It may not commonly be deemed the most fun game in the arena of betting, but keno has loads of steadfast admirers. And it should! It’s a constantly exciting lottery-esque game that’s a breeze to play, abundantly available in several alternate variations, and one that will return mega-dollars for players who master its uncounted subtle nuances. But let’s begin with the beginner’s rules here.
When explaining keno to amateurs, some wagering pros compare it to lotto. This is at least in some measure apt, in that each game is generally numerical. Yet to take that comparison too far might be to devalue the innumerable unique aspect that make keno so exciting. Not like bingo, keno enthusiasts have the freedom to pick the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is given an additional degree of personal responsibility by being able to select as many (or as few) numbers as he or she wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your handpicked numbers with a standardpen like you used when you were in school.
Once you have marked your numbers, carry your card back to the keno pit manager at the keno stand. The clerk will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Do not drop this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your pretty face and would like to help out, without a winning slip in hand, you will be given precisely $.00 for your actions.
So, there you have strategy number one: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let us go on to something a tiny bit more complicated, shall we?
Now that you’ve marked your numbers, get yourself into a comfortable keno booth and observe the action unfold on the big keno monitor. That is where the winning numbers appear for us. If you’ve got winners, mark your card accordingly. Be sure not to drag your feet, or sit there congratulating yourself for too great a length of time. You want to get up to the keno stand to collect your winnings, and then a new keno game will almost certainly start up within not too many minutes.
Strategy number 2: always go back to the keno booth on time!
Since you do not trust yourself to beat that 5 minute margin each time, you always retain the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your picked numbers on anywhere from two to 20 tickets. When the maximum amount of rounds (fitting the amount of tickets) is played, you can then get off your lazy bum and go redeem your winnings.
Yet another option is known as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which usually lets you make number picks for thirty games or more. Golly, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to retrieve your numbers. Most "stray and play" slips are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you have learned a couple of needed schemes for winning keno. If you are an adept player, they might seem stupidly obvious. But it will never hurt to bone up on the basics, and if you are a novice keno player, every bit of direction will help make your keno playing time more entertaining.