It won’t generally be looked at as the most lucrative game in the field of gambling, but keno has tons of passionate enthusiasts. And so it should! It’s a consistently thrilling lotto-like game that’s simple to pickup, abundantly available in a number of assorted variations, and one that might pay out millions for those who master its endless subtle intricacies. But let’s deal with the basic facts here.
When defining keno to amateurs, some wagering pros compare it to the lottery. This is at least in part correct, in that each game is basically numerical. But to take that comparison too far would be to think too little of the countless unique characteristics that make keno so interesting. Not like bingo, keno enthusiasts have the freedom to choose the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a total of eighty numbers, but the player is furnished with an increased level of personal responsibility by being able to pick as many (or as few) numbers as he desires. And it doesn’t take a genius to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your handpicked numbers with a normalball point pen like you used when you were in grade 3.
Now that you have picked your numbers, take your game card back to the keno pit manager at the keno stand. The person will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Do not drop this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your mug and wants help out, without a winning ticket on you, you will be given exactly $.00 for your time spent.
OK, so there you have strategy number one: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let us move on to something a little more advanced, shall we?
Now that you’ve selected your numbers, get into a comfy keno booth and see the action happen on a video monitor. This is where the winning numbers show up for us. If you’ve got winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Be sure not to dilly dally, 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, since a new drawing will surely start up within 5 minutes.
Strategy #2: always be sure to get back to the keno booth on time!
Assuming you can not trust yourself to beat that five-minute deadline each and every time, you always retain the option of purchasing a "multi-race" ticket. These include the same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 cards. When the maximum number of rounds (the same as the number of tickets) is played, you should then get off your lazy bum and go get your winnings.
Yet another opportunity is known as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which usually lets you make number choices for 30 keno rounds or more. Gosh, you can take vacation to Italy and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to get your winnings. Most "stray and play" cards are good for up to a whole year after purchase!
So now you know a couple indispensable schemes for winning keno. If you are a good keno player, they might seem to be quite obvious. But it will never hurt to study up on the fundamentals, and if you are a novice gambler, every bit of information will help make your keno playing time more captivating.