Keno is a popular lottery-style game that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It is believed to have originated in China over 2000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The game was first played using Chinese characters, and it was known as “baige piao” or “white pigeon ticket”. The game was introduced to the West by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century, and it has since evolved into the modern version we know today.
Origins of Keno in Ancient China
The origins of Keno can be traced back to Ancient China. Legend has it that the game was invented by a man named Cheung Leung, who was the ruler of the Han dynasty. Cheung Leung needed to raise funds for the war effort, and he came up with the idea of a lottery game. The game was played using Chinese characters, and it was called “baige piao” or “white pigeon ticket”. The game was a huge success, and it helped to fund the war effort.
The game was later modified to have numbers instead of Chinese characters. This made it easier for people to play the game, and it also made it more accessible to people who were not familiar with Chinese characters. The name of the game was also changed to “keno”, which is derived from the French word “quine”, meaning “five winning numbers”.
Keno in the United States
Keno was introduced to the United States in the mid-19th century by Chinese immigrants. The game was initially played in Chinese communities, but it soon became popular among non-Chinese players as well. The game was played using Chinese characters, and it was known as “Chinese lottery”.
As the game became more popular, it underwent several modifications to make it more appealing to American players. The Chinese characters were replaced with numbers, and the name of the game was changed to “keno”. The game was also given a modern makeover with better graphics and sound effects.
Modern Keno
Today, Keno is a popular game that is played in casinos around the world. The game is played using a board with 80 numbers, and players must select up to 20 numbers. The numbers are then drawn at random, and players win based on how many of their chosen numbers match the numbers drawn.
Keno has undergone several changes over the years, but it remains a popular game that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. The game has also inspired several other lottery-style games, such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
Keno is a game with a rich history that dates back over 2000 years. The game has evolved from its origins in Ancient China to become a popular game that is played in casinos around the world. Keno has undergone several changes over the years, but it remains a popular game that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, Keno is a game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment.