It might not generally be looked at as the most lucrative game in the universe of gaming, but keno has millions and millions of dedicated supporters. As well it should! It’s a regularly entertaining lottery-like game that’s easy to learn, readily available in lots of alternate styles, and one that may return mega-dollars for people who learn its endless subtle intricacies. But let’s deal with the basics here.
When explaining keno to novices, some gambling pros compare it to the lottery. This is at least tolerably apt, in that each game is fundamentally numerical. But to take that comparison too far is likely to be to think too little of the great many unique aspect that make keno so entertaining. Not like bingo, keno gamblers have the power to select the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a total of eighty numbers, but the player is given an additional level of personal responsibility by being able to select as numerous (or as few) numbers as he or she needs. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your selected numbers with a normalball point pen like you had when you were in grade 3.
Now that you’ve marked your numbers, take the keno card back to the nice person at the keno booth. The person will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t drop this (potentially) expensive piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers you and wants help out, without a winning slip on you, you will get exactly $.00 for your winning card.
Ok, there you have strategy number one: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let us get on to something a tiny bit more useful, yes?
Now that you’ve picked out your numbers, get yourself into a comfortable keno booth and observe the action unfold on the screen. This is where the winning numbers show up for all to see. If you checked winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Be sure not to drag your feet, or sit there congratulating yourself for too great a length of time. You really want to get back to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, as a new round of keno will certainly get going within 5 minutes.
Strategy number two: always be sure to get back to the keno booth on time!
Since you do not trust yourself to meet that 5 minute deadline each time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 slips. When the max number of games (matching the number of tickets) is finished, you will then be able to get off your lazy butt and go get your winnings.
Yet an additional alternative is known as a "stray and play" keno slip, which commonly lets you make number picks for thirty keno games or more. Gosh, you can take vacation to France and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your numbers. Most "stray and play" game tickets are good for up to a whole year after it’s bought!
And now you have learned a number of necessary techniques for winning keno. If you are a discerning player, they might seem to be very obvious. However, it doesn’t hurt to bone up on the basic practices, and if you are a newbie player, every bit of direction will help make your keno games more exciting.