Keno The Imported Game

Keno is a game that could be classified as a modified form of bingo. A player selects between one and twenty numbers out of a possible eighty on a ticket called a blank, then the operator of the game calls out twenty of the eighty numbers for each game played.

If the player's numbers match most or all of the numbers called, he or she may be entitled to a prize running up to $250,000 in some casinos.

The numbers run from 1 to 80, so that the game is simple to play in its most elementary stage. In each game only 25% of the possible 80 numbers will be selected by the operator, which means that 75% of the numbers will not participate, and this gives the casino operators a big edge over the players, since the payoffs aren't commensurate with the odds against catching the numbers selected.

In bingo, numbers are called until there is a winner. But this is not the case with keno. If all twenty numbers have been called and there are no winners, the game is over, and the casino has kept all the money wagered.

Another game is then called. What usually happens when there are many players during busy times is that there are some small winners, but no big ones, and this condition can go on game after game after game.

In fact, long periods of time may go on before there is a big winner, one who has won the grand prize, whether it is $25,000, $50,000 or a progressive prize beyond it. My feeling is that in many casinos, no one has ever won the biggest prize available, or, if won, it has happened once every few years despite all the players involved.

the casino operators

a serious gambling game

way and combination bets