It will not usually be looked at as the sexiest game in the field of gambling, but keno has millions and millions of fanatical admirers. And why not? It’s a routinely entertaining lotto-style game that’s a snap to play, abundantly available in many different variations, and one that will return millions of dollars for people who master its endless subtle rules. But let’s start with the beginner’s rules for now.
When defining keno to beginners, some wagering experts compare it to lotto. This is at least tolerably correct, in that each game is generally numerical. However, to take that comparison too far would be to detract from the great many unique aspect that make keno so exciting. Not like bingo, keno gamblers have the freedom to choose the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of eighty numbers, but the player is given an additional degree of personal responsibility by being able to select as many (or as few) numbers as he or she needs. And it doesn’t take a genius to come up with how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your selected numbers with a standard#2 pencil like you had when you were in school.
Once you’ve picked your numbers, take the card back to the nice person at the keno booth. The clerk will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t lose this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the clerk remembers your face and would like to help out, without a winning ticket with you, you will win exactly $.00 for your time spent.
And there you have strategy numero uno: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let us move to something a bit more useful, what do you think?
Once you’ve picked your numbers, settle into a comfy keno booth and watch the action take place on the monitor. That is where the winning numbers are shown for all to see. If you checked winners, mark your card appropriately. Be sure not to drag your feet, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You need to get back to the keno stand to get your winnings, and then a new round of keno will almost certainly start up within five minutes.
Strategy #2: always make it back to the keno stand on time!
Since you can not trust yourself to make that 5 minute margin every time, you always have the option of buying a "multi-race" card. These include the self same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from two to 20 slips. When the maximum amount of games (fitting the amount of tickets) is played out, you should then get off your lazy bum and go collect your winnings.
Yet an additional opportunity is recognized as a "stray and play" keno slip, which generally lets you make number picks for 30 games or more. Hell, you can take vacation to France and not have to worry about getting back in time to collect your numbers. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
And now you have learned a number of essential methods for winning keno. If you are a good gambler, they might appear to be incredibly obvious. But it doesn’t hurt to study up on the basic tactics, and if you are a beginner user, every tiny bit of information will help make your keno experience more entertaining.