It won’t ordinarily be looked at as the most fun game in the universe of betting, but keno has millions of passionate followers. As well it should! It’s a constantly thrilling lottery-ish game that’s easy to play, readily available in lots of alternate styles, and one that can yield mega-dollars for players who master its limitless subtle intricacies. But let’s start with the beginner’s rules here.
When defining keno to newcomers, some wagering masters compare it to the lottery. This is at least to a certain extent apt, in that each game is fundamentally numerical. But to take that comparison too far would be to discount the innumerable 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 total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is given an extra degree of personal responsibility by being able to decide on as many (or as few) numbers as she wants. 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 all of your handpicked numbers with a good oldball point pen like you used back in school.
Once you’ve checked your numbers, take your game card back to the girl at the keno stand. The clerk will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t lose this (potentially) expensive piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your pretty face and wants help out, without a winning receipt in hand, you will collect precisely $.00 for your time spent.
And there you have strategy number one: always be sure to keep your keno ticket. Let’s advance to something a tiny bit more complicated, ok?
After you’ve selected your numbers, get yourself into a comfortable keno booth and see the action unfold on a monitor. That’s where the winning numbers are displayed for all to see. If you have winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Sake care not to dilly dally, 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 almost certainly begin within five minutes.
Strategy #2: always get back to the keno booth 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 self same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 tickets. When the max number of keno games (the same as the number of tickets) is finished, you should then get off your numb bum and go retrieve your winnings.
Yet another option is known as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which commonly allows you make number choices for thirty rounds or more. Heck, you can take a Swedish massage and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to retrieve your numbers. Most "stray and play" slips are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!
And now you know a few required schemes for winning keno. If you are a skillful keno player, they might appear to be very obvious. Still, it will not hurt to study up on the fundamentals, and if you are a new player, every little bit of information will help make your keno gambling more enjoyable.