It might not ordinarily be thought of as the most fun game in the universe of gaming, but keno has huge amounts of steadfast followers. As well it should! It’s a routinely exciting lottery-type game that’s easy to master, readily available in lots of alternate variations, and one that may return millions for people who master its uncounted subtle rules. But let’s deal with the basic facts for now.
When defining keno to novices, some gaming experts compare it to the lottery. This is at least to a certain extent correct, in that each game is basically numerical. But to take that comparison too far can be to underestimate the many unique characteristics that make keno so exciting. Not like bingo, keno enthusiasts have the power to choose the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the user is given an extra level of personal responsibility by being able to pick as many (or as few) numbers as she wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come up with how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your picked numbers with a ordinarypen like you used when you were in school.
Now that you’ve marked your numbers, take the game card back to the person at the keno booth. The person will record your numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not lose this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your face and would like to help out, without a winning slip in hand, you will be given precisely $.00 for your efforts.
Now there you have strategy numero uno: always take care to keep your keno receipt. Let’s get on to something a little more complicated, shall we?
After you’ve picked your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and see the action happen on the keno monitor. That’s where the winning numbers show up for us. If you’ve got winners, mark your card aptly. Sake care not to drag your feet, or sit there congratulating yourself for too great a length of time. You are required to get up to the keno stand to collect your winnings, as a new keno game will almost certainly start up within not too many minutes.
Strategy number 2: always make sure to get back to the keno booth on time!
Since you don’t trust yourself to meet that five-minute deadline every time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the self same set of your picked numbers on anywhere from two to 20 tickets. When the maximum number of keno games (the same as the number of tickets) is played out, you can then get off your numb butt and go retrieve your winnings.
Another option is recognized as a "stray and play" keno slip, which generally allows you make number picks for 30 keno games or more. Heck, you can take vacation to Italy and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to get your winnings. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after it’s bought!
So now you are aware of a handful of indispensable methods for winning keno. If you are a discerning user, they might appear to be stupidly obvious. But it will never hurt to study up on the fundamentals, and if you are a beginner keno player, every little bit of information will help make your keno playing more captivating.
