Keno will be officially open for business in Ohio on August 4th and residents will get their chance at multi million dollar jackpots without having to wager a large amount of money.

"I definitely think it will provide us with different customers who wouldn't normally come just to check it out," Mike Westerbeck, of Eli’s Sports Bar and Grill, said. Eli’s owners said they’re hoping keno will be a good bet and pay off with dividends.

Eli's is just one of eight establishments in Warren County that have chosen to offer keno when the game goes online in August. So far there are almost 100 establishments in Butler, Warren, Clermont and Hamilton counties that have decided to carry the game.

"Some entertainment you have to pay for, some you don't. It just provides a great entertainment atmosphere and goes along with great food and great staff," Westerbeck said.

This game will be played just like any normal lottery but with one major difference, new games will be offered more frequently. The game will run every four minutes and payouts are determined based of the wager and how many numbers are matched.

State officials say that they see the game as a way to help keep the state's budget in the black. They are expecting keno to make $73 million dollars in it's first year.





- 2008-07-14