the lottery. This is at least nearly correct, in that both games are generally numerical. However, to carry that comparison too far might be to miscalculate the innumerable unique aspect that make keno so fun. Unlike bingo, keno gamblers have the freedom to pick the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is furnished with an extra degree of personal responsibility by being able to pick as many (or as few) numbers as she wants. And it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your chosen numbers with a standardmarker like you used when you were in third grade.
Now that you’ve picked your numbers, carry the game card back to the girl at the keno booth. The person will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t drop this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your mug and would like to help out, without a winning slip on you, you will get precisely $.00 for your winning card.
Ok, there you have strategy numero uno: always take care to keep your keno slip. Let us move on to something a little more useful, what do you think?
After you’ve picked out your numbers, settle into a comfortable keno booth and observe the action happen on the video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up in lights. If you selected winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Sake care not to move to slowly, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You must get up to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, and then a new keno game will surely begin within not too many minutes.
Strategy #2: always make it back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you do not trust yourself to make that five-minute deadline each and every time, you always retain the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from two to 20 cards. When the max number of rounds (matching the amount of tickets) is played, you should then get off your lazy rump and go retrieve your winnings.
Still another choice is referred to as a "stray and play" keno slip, which generally lets you make number picks for thirty rounds or more. Heck, you can take vacation to Italy and not have to worry about getting back in time to collect your numbers. Most "stray and play" cards are good for up to a whole year after it’s purchased!
And now you have learned a couple of needed strategies for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable gambler, they may seem stupidly obvious. But it won’t hurt to brush up on the basic practices, and if you are a novice gambler, every tiny bit of direction will help make your keno playing time more fun.