Keno Tricks

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It won’t generally be thought of as the funnest game in the field of betting, but keno has massive amounts of passionate fans. As well it should! It’s a always thrilling lotto-style game that’s simple to play, readily available in lots of alternate variations, and one that may return mega-dollars for those who learn its many subtle rules. But let’s begin with the basic rules for now.

When describing keno to newcomers, some gambling pros compare it to lotto. This is at least tolerably apt, in that each game is fundamentally numerical. However, to take that comparison too far would be to miscalculate the countless unique traits that make keno so interesting. Unlike bingo, keno players have the power to pick the numbers for each and every card.

Keno cards have a total of eighty numbers, but the gambler is granted an extra level of personal responsibility by being able to choose as numerous (or as few) numbers as he or she needs. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark each of your chosen numbers with a every day old#2 pencil like you used when you were a kid.

Now that you’ve selected your numbers, carry your keno card back to the nice person at the keno stand. The girl will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not lose this (potentially) valuable bit of paper! Even if the clerk 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.

OK, so there you have strategy numero uno: always be sure to keep your keno receipt. Let us advance to something a bit more advanced, yes?

Once you’ve picked out your numbers, get yourself into a comfy keno booth and see the action happen on the keno monitor. This is where the winning numbers are displayed for us. If you picked winners, mark your card accordingly. Make sure not to take your time, or sit there praising yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You really want to get up to the keno stand to redeem your winnings, since a new keno game will almost certainly start within a few minutes.

Strategy number two: always go back to the keno booth on time!

Since you can’t trust yourself to beat that five-minute deadline each time, you always retain the option of using a "multi-race" ticket. These include the self same set of your handpicked numbers on anywhere from two to 20 cards. When the maximum number of games (matching the number of tickets) is played, you should then get off your numb butt and go get your winnings.

Another option is referred to as a "stray and play" keno ticket, which normally allows you make number picks for 30 keno games or more. Golly, 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" slips are good for up to a whole year after it’s purchased!

And now you have learned a couple of necessary techniques for winning keno. If you are an accomplished user, they might seem to be quite obvious. Still, it does not hurt to bone up on the basics, and if you are a beginner player, every bit of advice will help make your keno games more captivating.