Casino Keno
In the casino version, players first obtain a blank keno ticket, which consists of eight lines, each with ten numbers in consecutive order. To play, select numbers listed on a card, using whatever betting formulas you like and mark your number choices on the ticket with a crayon.
On a "straight ticket" (the most basic keno wager) players can mark up to fifteen numbers, and selection or group of numbers is known as a "spot." For example, a one-number selection is a one-spot, a two-number selection is a two-spot, and so on.
A player who decides on a six-spot on a straight ticket would mark 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 (omit the dollar or cent sign). If a player wagers $3.50 and all six numbers match, he wins $5,500.
Payoffs depend upon the number of spots a player selects, the number matching numbers (called "catches") and the price paid for the ticket. In most casinos the maximum prize amount is $250,000, while the minimum bet required is 75¢ to $1. For example, a typical payoff for a $2.00 bet on a 6-spot
Keno ticket would run as follows:
- 0 out of 6 = No Win
- 1 out of 6 = No Win
- 2 out of 6 = No Win
- 3 out of 6 = $2.00
- 4 out of 6 = $6.00
- 5 out of 6 = $176.00
- 6 out of 6 = $3,00.00 (Jackpot)
Keno rate cards indicating the various payoffs can usually be found throughout the casino. Players must make bets before new numbers are drawn, and must also collect winnings before the calling of the next game. Players can either collect the winnings themselves or give the winning ticket to a keno runner, who will bring back the payoff. If a player wants to use identical numbers in more than one game, they can return the ticket to the keno writer who will then write out a duplicate for the next game.
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 and 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. Like Bingo, the operator calls out each number as it is drawn and 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. Keno is similar to Bingo in many ways except that a keno game is over when all numbers are called, whether or not there is a winner.
Video Version
The video version plays like casino keno but players mark a touch screen rather than using a keno ticket. Players view a field of the numbers 1 through 80 and mark between one and 15 of these numbers. While in the casino version, of 80 numbered Ping-Pong balls get blown around and 20 are randomly blown into winning-number tubes. In the video version, a random-number generator performs the same function.
You may be surprised to know that the house percentage edge on video keno is much lower than it is on casino keno. While percentages vary from casino to casino and by the number of spots the player marks but, casino keno generally has a 25 percent to 30 percent house edge and video keno a house edge of 8 percent to 12 percent.
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