It won’t ordinarily be deemed the funnest game in the field of gambling, but keno has massive amounts of devout supporters. And why not? It’s a constantly thrilling lottery-esque game that’s easy to play, readily available in many alternate styles, and one that can yield millions of dollars for players who master its countless subtle nuances. But let’s start with the basic rules for now.
When describing keno to newcomers, some gaming experts compare it to bingo. This is at least partly apt, in that both games are generally numerical. However, to carry that comparison too far is likely to be to downplay the many unique aspect that make keno so exciting. Unlike bingo, keno players have the power to choose the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a total of eighty numbers, but the gambler is given an increased degree of personal responsibility by being able to select as many (or as few) numbers as he desires. 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 of your desired numbers with a standard#2 pencil like you used when you were in school.
Once you’ve checked your numbers, take the game card back to the clerk at the keno stand. The girl will record your numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not misplace this (potentially) valuable piece of paper! Even if the clerk remembers you and wants help out, without a winning receipt in hand, you will be given exactly $.00 for your winning card.
Now there you have strategy number one: always be sure to keep your keno receipt. Let us advance to something a bit more complicated, shall we?
Once you’ve picked your numbers, settle into a comfortable keno booth and watch the action take place on the monitor. That’s where the winning numbers are displayed for us. If you’ve got winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Sake care not to take your time, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You want to get up to the keno booth to collect your winnings, as a new round of keno will almost certainly start within not too many minutes.
Strategy number two: always be sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you don’t trust yourself to meet that five-minute margin each and every time, you always have the option of buying a "multi-race" ticket. These include the same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from two to 20 slips. When the max number of rounds (the same as the number of tickets) is played, you will then be able to get off your lazy back side and go collect your winnings.
Another choice is recognized as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which generally lets you make number picks for thirty keno rounds or more. Heck, you can take vacation to Italy and not have to worry about getting back in time to get your winnings. Most "stray and play" slips are good for up to a whole year after it’s purchased!
So now you have learned a handful of necessary methods for winning keno. If you are a skillful keno player, they may seem quite obvious. But it will not hurt to bone up on the fundamentals, and if you are a new user, every bit of information will help make your keno playing more entertaining.