Keno is a popular lottery-style game that has been played for centuries. The game originated in China, and its creation is attributed to Cheung Leung, a Chinese ruler who needed a way to fund his army during a time of war. The game was originally called the “White Pigeon Game” because carrier pigeons were used to transmit the winning numbers from city to city.
The Early Days of Keno
Keno was first played in China over 2,000 years ago. The game was initially played with 120 characters, which were drawn from a poem called “The Thousand Character Classic.” Players would choose 10 characters, and the game would randomly select 20. The more characters that matched, the higher the payout.
Over time, the number of characters used in the game was reduced to 80, and the game was renamed “baige piao” or “white pigeon ticket.” The game became popular among the Chinese working class, and it was often played in opium dens and other underground establishments.
The Introduction of Keno to the Western World
Keno was introduced to the Western world in the mid-19th century when Chinese immigrants began to arrive in the United States. The game quickly became popular in San Francisco, where it was played in Chinese-run gambling establishments. The game was known as “Chinese lottery” or “horse racing keno” because the winning numbers were displayed on a large board that resembled a horse racing track.
In the early 20th century, the game was renamed “keno” and its popularity spread across the country. The game was often played in bars and restaurants, and it was even used to raise money for state lotteries.
Keno Today
Today, keno is played in casinos all over the world. The game has evolved over the years, and there are now many different variations of the game. In traditional keno, players choose up to 20 numbers from a field of 80, and a random number generator selects 20 winning numbers. Players are paid based on how many of their chosen numbers match the winning numbers.
There are also video keno machines, which have become popular in many casinos. These machines allow players to choose their numbers and then watch as the machine randomly selects the winning numbers. The payouts are based on the number of matching numbers and the amount of the original bet.
The Future of Keno
While keno may not be as popular as some other casino games, it still has a loyal following. The game continues to evolve, and new variations are being introduced all the time. With the rise of online gambling, it is likely that keno will become even more popular in the future. Players can now play keno online from the comfort of their own homes, and many online casinos offer their own versions of the game.
- Keno has come a long way since its creation in China over 2,000 years ago.
- The game was introduced to the Western world in the mid-19th century by Chinese immigrants.
- Today, keno is played in casinos all over the world and has evolved to include video keno machines and online versions of the game.
Overall, keno is a game with a rich history and a bright future. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, there’s always something new to discover in the world of keno.