It will not often be looked at as the most fun game in the realm of betting, but keno has tons of passionate players. As well it should! It’s a consistently exciting lottery-ish game that’s uncomplicated to play, abundantly available in a number of different variations, and one that might return mega-dollars for those who master its countless subtle intricacies. But let’s begin with the basic rules for now.
When defining keno to newcomers, some betting connoisseurs compare it to lotto. This is at least in part apt, in that each game is essentially numerical. Yet to take that comparison too far can be to misunderstand the great many unique characteristics that make keno so interesting. Unlike bingo, keno gamblers have the power to choose the numbers for each card.
Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is granted an extra level of personal responsibility by being able to determine as many (or as few) numbers as he wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your selected numbers with a good old#2 pencil like you had when you were in grade 3.
Now that you’ve picked your numbers, take your card back to the nice person at the keno stand. The girl will record your numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not misplace this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your loud shirt and would like to help out, without a winning slip on you, you will be given precisely $.00 for your time spent.
So, there you have strategy #1: always take care to keep your keno slip. Let us move on to something a little more complicated, what do you think?
After you’ve picked out your numbers, get yourself into a comfortable keno booth and watch the action take place on the monitor. That’s where the winning numbers show up in lights. If you marked winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Make sure not to move to slowly, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You are required to get up to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, since a new keno game will likely start up within not too many minutes.
Strategy number 2: always make sure to get back to the keno booth on time!
Since you do not trust yourself to make that 5 minute margin each time, you always have the option of purchasing a "multi-race" ticket. These include the self same set of your picked numbers on anywhere from two to twenty cards. When the max amount of games (fitting the amount of tickets) is played, you should then get off your numb butt and go collect your winnings.
Yet another opportunity is referred to as a "stray and play" keno card, which usually lets you make number picks for 30 keno rounds or more. Heck, you can take all the time in the world and not have to worry about getting back in time to retrieve your numbers. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after it’s bought!
And now you are aware of a couple of essential strategies for winning keno. If you are an accomplished player, they might seem to be very obvious. However, it will never hurt to study up on the basic tactics, and if you are a novice keno player, every bit of information will help make your keno wagering more captivating.