It may not generally be thought of as the funnest game in the realm of wagering, but keno has loads of devoted enthusiasts. And why not? It’s a routinely entertaining lottery-like game that’s a breeze to play, abundantly available in lots of alternate formats, and one that will pay out millions for those who master its heaps of subtle nuances. But let’s begin with the basics for now.
When explaining keno to newcomers, some gaming connoisseurs compare it to bingo. This is at least partially apt, in that each game is essentially numerical. But to carry that comparison too far will be to undervalue the many unique traits that make keno so interesting. Unlike bingo, keno gamblers have the ability to pick the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the player is granted an extra level of personal responsibility by being able to select as many (or as few) numbers as she desires. And it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your chosen numbers with a ordinary#2 pencil like you had when you were in grade 3.
Now that you have selected your numbers, take your card back to the person at the keno booth. The keno pit manager will record your numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not misplace this (potentially) valuable piece of paper! Even if the clerk remembers you and would like to help out, without a winning receipt in hand, you will get precisely $.00 for your time spent.
Ok, there you have strategy number one: always take care to keep your keno receipt. Let us advance to something a little bit more advanced, what do you think?
Now that you’ve picked your numbers, get into a nice keno booth and see the action unfold on the screen. That’s where the winning numbers are displayed for us. If you picked winners, mark your card appropriately. Sake care not to take your time, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You really want to get up to the keno booth to get your winnings, as a new keno game will surely get going within 5 minutes.
Strategy number 2: always make sure to get back to the keno booth on time!
Assuming you can’t trust yourself to meet that 5 minute margin each and every time, you always retain the option of buying a "multi-race" card. These include the very same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 cards. When the maximum number of games (the same as the number of tickets) is played, you are then able to get off your lazy back side and go retrieve your winnings.
Yet an additional alternative is referred to as a "stray and play" keno slip, which normally lets you make number picks for 30 games or more. Heck, you can take all the time in the world and not have to fret about getting back in time to redeem your numbers. Most "stray and play" game cards are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
So now you have learned a number of essential methods for winning keno. If you are a discerning player, they may seem to be stupidly obvious. Still, it doesn’t hurt to study up on the basic tactics, and if you are a novice keno player, every little bit of direction will help make your keno playing more agreeable.