It might not generally be deemed the most fun game in the realm of gambling, but keno has loads of dedicated supporters. And so it should! It’s a regularly entertaining lotto-ish game that’s simple to learn, readily available in loads of alternate formats, and one that may pay out millions of dollars for players who master its limitless subtle nuances. But let’s start with the basic facts for now.
When explaining keno to novices, some gambling experts compare it to lotto. This is at least to some extent correct, in that each game is essentially numerical. Yet to take that comparison too far is likely to be to underrate the endless unique traits that make keno so fun. Not like bingo, keno enthusiasts have the power to select the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a total of eighty numbers, but the player is given an extra 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 nuclear physicist to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your selected numbers with a good old#2 pencil like you had when you were in grade 3.
After you’ve checked your numbers, take the game card back to the girl at the keno booth. The clerk will record your numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not drop this (potentially) valuable piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your loud shirt and would like to help out, without a winning slip in hand, you will be given precisely $.00 for your time spent.
Now there you have strategy numero uno: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let’s advance to something a tiny bit more complicated, ok?
Now that you’ve marked your numbers, settle into a comfy keno booth and see the action happen on a big video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up for us. If you checked winners, mark your card appropriately. Be sure not to move to slowly, or sit there praising yourself for too great a length of time. You need to get up to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, and a new drawing will likely start within not too many minutes.
Strategy number 2: always make it back to the keno stand on time!
Since you do not trust yourself to meet that 5 minute deadline each time, you always have the option of purchasing a "multi-race" ticket. These include the very same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 cards. When the max amount of rounds (the same as the amount of tickets) is finished, you should then get off your numb rump and go retrieve your winnings.
Still another opportunity is recognized as a "stray and play" keno card, which generally allows you make number selection for 30 games or more. Golly, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your winnings. Most "stray and play" cards are good for up to a whole year after it’s bought!
So now you know a couple necessary schemes for winning keno. If you are an experienced keno player, they might seem to be very obvious. Still, it won’t hurt to bone up on the basic strategies, and if you are a new keno player, every tiny bit of information will help make your keno games more agreeable.