It might not ordinarily be seen as the most fun game in the universe of betting, but keno has loads of dedicated followers. And so it should! It’s a always entertaining lottery-ish game that’s easy to pickup, abundantly available in many assorted styles, and one that will return mega-dollars for those who learn its numerous subtle nuances. But let’s start with the basic facts for now.
When describing keno to newcomers, some wagering connoisseurs compare it to lotto. This is at least in some measure apt, in that each game is basically numerical. But to carry that comparison too far might be to downplay the many unique characteristics that make keno so entertaining. Not like bingo, keno gamblers have the power to choose the numbers for each 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 choose as many (or as few) numbers as he needs. And it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to ascertain how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your chosen numbers with a standard#2 pencil like you had when you were in school.
Once you’ve marked your numbers, carry the game card back to the keno pit manager at the keno stand. The nice person will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Do not misplace this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your mug and would like to help out, without a winning ticket in hand, you will collect precisely $.00 for your actions.
So, there you have strategy #1: always make sure to keep your keno receipt. Let us move on to something a bit more complicated, ok?
After you’ve selected your numbers, get yourself into a nice keno booth and see the action unfold on a big video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up in lights. If you picked winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Make sure not to take too much time, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You want to get up to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, and then a new keno game will most likely start within not too many minutes.
Strategy number two: always go back to the keno booth on time!
Since you can’t trust yourself to meet that five-minute margin every time, you always retain the option of using a "multi-race" ticket. These include the same set of your picked numbers on anywhere from two to 20 slips. When the max amount of games (fitting the amount of tickets) is completed, you may then get off your lazy butt and go collect your winnings.
Yet another alternative is referred to as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which generally allows you make number choices for 30 keno games or more. Gosh, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your numbers. Most "stray and play" game cards are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
And now you have learned a couple of required techniques for winning keno. If you are a good gambler, they may seem to be very obvious. However, it won’t hurt to study up on the basic practices, and if you are a newbie player, every bit of direction will help make your keno playing time more enjoyable.