It may not often be deemed the sexiest game in the field of gambling, but keno has millions of keen followers. And why not? It’s a consistently thrilling lottery-ish game that’s easy to play, abundantly available in loads of different formats, and one that might yield millions of dollars for those who learn its heaps of subtle rules. But let’s start with the basic facts here.
When describing keno to newbies, some wagering connoisseurs compare it to lotto. This is at least to some extent apt, in that both games are essentially numerical. But to take that comparison too far would be to belittle the many unique aspect that make keno so exciting. Not like bingo, keno gamblers have the power to pick the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of eighty numbers, but the user is given an additional degree of personal responsibility by being able to select as many (or as few) numbers as he or she thinks is appropriate. And it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to come up with how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your desired numbers with a standardball point pen like you had when you were in school.
Now that you have selected your numbers, carry your game card back to the nice person at the keno booth. The girl will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Do not misplace this (potentially) valuable piece of paper! Even if the clerk remembers your pretty face and wants help out, without a winning slip in hand, you will win precisely $.00 for your time spent.
And there you have strategy number one: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let us go on to something a little more useful, shall we?
Now that you’ve picked your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and observe the action take place on a monitor. That is where the winning numbers are displayed for us. If you marked winners, mark your card accordingly. Sake care not to dally, or sit there praising yourself for too great a length of time. You really want to get back to the keno stand to collect your winnings, and then a new round of keno will likely begin within not too many minutes.
Strategy number two: always make it back to the keno booth on time!
Since you don’t trust yourself to meet that 5 minute deadline each and every time, you always retain the option of purchasing a "multi-race" ticket. These include the self same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from two to twenty cards. When the max number of rounds (the same as the amount of tickets) is finished, you can then get off your lazy butt and go redeem your winnings.
Another opportunity is referred to as a "stray and play" keno card, which commonly allows you make number selection for thirty keno rounds or more. Golly, you can take all the time in the world and not have to worry about getting back in time to get your winnings. Most "stray and play" game tickets are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
And now you are aware of several needed techniques for winning keno. If you are a skillful player, they might seem stupidly obvious. Still, it will not hurt to brush up on the fundamentals, and if you are a newbie player, every little bit of direction will help make your keno playing more agreeable.