It may not commonly be considered the most fun game in the universe of wagering, but keno has millions and millions of keen players. As well it should! It’s a always exciting lotto-like game that’s a snap to play, abundantly available in lots of assorted variations, and one that might return mega-dollars for gamblers who master its numerous subtle intricacies. But let’s begin with the basics here.
When defining keno to newbies, some wagering pros compare it to lotto. This is at least partly apt, in that each game is generally numerical. But to take that comparison too far might be to underestimate the countless unique traits that make keno so fun. Not like bingo, keno users have the ability to choose the numbers for each and 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 select as many (or as few) numbers as he thinks is appropriate. And it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your desired numbers with a every day oldpen like you used when you were in school.
After you’ve marked your numbers, take your keno card back to the person at the keno stand. The person will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Don’t misplace this (potentially) lucrative bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your face and would like to help out, without a winning slip with you, you will be given exactly $.00 for your winning card.
And there you have strategy #1: always be sure to keep your keno ticket. Let’s advance to something a little more useful, ok?
Now that you’ve picked your numbers, get yourself into a nice keno booth and observe the action unfold on the screen. That’s where the winning numbers are shown for all to see. If you marked winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Be sure not to drag your feet, or sit there praising yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You need to get back to the keno stand to redeem your winnings, and then a new round of keno will probably begin within 5 minutes.
Strategy number 2: always make sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Since you don’t trust yourself to meet that five-minute deadline each time, you always have the option of buying a "multi-race" ticket. These include the same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 slips. When the max number of rounds (fitting the amount of tickets) is played, you are then able to get off your numb bum and go retrieve your winnings.
Another option is recognized as a "stray and play" keno card, which usually lets you make number selection for thirty keno games or more. Gosh, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to worry about getting back in time to collect your winnings. Most "stray and play" game tickets are good for up to a whole year after it’s purchased!
And now you have learned a number of indispensable strategies for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable keno player, they might appear to be incredibly obvious. But it will never hurt to bone up on the fundamentals, and if you are a beginner player, every tiny bit of direction will help make your keno games more fun.