The Mayflower and Pilgrims’ landing site is best known for its numerous universities and renowned hospitals. As a result, when the subject of gambling comes up, it is not one of the top US states that comes to mind. It does, however, permit casino gambling, parimutuel horse betting, charitable gambling, and lotteries. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates these, and they all have one thing in common: the venues that provide these gambling options frequently also provide keno fun. This rule of thumb, however, does not apply in every state.
Although the majority of non-gamblers do not consider keno to be a significant form of gambling, it is a game that is offered at a variety of upscale establishments and by the vast majority of state lotteries. Keno was first played in Ancient China, but it became widely popular in the United States during the nineteenth century.
It didn’t become a household name, however, until the 1960s, when Nevada legalized gambling throughout the state. Despite the existence of keno parlors in Massachusetts, the majority of the state’s residents play the game in bars. Additionally, anyone over the age of 18 is permitted to play the state lottery or place a variety of keno bets online at interactive gaming sites. We take a look at some of the best keno options that are available to residents of Massachusetts without requiring them to leave the state.
Working from one’s own house
In March of 1972, the Massachusetts State Lottery began selling tickets, which was made possible by a change in the law that took effect in 1971 and authorized the state’s 351 municipalities and their respective local governments to organize a lottery draw to raise funds. The game of Keno was added to the lottery’s lineup in 1993, and bingo was first offered by the lottery in 1973 through a department known as Charitable Gaming.
In the classic version of the game, known as Massachusetts Lottery Keno, players are allowed to choose up to twelve numbers from a pool of numbers ranging from one to eighty. The minimum bet for this nationwide draw is $1, and the maximum is $20. Starting at five in the morning and going all the way through one in the morning, keno games are played every four minutes.
Springfield MGM
The first resort casino in the Commonwealth was opened in 2018, and it was named the MGM Springfield. It is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, at One MGM Way, right in the middle of the city’s Metro Center. There are over 2,500 slot machines and 120 game tables spread across its gaming floor, which spans a total area of 125,000 square feet. In addition, there is a gaming area reserved exclusively for VIPs and a poker room with 23 different tables.
A selection of upscale dining establishments is available for guests of the hotel to choose from. Chandler Steakhouse and Costa’s are, respectively, the two on-premises restaurants with the best reviews for fine dining. In light of the aforementioned, the TAP Sports Bar is the destination of choice for those in search of burgers, drinks, and keno entertainment that is funded by the Massachusetts Lottery. Slips are available for purchase from the servers, and the results of the draw are shown on large screens located throughout the establishment.
The Old Corner Tavern
The Corner Pub is a watering hole that can be found in Boston at 162 Lincoln Street. Those who are meandering through the Leather District of the city can reach it without much difficulty. Craft beers and burgers made by hand are served at this establishment, which has been in operation since 2008 and is owned and operated by a family.
Although the bar does not have live music, it does have an old-fashioned jukebox that plays songs that are both familiar and enjoyable. The Corner Pub is not a particularly large establishment, but it offers a welcoming environment, reasonably priced food, keno, and gaming machines. The service has garnered widespread acclaim, and the costs are astonishingly reasonable in comparison to those found elsewhere in Boston.
Early’s Biddy
Irish culture is celebrated at Biddy Early’s, a pub that can be found in the financial district of Boston at 141 Pearl Street. The proprietors of this establishment assert that it is “the best damn dive bar in Boston” and that it is open continuously from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day. The restaurant’s kitchen, on the other hand, closes every night at 10 o’clock. In addition to serving pitchers of beer, it specializes in serving traditional Irish comfort food. Draft beers cost $4 each, and there is a keno board for those who want to try their luck at winning some cash.
Please be aware that, much like the Corner Pub, the space available at Biddy Early’s in Boston is limited. Biddy’s can only accommodate approximately fifty people at a time due to its warm and inviting ambiance. In addition to that, darts and a variety of other social games are available. Personal computers made by Apple, such as the Mac, have also made the transition to using individual chips.
The Mystic Station
Taking a break from exploring Boston, we decided to highlight 139 Pleasant Street, an American-style restaurant located in the heart of Malden’s downtown. Reservations can be made through Resy.com, but the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This restaurant is worth visiting for several reasons, not the least of which is the high quality of its cuisine. Additionally, it frequently plays host to personal live acoustic performances. In addition to that, it plays host to several different events, such as Keno and Tag-Team Trivia nights.
Café located on the Slope
Another dive bar in Boston with a vibe comparable to that of Biddy Early’s Corner Café. On the other hand, it is not at all themed after the Emerald Isle and can be found at 87 Prince Street. In essence, this establishment is a local hangout that offers reasonably priced drinks, sports on TV, and keno in a laid-back environment. Old North Church can be reached on foot in a little over a minute, and the establishment is accessible from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., every day but Sunday. This establishment is well-known for its pudding shots, and the pistachio flavor in particular is a fan favorite.