It won’t generally be looked at as the most lucrative game in the field of wagering, but keno has loads of devout followers. And so it should! It’s a routinely thrilling lottery-type game that’s simple to learn, abundantly available in lots of different formats, and one that can pay out millions for gamblers who master its heaps of subtle rules. But let’s start with the basic facts for now.
When describing keno to amateurs, some betting pros compare it to the lottery. This is at least partly correct, in that each game is fundamentally numerical. Yet to carry that comparison too far might be to think too little of the countless unique aspect that make keno so entertaining. Unlike bingo, keno enthusiasts have the power to pick the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the user is furnished with an increased degree of personal responsibility by being able to choose as many (or as few) numbers as he or she wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to ascertain how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your selected numbers with a standardball point pen like you had back in school.
Now that you’ve marked your numbers, carry the keno card back to the keno pit manager at the keno booth. The girl will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Make sure no to misplace this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the clerk remembers your mug and wants help out, without a winning slip in hand, you will collect precisely $.00 for your winning card.
And there you have strategy #1: always take care to keep your keno receipt. Let’s move to something a bit more complex, yes?
Now that you’ve picked out your numbers, get into a comfy keno booth and see the action unfold on a video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up for us. If you have winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Be sure not to take your time, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You really want to get up to the keno booth to collect your winnings, since a new drawing will certainly get going within not too many minutes.
Strategy number two: always get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you do not trust yourself to make that 5 minute margin each time, you always retain the option of buying a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 tickets. When the maximum amount of rounds (the same as the amount of tickets) is completed, you will then be able to get off your numb rump and go retrieve your winnings.
Still another option is referred to as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which normally allows you make number choices for thirty games or more. Gosh, you can take vacation to France and not have to worry about getting back in time to redeem your winnings. Most "stray and play" game cards are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
And now you know a couple of indispensable strategies for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable player, they might seem stupidly obvious. However, it will not hurt to study up on the basics, and if you are a beginner user, every bit of advice will help make your keno games more fun.