It might not commonly be thought of as the most fun game in the realm of gaming, but keno has huge amounts of steadfast supporters. And so it should! It’s a regularly thrilling lotto-ish game that’s simple to play, abundantly available in lots of alternate formats, and one that might yield millions for those who master its heaps of subtle rules. But let’s start with the basic facts for now.
When defining keno to amateurs, some gaming pros compare it to the lottery. This is at least in part correct, in that both games are essentially numerical. However, to take that comparison too far might be to belittle the endless unique characteristics that make keno so compelling. Not like bingo, keno gamblers have the freedom to select the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the player is granted an additional level of personal responsibility by being able to select as many (or as few) numbers as she thinks is appropriate. And it doesn’t take a doctor of keno to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your desired numbers with a ordinarymarker like you had when you were in grade 3.
Once you have checked your numbers, take your game card back to the nice person at the keno stand. The keno pit manager will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Make sure no to drop this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your pretty face and wants help out, without a winning receipt on you, you will collect exactly $.00 for your winning card.
Ok, there you have strategy number one: always be sure to keep your keno ticket. Let’s get on to something a tiny bit more useful, yes?
After you’ve marked your numbers, settle into a comfy keno booth and observe the action take place on a big video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up for us. If you have winners, mark your card aptly. Be sure not to dally, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You want to get back to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, as a new round of keno will surely begin within not too many minutes.
Strategy #2: always make it back to the keno booth on time!
Assuming you can’t trust yourself to beat that 5 minute margin every time, you always retain the option of buying a "multi-race" card. These include the very same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from two to twenty cards. When the max amount of rounds (matching the amount of tickets) is completed, you are then able to get off your lazy bum and go collect your winnings.
Yet an additional option is recognized as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which usually lets you make number selection for 30 keno games or more. Gosh, you can take all the time in the world and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your winnings. Most "stray and play" game tickets are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you are aware of a couple required strategies for winning keno. If you are a skillful player, they may appear to be stupidly obvious. However, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on the basic practices, and if you are a beginner player, every tiny bit of information will help make your keno playing time more exciting.