U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

Keno craze?

By Sarah Ledford

Students who love to take chances can now test their luck — and possibly fatten their wallets — with a new lottery game being introduced in Ohio bars.

The name of the game is Keno Lottery, and although some students have heard of it, many students have no idea what this game is all about.

What is Keno?

Keno Lottery involves a ticket, television screen, and a little bit of money — or however much a person is willing to wager. It brings the lottery into a local bar setting.

Ohio follows about a dozen other states with the game, which uses its own computer system which is connected to the internet. Similar to the concept of Bingo, Keno evokes the same sense of anticipation — with an added twist.

It consists of a person picking his or her own numbers or just allowing the computer to randomly pick for him or her. To win, players simply try to match as many of the game's 80 numbers as they possibly can — and more matches equals more money.

Players can choose to use their own bet cards or use the computer's Auto Pick feature.

Up to twenty consecutive drawings can be played on a single bet card, and one can win by simply matching his or her numbers to the numbers selected by the Ohio state lottery.

The game is played every four minutes, beginning at 11:04 a.m. and ending at 1:44 a.m., and tickets can be purchased seven days a week during normal game hours.

To claim a prize, a person must refer to instructions printed on the back of his or her winning ticket. A person with a winning ticket may also visit the Ohio Lottery website, ohiolottery.com, for more information.

Local bars say Keno craze good for business

Ohio retailers have slowly begun to adopt the game, hoping it brings the same success as it does in Michigan, where Keno has produced revenues of almost $500 million each year since it began in 2003.

Local bars such as Panini's and Varsity Club have already chosen to host the game, and many workers say it has already begun to pay off — for students and for business.

"I have heard of a $100 winner and $50 winners on my shift," said Pat Dunleavy, assistant manager at Panini's.

Although Panini's has only had the game for about two weeks, already people seem to be trying it out, coming in to play it and winning. According to Dunleavy, "It is something different and new; it increases our sales."

Panini's currently has two screens, which they plan on upgrading.

With a new school year approaching and another football season as well, bars who have invested in the game hope that it will be popular during another crazy Ohio State football season, when the bars are packed on a Saturday and the customers are looking to enjoy themselves.

"Suzi Cue does not currently offer it, but there has been talk about getting Keno. It would be a great way to boost a little business. Pool, Foosball, Beerpong, Darts, and Keno," Starek said.

However, some students are skeptical about this new game. There is some concern that the new game will die off before spreading to more Ohio State Bars.

"Gambling at bars seems like it'll be a big hype at first, and then will not really go anywhere, because college kids are broke," Campbell said.

I want to bet it all…or not

Individuals can wager $1, $2, $3, $4, $5, $10 & $20 at any given time, but some students are still warming up to the game, and not ready to take the full plunge.

"It sounds like an easy way to get money, but I'm not sure if I'd be willing to pay anything more than $5," said senior Heather Campbell.

For many, the Keno concept is a good form of entertainment for the average citizen. Dan Starek, a bartender at Suzi Cue, thinks that the concept of the game is notable and fun for the state.

"I think it's pretty cool to have some sort of gambling in Ohio, even if it is just random chance."

However, it's not certain if all students will take a similar approach.

"I don't see a problem with it, but all the moral non-gamblers of the state of Ohio might not be fans of it," said Greg Harris, a fifth year senior.

How much is too much Keno?

Like any addiction, gambling can become a factor in poor judgment, especially with alcohol thrown in the mix.

According to the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, teenagers have a problem gambling rate of 10%-17%, a rate 2 to 3 times higher than the general population.

In regard to Keno, some critics have gone so far as labeling it "video crack" because of its addictive nature.

However, many believe that if the game is played all in fun, there should not be any problems.

"The pros do outweigh the cons. If the person knows when to stop, it can be just a way to pass the time," Starek said.

Here are signs to look for if you believe someone you know has a gambling problem:

• Unexplained need for money
• Money or possessions missing from the home
• Unexplained charges on credit card bills
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Missing school or classes
• Frequent anxiety, depression or mood swings
• Dropping outside activities and interests
• Excessive watching of TV sports

Source: addictionrecov.org

Originally Published: August 20, 2008

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