It will not generally be seen as the most lucrative game in the world of gambling, but keno has millions of steadfast fans. And it should! It’s a constantly exciting lotto-type game that’s easy to play, readily available in several alternate variations, and one that will pay out mega-dollars for gamblers who master its heaps of subtle nuances. But let’s start with the basics for now.
When describing keno to amateurs, some wagering pros compare it to the lottery. This is at least in some measure apt, in that each game is basically numerical. However, to take that comparison too far is likely to be to minimize the great many unique aspect that make keno so entertaining. Not like bingo, keno enthusiasts have the power to pick the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the player is given an extra degree of personal responsibility by being able to choose as numerous (or as few) numbers as he needs. And it doesn’t take a keno superstar to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your desired numbers with a ordinarypen like you had when you were in school.
After you have selected your numbers, carry your game card back to the keno pit manager at the keno stand. The keno pit manager will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Don’t drop this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your face and wants help out, without a winning ticket on you, you will get precisely $.00 for your winning card.
Now there you have strategy number one: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let’s go on to something a bit more useful, yes?
Once you’ve checked off your numbers, get yourself into a nice keno booth and see the action take place on the keno monitor. That is where the winning numbers show up for us. If you have winners, mark your card aptly. Be sure not to move to slowly, or sit there praising yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You are required to get up to the keno booth to get your winnings, and a new round of keno will surely get going within 5 minutes.
Strategy #2: always get back to the keno booth on time!
Assuming you do not trust yourself to meet that 5 minute deadline each time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" ticket. These include the very same set of your picked numbers on anywhere from two to 20 slips. When the max amount of rounds (matching the amount of tickets) is completed, you are then able to get off your lazy bum and go collect your winnings.
Yet another option is recognized as a "stray and play" keno card, which usually lets you make number choices for 30 keno games or more. Golly, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your winnings. Most "stray and play" cards are good for up to a whole year after it’s purchased!
And now you know a couple of required strategies for winning keno. If you are a skillful keno player, they may seem to be incredibly obvious. Still, it does not hurt to study up on the fundamentals, and if you are a newbie user, every bit of advice will help make your keno playing time more enjoyable.