It seems Keno has really taken off in most areas in Ohio recently. Almost 1,000 retailers carry Keno and almost 300 are expected to get on board in the near future. These establishments have seen more people show up to have a beer and play Keno.

Bartenders have stated that players are lining up at the bar to try and win some quick cash. Amanda Martinez, a bartender at D.J’s Sports Bar, stated: “It brings in more people, and it’s something fun for them while they are drinking. It’s a little addicting- I never gambled before this, but I’ll put down a dollar here, two dollars there.”

Marie Kilbane, the Ohio Lottery spokeswoman, stated that Erie County, Ohio offers twenty locations of Keno while eight are in Ottawa County and seven are in Huron County. The lottery commission has estimated that the new Keno machines should create $73 million in profits by next June.

Many of the bars that offer Keno are new to the gambling industry and according to Kilbane; they are still learning how to operate with the game. The retailers must have a background check and become bonded before they can earn a license. The retailer will then earn 5.5 percent of the sale of any lottery game and also bonuses.

Kilbane stated that the Keno machines are a great way “for the retailers to get incremental income and keep people in their venues.” Players have already begun to win substantial cash prizes from the game.

Keno is fast paced and players can wager money from $1 to $20. To play they must then choose a number from 1-10 out of a pool of 80 by using either a bet card or an automatic selection. If a player can match numbers with the Ohio Lottery then they will win big.


- 2008-09-15