It will not often be thought of as the most fun game in the arena of gaming, but keno has millions of passionate followers. And it should! It’s a regularly thrilling lotto-esque game that’s simple to learn, abundantly available in tons of assorted formats, and one that may return millions for gamblers who master its innumerable subtle intricacies. But let’s start with the beginner’s rules here.
When describing keno to newbies, some gaming pros compare it to bingo. This is at least in part correct, in that both games are generally numerical. Yet to carry that comparison too far would be to detract from the endless unique aspect that make keno so exciting. Unlike bingo, keno gamblers have the power to select the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is granted an additional degree of personal responsibility by being able to select as numerous (or as few) numbers as she desires. And it doesn’t take a super genius to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your chosen numbers with a standard#2 pencil like you used back in the day.
Once you’ve marked your numbers, take your card back to the keno pit manager at the keno stand. The clerk will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Make sure no to drop this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the clerk remembers you and would like to help out, without a winning slip with you, you will collect exactly $.00 for your winning card.
Now there you have strategy numero uno: always take care to keep your keno slip. Let us advance to something a bit more advanced, what do you think?
Once you’ve selected your numbers, settle into a comfy keno booth and observe the action unfold on the big keno monitor. That’s where the winning numbers are displayed in lights. If you checked winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Be sure not to drag your feet, 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 keno game will surely start up within five minutes.
Strategy number two: always get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you don’t trust yourself to beat that five-minute margin each time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" ticket. These include the same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 cards. When the max number of rounds (matching the number of tickets) is completed, you are then able to get off your numb rump and go collect your winnings.
Another opportunity is known as a "stray and play" keno card, which normally allows you make number selection for thirty rounds or more. Hell, you can take a world tour and not have to fret about getting back in time to redeem your winnings. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after it’s bought!
And now you know a few essential schemes for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable player, they might seem to be quite obvious. However, it won’t hurt to bone up on the fundamentals, and if you are a novice gambler, every little bit of information will help make your keno games more enjoyable.