It may not often be considered the best game in the field of betting, but keno has millions of zealous players. And so it should! It’s a consistently entertaining lottery-esque game that’s a snap to master, readily available in a number of alternate styles, and one that can return mega-dollars for gamblers who learn its limitless subtle nuances. But let’s start with the basic rules for now.
When describing keno to beginners, some gambling connoisseurs compare it to the lottery. This is at least in some measure apt, in that both games are essentially numerical. However, to carry that comparison too far is likely to be to think too little of the countless unique traits that make keno so compelling. Not like bingo, keno players have the freedom to pick the numbers for each and every card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is accord an increased degree of personal responsibility by being able to choose as many (or as few) numbers as she wants. And it doesn’t take a genius to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your selected numbers with a good oldmarker like you used when you were in third grade.
Now that you have marked your numbers, take the card back to the keno pit manager at the keno booth. The keno pit manager will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not lose this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your loud shirt and wants help out, without a winning ticket in hand, you will be given exactly $.00 for your winning card.
Ok, there you have strategy #1: always make sure to keep your keno slip. Let’s advance to something a bit more useful, yes?
After you’ve selected your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and see the action take place on a video monitor. This is where the winning numbers appear for us. If you marked winners, mark your card aptly. Sake care not to take your time, or sit there praising yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You really want to get up to the keno booth to get your winnings, since a new keno game will likely get going within five minutes.
Strategy #2: always make sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Since you don’t trust yourself to make that 5 minute margin every time, you always have the option of purchasing a "multi-race" card. These include the same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from 2 to twenty slips. When the max amount of keno games (matching the amount of tickets) is completed, you should then get off your lazy back side and go get your winnings.
Another opportunity is referred to as a "stray and play" keno slip, which usually allows you make number selection for thirty keno games or more. Heck, you can take vacation to France and not have to worry about getting back in time to collect your winnings. Most "stray and play" slips are good for up to a whole year after purchase!
And now you are aware of a handful of necessary strategies for winning keno. If you are a discerning keno player, they might seem incredibly obvious. Still, it will not hurt to bone up on the basic practices, and if you are a newbie player, every tiny bit of advice will help make your keno experience more captivating.