Vegas Q&A: How Does Video Keno Work?
UPDATED: 11:17 a.m. EDT May 19, 2003
Question: How does a video keno machine work? Is it set up to pay like a slot machine? I have had people tell me that when it is ready to hit it does not matter what numbers you have checked. Thank you.
Cheryl in San Antonio, Texas
Answer: I'm no expert on video keno, but as I understand it the background mechanics are virtually identical to a slot machine as it relates to the "random number generator."
The RNG is a computer chip that sits there and spits out numbers that relate to a win or a loss on the machine.
When you put a coin in a slot machine the RNG stops at a number, and that number relates to a table that determines whether you've won or lost. When you spin the reels, they merely show you what has already been determined by the RNG.
On a video keno game the concept is similar. When you select your numbers (no matter how many) and hit the start button, the RNG determines right then and there if you have won (and how much) or lost. The numbers it displays merely reflect your win or loss.
So in a way you are correct -- it doesn't matter what numbers you put in. That's unlike a video poker machine where your actions can determine an outcome -- if you don't hold the right cards, you may not get the winning combination. Your win or loss on a video keno machine is totally determined by the RNG, not your selection of numbers.
If you have a question you'd like to submit, click here.
Answer: I'm no expert on video keno, but as I understand it the background mechanics are virtually identical to a slot machine as it relates to the "random number generator."
The RNG is a computer chip that sits there and spits out numbers that relate to a win or a loss on the machine.
When you put a coin in a slot machine the RNG stops at a number, and that number relates to a table that determines whether you've won or lost. When you spin the reels, they merely show you what has already been determined by the RNG.
On a video keno game the concept is similar. When you select your numbers (no matter how many) and hit the start button, the RNG determines right then and there if you have won (and how much) or lost. The numbers it displays merely reflect your win or loss.
So in a way you are correct -- it doesn't matter what numbers you put in. That's unlike a video poker machine where your actions can determine an outcome -- if you don't hold the right cards, you may not get the winning combination. Your win or loss on a video keno machine is totally determined by the RNG, not your selection of numbers.
If you have a question you'd like to submit, click here.
This Week's Trivia
Q: When the Clark County Airport was renamed McCarran Field in 1948, how many flights per day did it average, and how many per day does McCarran International average now? ANSWER The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.comThe Full Story
-
Crowds, Cost Take Focus From Rio Buffet Food
Four Queens Reminds Of Old Las Vegas
Airport Web Site Can Prepare You For Arrival
Other News: Bellagio Shows New Look, La Reve Doesn't
Vegas Q&A: Which Hotels Offer Shuttles?
Vegas Q&A: How Does Video Keno Work?
A man who was arrested last month after a crash in Key Biscayne that killed a bicyclist is back in jail.
A 97-year-old man and his 88-year-old wife say they are going to be stuck in their home when the single elevator in the building is shut down for up to six weeks.
South Florida sees the New Orleans Saints off with a water cannon salute at Miami International Airport.
Why would someone steal 10 air conditioning units? Police think they might know the reason.
A Miami Beach police officer shot an armed man on South Beach early this morning, police said.
A man arrested last month after, police said, he hit and killed a bicyclist on Key Biscayne is back in jail Monday.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were just two of the many celebrities celebrating the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl win. 
CBS late-night host David Letterman appears in a promotion aired during the Super Bowl featuring Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno.
While NFL teams compete on the field, these cheerleaders entertain the fans from the sidelines.
It has been 25 years since the debut of the hit comedy "The Breakfast Club" in theaters. What are the stars of the film up to today?
We salute the most romantic movies of all time.
Email Alerts
RSS News Feeds
Mobile
Live Streams
Slideshows
Video
Search
