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Y! MyWebKeno getting mixed reviews; sales highest in northern Ohio counties
Related:
> Some area bars passing on Keno:
> Have you played Keno yet?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
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After its first month, Keno, the Ohio Lottery's first electronic gambling option, seems to be a better bet near the shores of Lake Erie than it is in southern Ohio.
Although officials say it's too early to say if projections will be met, returns at the end of August show that three northern Ohio counties — Cuyahoga, Lucas and Lorain — are three of the top four sellers. Montgomery, the state's fifth largest county in population, ranks seventh in Keno betting.
In the Miami Valley, the game is in place at approximately 80 establishments with Class D liquor licenses — including bars, bowling alleys and private clubs, but not gas stations or convenience stores. The electronic game is handling wagers at 974 locations, and officials say they hope to have 2,000 of the machines in place by the end of the year. On Aug. 4, Ohio became the 12th state to approve the game, projecting annual sales of $293 million and a $73 million payoff for the state. August sales were $7.2 million, with $4.6 million paid out.
"Four weeks out, we are cautiously optimistic about Keno sales," says Ohio Lottery spokeswoman Marie Kilbane. "We expect sales to pick up as we bring on more retailers and as we enter the fall and winter sales season, which is typically our strongest."
Vendors receive 6.2 percent of their terminals' sales, plus bonuses, but not all potential vendors are convinced that Keno provides good odds. They cite increased paperwork and additional demands on employees as drawbacks.
"From what I've heard, most of the places that have it say it's not worth it," says Russ Scott, who declined to make an application for the game at the Shiloh Athletic Club, his recently opened private establishment in Harrison Twp. Mustang Sallys Lounge in Moraine sent its terminal back to the state without even putting it online.
The game involves selecting numbers on a betting slip, then waiting to see the results on video screens, which display the winning numbers at four-minute intervals between 11 a.m. and 1:44 a.m.
Comments
By A.B.
September 10, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Mr. D.L. Stewart, You need to get your facts straight. Read the “Ohio Tavern” paper. Go find out who the top sellers are in the Miami Valley and then you’ll get your story right. Tie up those loose ends, sir!
By Joe Quimby
September 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Keno along with the lottery is fixed. Run by the Cleveland mobsters. Why do you think the lottery comission is in Cleveland and all other state run agencies are in Columbus.
By Dayton Resident
September 9, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Forget about Keno - what about the other article on gas prices rising despite a drop in oil barrel prices? SICK OF IT!! SICK OF IT!!! SICK OF IT!!!! Why waste your money on Keno when you need to be paying for gas?? Gotta keep those damn arabs in the lap of luxury, ya know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bill
September 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
What a lame topic to offer comments on. Keep it safe - avoid controversy.
Weeeeak!
Take a lesson from USAToday.com. If you can’t run with the big dog, stay on the porch.
By Teresa
September 9, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I’ve played it and I hated it. Who have time or the money to play ever 4 minutes. This was a FLOP!
By Donald
September 9, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Yes I have played and I love it!!!!!!
By Mark
September 9, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I love smoking my cigarettes and playing Keno at all the bars I go to. Hah!
By Melissa English
September 9, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
My husband is the owner of the Sports Deck Bar in Kettering, and we have played Keno and won a about $100.00. I am not understanding the comments about all the paperwork involved with the Keno game. There is some initial paperwork as well as a background check and training for the owners of the establishments wishing to participate in the game, but as far as a lot of paperwork and additional staff we have not encountered that. It is not a windfall of money but every bit helps in this economy.