It might not generally be looked at as the most fun game in the field of gambling, but keno has tons of passionate supporters. And so it should! It’s a consistently entertaining lotto-type game that’s uncomplicated to pickup, readily available in tons of alternate styles, and one that can yield millions for those who master its countless subtle nuances. But let’s begin with the basic rules for now.

When describing keno to novices, some gambling connoisseurs compare it to lotto. This is at least to some extent correct, in that both games are essentially numerical. However, to take that comparison too far is likely to be to miscalculate the countless unique traits that make keno so compelling. Unlike bingo, keno users have the freedom to choose the numbers for each and every card.

Keno cards have a grand total of eighty numbers, but the player is furnished with an additional degree of personal responsibility by being able to pick as many (or as few) numbers as he or she wants. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come up with how to fill out a card: all you do is circle or otherwise mark all of your handpicked numbers with a good oldpen like you had when you were a kid.

After you’ve selected your numbers, take the keno card back to the person at the keno stand. The clerk will record those numbers and then hand you a receipt. Do not drop this (potentially) lucrative piece of paper! Even if the keno pit manager remembers your pretty face and would like to help out, without a winning receipt on you, you will win exactly $.00 for your efforts.

So, there you have strategy number one: always be sure to keep your keno ticket. Let us go on to something a bit more advanced, shall we?

Once you’ve checked off your numbers, settle into a comfortable keno booth and watch the action take place on the video monitor. That is where the winning numbers appear in lights. If you marked winning numbers, mark your card appropriately. Sake care not to dally, or sit there congratulating yourself for an obnoxious length of time. You want to get up to the keno booth to redeem your winnings, since a new round of keno will almost certainly get going within five minutes.

Strategy number 2: always be sure to get back to the keno stand on time!

Since you don’t trust yourself to beat that five-minute margin each time, you always have the option of using a "multi-race" ticket. These include the same set of your selected numbers on anywhere from two to twenty cards. When the maximum number of rounds (fitting the number of tickets) is completed, you can then get off your lazy rump and go redeem your winnings.

Yet an additional option is referred to as a "stray and play" keno card, which generally lets you make number picks for thirty games or more. Hell, you can take vacation to France and not have to fret about getting back in time to get your numbers. Most "stray and play" tickets are good for up to a whole year after it’s purchased!

And now you know a couple of essential methods for winning keno. If you are a knowledgeable user, they might seem to be very obvious. Still, it does not hurt to study up on the basics, and if you are a novice user, every little bit of direction will help make your keno games more enjoyable.