Keno History

Keno first originated in China more than 2000 years ago.  Chinese workers who build the railway in the American mid-west brought the game of keno to the US in the 1800′s and were then called “Chinese Lottery”.  The game originally started with about 120 numbers and was then dropped to the familiar 80 numbers in the 1900′s.  To make the game legal in Nevada, the term “lottery” had to be changed.  So, the numbers were changed to racehorse names and the name of the game was changed to “racehorse keno”.  Players would choose their horses and hope they come in.

Keno Dictionary

Combination ticket – a ticket that combines different types of tickets into one

Conditioning – a players marked choices, usually along the top of the ticket shows the number of spots played, number of games and the price

Ticket – where a player marks their choices

Catch – the number of the player’s chosen numbers that match what the casino has drawn

Keno runner/writer – a casino employee at a land-based casino that helps players check and post their tickets and also helps to bring in new players

Split ticket – a ticket marked with two or more groups of chosen numbers, then split the ticket by drawing a line separating the numbers into to groups.  It is two games on a single ticket

Straight ticket – a single ticket with up to 15 X marks on chosen numbers

Way ticket – a ticket marked with two or more groups of chosen numbers with these groups of numbers circled.  For example [4, 5, 6] and [26, 27, 28] and [69, 70, 71] – if any of one number in the group hits, you’re given credit

Keno Rules

In Keno, each ticket is numbered from 1 to 80.  These numbers correspond to the numbered balls in the keno bowl from which 20 numbers are randomly drawn for each game.  You simply need to choose/mark up to 15 numbers and designate the amount you would like to wager.  When each game begins, the randomly drawn numbers will appear on the keno board.  Compare your selected numbers to the numbers drawn on the keno board.  The amount you win is dependant on the number of spot caught and the amount of money wagered.

Keno is one of the oldest and easiest casino games.  Keno is played the same way as most lotteries where players choose their numbers and hope they hit.  Keno played at online casinos is a little different than at land casinos.  Remember that keno is a game of chance with the house advantage of 25-40%.  If you follow these simple tips you can increase your chances of winning:

Play 3 to 4 numbers when you are beginning to play

Watch for short-term trends.  See if the online casino you are playing shows you the last fifteen games that were played.

Look for and play at casinos that offer the highest payouts. Online poker.

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