Keno, a popular lottery-style game found in casinos worldwide, has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. From its origins in ancient China to its modern digital versions, Keno has evolved into a game of chance that continues to captivate players. This article explores the rich history of Keno and how it became a staple in both land-based and online casinos.
Ancient Chinese Origins
Keno is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago in ancient China during the Han Dynasty (around 200 BCE). Legend has it that a government official named Cheung Leung developed the game to raise funds for war efforts when his city faced financial struggles.
The game was based on a grid of Chinese characters, which later evolved into numbers. It became widely popular and was even used to help finance the construction of the Great Wall of China.
The Influence of the Chinese Lottery System
In early versions of Keno, players would select characters from The Thousand Character Classic, a famous Chinese poem consisting of 1,000 unique characters. The results were drawn, and winners were determined based on matching their chosen symbols.
Over time, Keno spread across China and was played as a form of lottery. It became known as “baige piao” (meaning “white pigeon ticket”) because of the carrier pigeons used to deliver results to remote villages.
Keno’s Journey to the West
Chinese immigrants brought Keno to the United States in the 19th century, particularly during the California Gold Rush. As Chinese communities expanded in America, the game gained popularity among non-Chinese players.
To make it more accessible, the Chinese characters were replaced with Western numbers (1-80), making the game easier to understand. This new version of Keno spread quickly and became a favorite in gambling establishments.
Keno in Modern Casinos
By the 20th century, Keno became a standard casino game in Las Vegas and other gambling hubs. At first, it was often referred to as the “Racehorse Game” to bypass gambling laws, but once regulations allowed, it officially became known as Keno.
Casinos introduced printed tickets and electronic number generators to streamline the game, making it more efficient and exciting.
The Digital Age: Online Keno
With the rise of online casinos, Keno has gone digital. Players can now enjoy instant draws, progressive jackpots, and bonus features in online versions of the game.
Modern Keno variations include:
- Live dealer Keno, where players watch real-time draws.
- Multi-card Keno, allowing multiple bets per round.
- Bonus Keno, with extra payouts and multipliers.
Conclusion
Keno has transformed from an ancient Chinese lottery to a modern casino favorite, adapting to new technologies while keeping its core gameplay intact. Whether played in a casino, at home, or on a mobile app, Keno remains a fun and engaging game that has stood the test of time.
