Keno is a very popular game that shares many similarities with today’s lottery game. Some casinos offer live Keno and even post the winning numbers. You are hard to find, and an online casino without some type of online keno option. This article is about video keno and offers some very basic information on this casino game, as well as some suggestions for new and even seasoned keno players for fulfilling playing experiences.
A Brief Keno History
Legend says that over 2,000 years ago, a wise ruler of a Chinese city during the Han Dynasty invented Keno. His city was involved in a long war, and the people would not give any more money in taxes for the army. The ruler, whose name was Cheung Leung, decided to hold a lottery in the form of a numbers game to get the money. It was an immediate success, and according to the legend, the game helped not only to supply his army, but in part to pay for the Great Wall of China.
The undisputed, direct, historically verifiable ancestor of Keno is a game called báigē piào (白鴿票) in Chinese, or “White Pigeon Game.” The player would then mark their choice of those 80 characters on the sheet, which would then be sent to a central place, where the winning characters would be chosen.
American versions of Keno were introduced as casino games became legal in the state of Nevada in 1931. The casino owners were always looking for new ways to make a buck. Keno was a very simple game with a very low minimum bet. You play Keno at Keno bars in the casino, at restaurants, and even online now. Keno runners will even come to your table to collect your tickets and to pay out your winnings.
Understanding the Keno Ropes
The player is then paid based on how many of the chosen numbers are among the drawn numbers — most often, nothing. In Keno, numbers on the card are called spots. The more spots that hit, the greater the payout. Most standard keno games support filling out 15-20 spots. However, many of today’s themed keno games might offer bonus side bets where the number of selectable spots grows.
Also, playing online Keno gives you the option of autodab, where the game chooses the spots for you. Unlike retail casinos, where it is the player’s responsibility to submit the keno cards, online Keno submits one or multiple keno cards to be included in the drawing.
The Art of Playing Keno
Even for such a simple specialty game, Keno has developed plenty of gaming methods that are not part of its lore. Below are some of the most common strategies that players use to play Keno.
The Art of Hot and Cold Numbers
One common technique is to identify hot numbers and bet on those. Numbers tend to come in streaks. There are numbers that get hot and remain hot for some time. The advice is to jump on those hot numbers when you see them and win while they are hot.
A second popular approach is to identify “cold” numbers – numbers that have not come up in some time. This is the opposite of hot numbers. It is based on the assumption that the cold numbers are due to start appearing soon, as they have not been appearing for a while.
It’s important to note that, in playing Keno, wins and losses are 100% random. Playing online Keno works with a random number generator. That way, you are assured of transparency and gaming fairness.
Split Ticket Play
Split tickets are Keno tickets that resemble straight tickets, but actually allow you to bet on two or more sets of numbers. The only limitation on this type of ticket is that the same numbers may not be used in more than one bet. After you have selected the number of spots for each bet, it’s customary to place a line in the middle to designate the group of spots. Then, mark the total bet amount on the two games, the number of games you wish to play together, and the number of bets and spots.
Combination and Way Play
A way ticket is one that enables players to place multiple bets by utilizing the same keno ticket. This will save you an enormous amount of time and money filling out multiple keno cards. With a way keno card, you are grouping numbers. You must bet on each group of spots.
A Combination Way Ticket is one in which a player will combine groups of spots by circling them or by drawing a line to form a number of different bets. When using this type of keno ticket, you’ll be able to create groups with various amounts of bets and spots.
Final Thoughts
Keno is a simple specialty game that allows you to control your risk and enjoy a fast wager. You can learn how to play Keno in a few seconds, whether you’re checking off spots on your state lottery ticket or entering the numbers on your smartphone. With advancements in technology, especially AI, online Keno is becoming more personalized.
It’s a low-pressure, easy-going, fun game. Another hidden factor in playing online Keno is the house edge. Bonus Keno games usually have a higher house edge and cost more than standard Keno cards. Like slots and other games, always have a budget before playing.
