When you think of casino games, such popular categories as pokies, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, or poker will come to mind. But do you know there’s another exciting option several centuries older than most casino games that have been one of the favorites for Kiwis for ages? Yes. That’s right; in fact, the game dates more than 2000 years since it was introduced.
We’re talking about Keno – a fascinating lottery-styled entertainment from ancient China that made its way to casinos across continents. Moreover, it is now a popular game at many licensed online casinos, such as Mr Bet NZ, one of Kiwis’s most popular iGaming platforms. So, what’s the story behind its popularity among Kiwis?
What Is Keno, and What Distinguishes It From Other Casino Games?
Keno can best be described as a lottery-like amusement that uses numbers to determine wins. It’s like a combination of bingo, where you choose random numbers from a grid, and a lottery game, where you win during a specific time. Generally, we can say that Keno is the root of all lottery games, but then, unlike other titles under this category, it bears the following differences:
- You are not limited to a specific amount of numbers you place on each line or the number of draws you play in a specified time;
- According to the simple rules, you must select up to 10 random numbers from a pool of 80; 20 random numbers are then drawn, and favorable payouts are based on matched numbers;
- The draws are typically conducted four times daily, unlike many other lottery games where draws are done once or twice weekly.
These frequent draws are undoubtedly why many novice or seasoned gamblers play the game. But do you know that the originally devised game wasn’t like this?
How Did the Transformation From Chinese Dynasties to Modern Online Casinos Happen?
Keno gambling, known initially as Beige Piao, can be traced back 2,000 plus years to ancient China. The original game was quite different from how it is today; instead of eighty numbers, the game had many more different characters. You got it right; there were no digits but Chinese symbols instead.
By the mid-19th century, Chinese immigrants introduced their original game to the Americans, and it became very popular in local casinos. Europe already had a rich gambling history at the time, so Beige Piao was quickly adopted across different parts of the continent. In the 20th century, the game became increasingly popular in Oceania, and over time, different gaming variations emerged, tailored to fit the tastes of people from various regions.
However, significant changes were implemented to make the game more appealing to Americans and Europeans. Numbers were introduced as replacements for the original Chinese characters, and Keno became the new adopted name.
What Was the Digital Online Game Evolution Like?
Like many other modern casino games, Keno has continuously evolved and is now available as an online mobile phone game. Its digital version is not based on crossed-off card numbers; instead, a random number generator determines the order of numbers that provide a match.
The transition to online mode continues to boom, with different gaming versions allowing Kiwis to play anywhere, anytime, and wager via varying payment options, including cryptocurrency. That said, the success of online Keno can be attributed to the following factors:
- Online platforms feature various titles and their versions with enticing themes and even jackpots;
- Instant access to iGaming lets users, especially younger generations, enjoy playing online instead of spending hours going down to physical casinos;
- Digital gambling platforms offer enticing promos and bonuses exclusive to online players.
This online shift brought Keno to a broader audience, rejuvenating its popularity with Gen X, Millenials, and Zoomers.
What Myths Have Emerged Over the Years?
Keno is predominantly an entertainment type based on luck and chance; thus, it isn’t surprising that its evolution has been accompanied by a fair share of myths players claim to increase their chances of winning. The said myths include:
- Selecting the frequently appearing numbers increases your winning chances;
- Picking numbers that haven’t been drawn in a while increases a player’s edge;
- Choosing numbers that have some significance in a player’s life, such as dates of anniversaries, birthdays, or age, is a correct approach;
- Losing after a winning streak and vice versa is an inevitable part of the game.
However, given that each draw in Keno is random, it’s crucial to remember that there’s no guaranteed winning strategy. Every round is independent, so the secret to enjoying yourself while playing is only wagering what you can afford to lose.
What Does the Future Hold?
Since its introduction to the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and other continents, Keno’s adaptability to digital trends has contributed significantly to its sustained popularity as an online casino entertainment. Looking into the future through the lenses of emerging technologies like VR and AR, Keno’s experience will positively be reshaped.
With a virtual reality headset, Keno enthusiasts can look forward to being transported to a virtual casino to compete with other players. Alternatively, AR can help you project a real-like gaming board anywhere in your comfort.
There’s a potential for integrating Keno with other fascinating games to create various gaming hybrids, attracting more players. Therefore, as the gambling industry strives for more incredible innovations, Keno’s simplicity and rich history ensure that the game has space for creative reinterpretation that will appeal to future generations.
