It will not commonly be deemed the most lucrative game in the field of gambling, but keno has millions of steadfast supporters. And it should! It’s a regularly exciting lotto-type game that’s easy to play, readily available in several assorted styles, and one that may pay out millions for gamblers who learn its countless subtle nuances. But let’s begin with the beginner’s rules for now.
When explaining keno to newcomers, some betting masters compare it to lotto. This is at least to a certain degree correct, in that both games are generally numerical. But to carry that comparison too far would be to belittle the endless unique traits that make keno so exciting. Unlike bingo, keno players have the ability to choose the numbers for every card.
Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the player is given an increased degree of personal responsibility by being able to choose as many (or as few) numbers as he desires. And it doesn’t take a doctor of keno to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your picked numbers with a ordinary#2 pencil like you used back in school.
After you have picked your numbers, carry your game card back to the clerk at the keno stand. The nice person will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Do not drop this (potentially) valuable piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your pretty face and would like to help out, without a winning slip on you, you will win exactly $.00 for your efforts.
Ok, there you have strategy numero uno: always be sure to keep your keno receipt. Let’s advance to something a little bit more useful, shall we?
Now that you’ve checked off your numbers, get yourself into a comfortable keno booth and watch the action take place on the screen. That is where the winning numbers are shown for us. If you’ve got winners, mark your card accordingly. Be sure not to move to slowly, or sit there praising yourself for too great a length of time. You need to get up to the keno stand to collect your winnings, since a new round of keno will surely start within not too many minutes.
Strategy number two: always be sure to get back to the keno booth on time!
Since you can’t trust yourself to beat that five-minute margin every time, you always have the option of buying a "multi-race" ticket. These include the self same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from two to twenty cards. When the maximum amount of rounds (the same as the amount of tickets) is played out, you can then get off your numb bum and go get your winnings.
Still another option is referred to as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which usually allows you make number picks for thirty keno games or more. Gosh, you can take vacation to Italy and not have to get uptight about getting back in time to collect your winnings. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after purchase!
So now you know a couple of indispensable techniques for winning keno. If you are a good keno player, they might seem to be very obvious. Still, it won’t hurt to brush up on the basics, and if you are a beginner user, every bit of advice will help make your keno playing time more agreeable.