It won’t often be considered the funnest game in the arena of gaming, but keno has huge amounts of steadfast fans. And it should! It’s a consistently thrilling lottery-ish game that’s easy to master, abundantly available in lots of alternate formats, and one that will yield mega-dollars for those who learn its uncounted subtle nuances. But let’s begin with the basics here.
When describing keno to novices, some gaming masters compare it to the lottery. This is at least partly apt, in that both games are generally numerical. Yet to carry that comparison too far can be to discount the good many unique traits that make keno so interesting. Unlike bingo, keno enthusiasts have the power to pick the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the player is furnished with an additional degree of personal responsibility by being able to decide on as many (or as few) numbers as she desires. 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 desired numbers with a good old#2 pencil like you used when you were in school.
After you’ve selected your numbers, carry the game card back to the keno pit manager at the keno stand. The person will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Make sure no to misplace this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your loud shirt 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 take care to keep your keno receipt. Let us move to something a little more complex, ok?
Now that you’ve selected your numbers, get into a nice keno booth and observe the action take place on a monitor. This is where the winning numbers appear for us. If you have winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Make sure not to dally, or sit there praising yourself for too great a length of time. You want to get back to the keno stand to collect your winnings, and then a new drawing will surely start within 5 minutes.
Strategy #2: always get back to the keno stand on time!
Assuming you can not trust yourself to beat that 5 minute margin each and every time, you always retain the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from two to 20 cards. When the maximum number of keno games (matching the number of tickets) is played out, you are then able to get off your numb bum and go get your winnings.
Another choice is referred to as a "stray and play" keno slip, which usually allows you make number choices for thirty rounds or more. Gosh, you can take all the time in the world and not have to fret about getting back in time to collect your winnings. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you have learned several necessary strategies for winning keno. If you are an accomplished user, they might appear to be quite obvious. Still, it does not hurt to study up on the basics, and if you are a newbie user, every little bit of advice will help make your keno gambling more exciting.