Keno Strategy

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It will not generally be considered the funnest game in the universe of betting, but keno has tons of steadfast admirers. And it ought to! It’s a consistently exciting lottery-type game that’s simple to play, abundantly available in several alternate variations, and one that will return mega-dollars for gamblers who learn its uncounted subtle rules. But let’s begin with the basic rules for now.

When describing keno to newcomers, some gaming pros compare it to lotto. This is at least to a certain degree correct, in that both games are generally numerical. Yet to take that comparison too far would be to discount the great many unique characteristics that make keno so fun. Not like bingo, keno players have the ability to choose the numbers for each card.

Keno cards have a total of 80 numbers, but the gambler is granted an increased level of personal responsibility by being able to pick as many (or as few) numbers as he or she feels they need. And it doesn’t take a keno superstar to figure out how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all your chosen numbers with a ordinary#2 pencil like you had when you were a kid.

After you’ve selected your numbers, carry the keno card back to the nice person at the keno booth. The person will record those numbers and then give you a receipt. Don’t misplace this (potentially) expensive bit of paper! Even if the clerk remembers your loud shirt and wants help out, without a winning slip with you, you will be given precisely $.00 for your time spent.

Ok, there you have strategy #1: always take care to keep your keno receipt. Let’s get on to something a bit more complex, ok?

Now that you’ve selected your numbers, settle into a nice keno booth and see the action happen on the video monitor. This is where the winning numbers are displayed in lights. If you selected winners, mark your card appropriately. Sake care not to drag your feet, or sit there praising yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You want to get up to the keno booth to collect your winnings, since a new drawing will surely begin within five minutes.

Strategy #2: always get back to the keno stand on time!

Assuming you can’t trust yourself to make that 5 minute deadline each time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" card. These include the very same set of your desired numbers on anywhere from two to 20 cards. When the maximum amount of rounds (matching the amount of tickets) is finished, you are then able to get off your numb butt and go retrieve your winnings.

Yet another option is referred to as a "stray and play" keno card, which generally lets you make number choices for thirty rounds or more. Heck, you can take vacation to France 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!

So now you know several required techniques for winning keno. If you are a skillful player, they might seem stupidly obvious. Still, it doesn’t hurt to study up on the basics, and if you are a beginner player, every little bit of advice will help make your keno betting more fun.