Learn to play the Keno game online
Posted on October 30, 2007
A player who decides on a six-spot on a straight ticket would “X-out” six different numbers, write “6″ on the far right side of the ticket (for six-spot), and then write the wager in a box on the top right-hand corner (dropping the dollar or cent sign). If a player wagers $3.50 and all six numbers catch, he wins $5 ,500. In most casinos the maximum prize amount is $250,000, while the minimum bet required is 75ยข to $1. Players must not only make bets before new numbers are drawn, but must also collect winnings before the calling of the next game. A player can either collect the winnings himself or give the winning ticket to a keno runner, who will bring back the payoff. If a player wishes to use identical numbers in more than one game, he can return the ticket to the keno writer who then writes out a duplicate for the next game.
Keno was once dismissed by Strip casinos as a blue-collar game and relegated to downtown establishments. Now many casinos, Strip establishments included, have replaced former entertainment lounges with a keno lounge, an area consisting of rows of seats with armrests, ashtrays, and cups holding crayon for marking the keno tickets. The seats all face the keno counter. One can relax and sip complimentary drinks delivered by the cocktail servers working the area.
Behind the keno counter sit the keno writer(s) and the operator. The keno writers handle the tickets turned in, mark down the numbers, and take care of the financial transactions. The keno operator sits above and behind the writers. She starts the keno game by pressing a button to begin mixing the numbered ping-pong balls in a large transparent bowl. The balls are then drawn up by air and out of the “goose,” a long, transparent tube extending up from the bowl. Each number is called out by the operator as it is drawn. The numbers are displayed on an electronic board in the front of the lounge as well. Once all twenty numbers have been drawn and called, the game is over. Unlike its relative, bingo, a keno game is over whether or not there is a winner.
It is not necessary to play keno in the lounge. Restaurants and other public areas in most casinos will have keno runners (who used to be predominantly women) collecting keno tickets from patrons. The casinos have come to realize that keno attracts players who are bored between shuffles at card games or spins at the roulette wheels. Keno has also become a fun diversion with casino-goers waiting for food service, since keno boards are located in most eating areas.
Tags: keno game, keno lounge, strip casinos