It won’t generally be considered the best game in the universe of wagering, but keno has millions of zealous fans. As well it should! It’s a routinely entertaining lotto-esque game that’s a breeze to learn, abundantly available in loads of assorted formats, and one that might return millions of dollars for players who master its endless subtle nuances. But let’s begin with the basics here.
When defining keno to amateurs, some wagering pros compare it to lotto. This is at least partially correct, in that both games are fundamentally numerical. But to carry that comparison too far might be to underrate the endless unique characteristics that make keno so compelling. Not like bingo, keno enthusiasts have the freedom to pick the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a total of eighty numbers, but the player is given an increased level of personal responsibility by being able to decide on as many (or as few) numbers as he or she needs. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your selected numbers with a normalmarker like you used back in school.
Once you have selected your numbers, take the card back to the nice person at the keno booth. The girl will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Make sure no to drop this (potentially) valuable piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your pretty face and wants help out, without a winning ticket with you, you will get exactly $.00 for your efforts.
OK, so there you have strategy number one: always be sure to keep your keno receipt. Let’s move on to something a bit more advanced, ok?
Once you’ve picked your numbers, get into a comfy keno booth and observe the action unfold on the monitor. This is where the winning numbers appear in lights. If you checked winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Sake care not to drag your feet, 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, and a new drawing will certainly begin within a few minutes.
Strategy number two: always make sure to get back to the keno stand on time!
Since you do not trust yourself to meet that five-minute margin each time, you always have the option of purchasing a "multi-race" ticket. These include the same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from two to twenty cards. When the maximum number of rounds (fitting the amount of tickets) is completed, you are then able to get off your numb butt and go get your winnings.
Yet another opportunity is known as a "stray and play" keno card, which usually allows you make number choices for 30 keno games or more. Gosh, you can take an ocean cruise and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your numbers. Most "stray and play" slips are good for up to a whole year after purchase!
And now you know a number of required strategies for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable gambler, they may appear to be quite obvious. But it will not hurt to study up on the basic strategies, and if you are a newbie player, every tiny bit of advice will help make your keno playing time more exciting.