It will not commonly be deemed the most lucrative game in the realm of betting, but keno has millions and millions of steadfast fans. Why wouldn’t it? It’s a constantly entertaining lottery-type game that’s a breeze to master, abundantly available in a number of different variations, and one that will return millions for gamblers who master its numerous subtle rules. But let’s start with the basics for now.
When describing keno to newcomers, some gaming masters compare it to the lottery. This is at least to some extent apt, in that each game is fundamentally numerical. However, to carry that comparison too far would be to undervalue the countless unique traits that make keno so fun. Unlike bingo, keno users have the freedom to choose the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of eighty numbers, but the gambler is given an additional level of personal responsibility by being able to determine as many (or as few) numbers as he wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your desired numbers with a good old#2 pencil like you used when you were in school.
Once you have checked your numbers, carry the card back to the girl at the keno stand. The keno pit manager will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t misplace this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your loud shirt and would like to help out, without a winning slip with you, you will collect precisely $.00 for your time spent.
Now there you have strategy #1: always make sure to keep your keno ticket. Let us advance to something a little bit more advanced, yes?
After you’ve picked out your numbers, get yourself into a nice keno booth and observe the action take place on the keno monitor. That is where the winning numbers are shown for us. If you have winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Be sure not to take your time, or sit there congratulating yourself for too great a length of time. You want to get back to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, and a new round of keno will likely begin within a few minutes.
Strategy number two: always make sure to get back to the keno booth on time!
Since you can’t trust yourself to beat that 5 minute deadline every time, you always retain the option of purchasing a "multi-race" ticket. These include the very same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from two to 20 cards. When the max amount of rounds (the same as the amount of tickets) is played out, you should then get off your lazy bum and go retrieve your winnings.
Yet an additional option is referred to as a "stray and play" keno card, which generally allows you make number selection for 30 keno games or more. Hell, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your winnings. Most "stray and play" slips are good for up to a whole year after purchase!
So now you are aware of a few required strategies for winning keno. If you are an adept keno player, they might seem incredibly obvious. However, it will not hurt to study up on the fundamentals, and if you are a novice gambler, every tiny bit of direction will help make your keno playing time more exciting.