Last week Keno 603 began operating in New Hampshire at taverns and restaurants all over the state, anywhere that serves alcohol. Venues must also be approved for the annual license.
Where once residents of the Granite State had to cross into Massachusetts to mark their cards with a pencil and vie for big cash prizes, now they can stay home and play. The popular “quick draw” style games will be sold in seven of the state’s 13 cities, some of which could still vote to add it.
The money raised will go to fund all-day kindergarten, which, say supporters will help young families save on daycare. Estimates are that about $9 million annually will be generated.
The keno set-up includes a behind-the-bar register with a kiosk machines on the customer side. Some owners of venues where they will be sold say they have been getting phone calls asking when they would be on sale. Businesses that sell the tickets must pay $500 each year, but will get 8 percent of the profits.
The games operate between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. each day, with drawings every five minutes, hence the sobriquet “quick draw.” Players choose the number of spots between one and 12 that they want to play, and then choose the same number of numbers to play. Players can also wager from $1 to $25. There are other variables.
