It will not usually be deemed the funnest game in the world of betting, but keno has millions and millions of steadfast supporters. And why not? It’s a regularly entertaining lotto-esque game that’s simple to learn, readily available in loads of different formats, and one that can return mega-dollars for players who master its numerous subtle rules. But let’s start with the beginner’s rules for now.
When explaining keno to amateurs, some gambling connoisseurs compare it to lotto. This is at least in part correct, in that both games are fundamentally numerical. Yet to carry that comparison too far will be to devalue the countless unique characteristics that make keno so entertaining. Unlike bingo, keno gamblers have the ability to select 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 he needs. And it doesn’t take a super genius to ascertain how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your chosen numbers with a ordinaryball point pen like you had when you were a kid.
After you’ve picked your numbers, take your card back to the clerk at the keno booth. The nice person will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Do not drop this (potentially) expensive piece of paper! Even if the clerk remembers you and wants help out, without a winning slip on you, you will be given exactly $.00 for your actions.
OK, so there you have strategy number one: always take care to keep your keno ticket. Let us go on to something a little more advanced, yes?
Once you’ve picked out your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and see the action take place on the video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up for us. If you marked winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Be sure not to take your time, or sit there congratulating yourself for too great a length of time. You are required to get up to the keno stand to redeem your winnings, since a new keno game will almost certainly start within five minutes.
Strategy number 2: always be sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you can’t trust yourself to meet that five-minute margin each and every time, you always retain the option of purchasing a "multi-race" card. These include the very same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from two to 20 tickets. When the max number of keno games (matching the number of tickets) is finished, you should then get off your numb butt and go get your winnings.
Still another alternative is recognized as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which normally allows you make number picks for 30 games or more. Golly, you can take vacation to Greece and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to redeem your winnings. Most "stray and play" cards are good for up to a whole year after it’s bought!
So now you are aware of a handful of necessary schemes for winning keno. If you are a discerning keno player, they may seem to be stupidly obvious. However, it does not hurt to brush up on the fundamentals, and if you are a beginner keno player, every tiny bit of information will help make your keno wagering more agreeable.
