It will not usually be looked at as the best game in the arena of betting, but keno has tons of zealous fans. As well it should! It’s a constantly exciting lotto-like game that’s a breeze to learn, readily available in loads of assorted variations, and one that can pay out millions of dollars for players who master its innumerable subtle nuances. But let’s deal with the basic facts here.
When explaining keno to newbies, some gaming connoisseurs compare it to the lottery. This is at least tolerably correct, in that each game is generally numerical. However, to take that comparison too far is likely to be to discount the endless unique characteristics that make keno so compelling. Not like bingo, keno users have the ability to pick the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is given an additional level of personal responsibility by being able to determine as many (or as few) numbers as she wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come up with how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your handpicked numbers with a good old#2 pencil like you used when you were in grade 3.
Once you have checked your numbers, carry the keno card back to the person at the keno stand. The nice person will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Don’t lose this (potentially) expensive piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your loud shirt and wants help out, without a winning slip in hand, you will get precisely $.00 for your winning card.
Ok, there you have strategy numero uno: always take care to keep your keno slip. Let us go on to something a bit more advanced, what do you think?
Once you’ve picked your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and watch the action take place on the video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up in lights. If you marked winners, mark your card appropriately. Sake care not to drag your feet, or sit there praising yourself for too great a length of time. You want to get back to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, as a new keno game will almost certainly get going within five minutes.
Strategy number 2: always get back to the keno booth on time!
Since you can’t trust yourself to meet that five-minute margin every time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from two to twenty tickets. When the max number of rounds (matching the number of tickets) is played, you may then get off your lazy back side and go get your winnings.
Another opportunity is referred to as a "stray and play" keno slip, which generally lets you make number selection for 30 games or more. Golly, you can take vacation to Italy and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to get your numbers. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you know a handful of essential schemes for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable user, they might seem very obvious. But it will not hurt to study up on the basics, and if you are a new user, every bit of advice will help make your keno games more exciting.