It will not often be thought of as the funnest game in the realm of betting, but keno has millions and millions of devoted followers. And it ought to! It’s a constantly thrilling lotto-style game that’s uncomplicated to play, readily available in many alternate variations, and one that can pay out millions for players who learn its numerous subtle intricacies. But let’s deal with the basic rules here.
When explaining keno to newbies, some gaming connoisseurs compare it to the lottery. This is at least partially correct, in that each game is generally numerical. Yet to take that comparison too far will be to undervalue the countless unique traits that make keno so exciting. Unlike bingo, keno users have the freedom to select the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of eighty numbers, but the user is given an additional degree of personal responsibility by being able to pick as numerous (or as few) numbers as he needs. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come up with how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your picked numbers with a standardball point pen like you had when you were in school.
Now that you’ve picked your numbers, take your card back to the girl at the keno stand. The girl will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Make sure no to lose this (potentially) expensive piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers you and would like to help out, without a winning ticket with you, you will collect exactly $.00 for your time spent.
OK, so there you have strategy #1: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let us advance to something a little more complex, yes?
Now that you’ve picked out your numbers, settle into a comfortable keno booth and see the action unfold on a monitor. That’s where the winning numbers appear in lights. If you checked winning numbers, mark your card accordingly. Make sure not to take your time, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You need to get back to the keno booth to get your winnings, and a new keno game will most likely start within a few minutes.
Strategy number two: always make sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you don’t trust yourself to beat that 5 minute margin each time, you always retain the option of purchasing a "multi-race" card. These include the self same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from two to twenty cards. When the max number of games (the same as the amount of tickets) is finished, you will then be able to get off your numb butt and go get your winnings.
Yet another opportunity is recognized as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which usually allows you make number selection for thirty keno rounds or more. Hell, you can take vacation to Italy and not have to worry about getting back in time to redeem your numbers. Most "stray and play" game cards are good for up to a whole year after it’s purchased!
And now you know a couple essential techniques for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable user, they may appear to be stupidly obvious. Still, it will not hurt to bone up on the basics, and if you are a novice player, every tiny bit of advice will help make your keno gambling more fun.