Ohio Lottery: Keno game gets smooth start

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Lottery says the new Keno game is operating smoothly through its first drawings.

The new bingo-like lottery game began Monday at 11:04 a.m and continues every four minutes. Lottery spokeswoman Marie Kilbane says 2,544 wagers were placed in the first seven drawings for a revenue of $12,148.

There were at least 387 winners who gained a total of $2,386. Lottery officials expect the game to be most popular around dinner time.

Gov. Ted Strickland pushed for the use of Keno to raise $73 million to help plug a projected state budget deficit of at least $733 million in 2009.

Winning numbers can be seen at any retailer location where lottery tickets are sold on the day of the drawings, and on the Ohio Lottery’s Web site at www.ohiolottery.com the next day.