Keno Tricks

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It may not usually be considered the best game in the world of wagering, but keno has tons of devoted players. As well it should! It’s a consistently entertaining lotto-like game that’s a snap to play, abundantly available in several assorted styles, and one that might return mega-dollars for people who learn its endless subtle rules. But let’s begin with the basic facts for now.

When defining keno to newcomers, some wagering experts compare it to the lottery. This is at least nearly correct, in that each game is basically numerical. But to take that comparison too far might be to discount the good many unique traits that make keno so exciting. Unlike bingo, keno players have the power to pick the numbers for each card.

Keno cards have a grand total of 80 numbers, but the player is granted an additional level of personal responsibility by being able to choose as numerous (or as few) numbers as she feels they need. And it doesn’t take a genius to determine how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your handpicked numbers with a standardmarker like you used when you were in school.

Once you have picked your numbers, take the card back to the nice person at the keno booth. The girl will record your numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t lose this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the clerk remembers your mug and wants help out, without a winning ticket on you, you will be given precisely $.00 for your actions.

OK, so there you have strategy number one: always make sure to keep your keno ticket. Let’s get on to something a tiny bit more useful, shall we?

Now that you’ve checked off your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and observe the action unfold on a monitor. That is where the winning numbers are displayed in lights. If you marked winners, mark your card appropriately. Make sure not to drag your feet, 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, and a new drawing will almost certainly start up within 5 minutes.

Strategy number 2: always make it back to the keno stand on time!

Since you don’t trust yourself to beat that five-minute deadline each time, you always retain the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the self same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from 2 to 20 slips. When the maximum number of keno games (the same as the number of tickets) is completed, you should then get off your lazy butt and go redeem your winnings.

Another option is recognized as a "stray and play" keno card, which commonly allows you make number selection for 30 rounds or more. Golly, 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" cards are good for up to a whole year after you purchase it!

So now you know a number of indispensable strategies for winning keno. If you are an experienced keno player, they might seem to be quite obvious. However, it doesn’t hurt to bone up on the fundamentals, and if you are a new gambler, every tiny bit of direction will help make your keno experience more captivating.