Introducing Over/Under Keno: Exploiting Grid Patterns Using Probability

Session Title

Session 3-1-D: Mathematics and Statistics II

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

25-5-2023 9:00 AM

End Date

25-5-2023 10:30 AM

Disciplines

Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics | Probability

Abstract

Not too long ago, keno lounges were found in virtually every casino on the Vegas strip and beyond. Today, however, the few that have survived are regarded as bastions of a fading game. The goal of this work is to bring keno into the 21st century by introducing a family of novel “over/under” wagers, similar to those prevalent in sports betting. These proposed side bets exploit the visual patterns produced by the 20 randomly selected numbers on the standard 8-by-10 keno grid. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios: 4-to-1 odds offered on the proposition that “under” 2.5 vertical pairs (e.g., 38-48) will appear in a drawing (less than 15% chance); odds of 25-to-1 offered on the condition that the length of the longest horizontal string (e.g. 53-54-55-56) is “over” 4.5 (less than 2.5% chance); a $10 million jackpot offered if “over” 13.5 horizontal pairs (e.g., 62-63) are selected (less than 0.00001% chance).

This work is the first known attempt at taking full advantage of the visual nature of the keno grid. The revamped wagering menu and suggested odds structure is sure to attract bettors seeking generous payouts, thus increasing the bottom line for casino operators.

Keywords

keno, over/under wagering, patterns, probability

Author Bios

Christopher M. Ingrassia is a professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University (2009), a Master’s in Mathematics from New York University (2001), and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Central Florida (1998). His research interests include combinatorics and probability.

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May 25th, 9:00 AM May 25th, 10:30 AM

Introducing Over/Under Keno: Exploiting Grid Patterns Using Probability

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Not too long ago, keno lounges were found in virtually every casino on the Vegas strip and beyond. Today, however, the few that have survived are regarded as bastions of a fading game. The goal of this work is to bring keno into the 21st century by introducing a family of novel “over/under” wagers, similar to those prevalent in sports betting. These proposed side bets exploit the visual patterns produced by the 20 randomly selected numbers on the standard 8-by-10 keno grid. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios: 4-to-1 odds offered on the proposition that “under” 2.5 vertical pairs (e.g., 38-48) will appear in a drawing (less than 15% chance); odds of 25-to-1 offered on the condition that the length of the longest horizontal string (e.g. 53-54-55-56) is “over” 4.5 (less than 2.5% chance); a $10 million jackpot offered if “over” 13.5 horizontal pairs (e.g., 62-63) are selected (less than 0.00001% chance).

This work is the first known attempt at taking full advantage of the visual nature of the keno grid. The revamped wagering menu and suggested odds structure is sure to attract bettors seeking generous payouts, thus increasing the bottom line for casino operators.