DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Keno, the Ohio Lottery's new game, launched without a hitch Monday, Aug. 4, although there didn't seem to be any rush to play.

The first ticket was purchased at 6:01 a.m. at a Girard bar, and computerized drawings of winning numbers began on schedule at 11:04 a.m., said Ohio Lottery spokesman Mike Bycko. Drawings happen every four minutes daily between 11:04 a.m. and 1:44 a.m.

By 3:30 p.m., there had been 16,221 individual wagers — worth a total of $70,617 — placed. Bycko said there were 4,561 winners validated and those individuals together won $36,603. He said the two biggest winners so far won $500 each.

At Fricker's near the Dayton Mall, there were a few customers playing Keno while enjoying food or beer.

Deanna Dennis, 46, of Miamisburg said she played the game in Maryland and has no system of picking numbers.

"I randomly pick a couple numbers and see how it goes," Dennis said. "But she has a system," she said, pointing at her friend, Monique Hicks, 47, of Miamisburg.

Hicks said she picks important dates like birthdays or anniversaries.

"It's got to mean something," said Hicks, who won "a couple of bucks" on Monday.

Several of those interviewed said they see nothing controversial about Keno being added as a lottery game.

"If people want to spend money for no reason, then let them," said Stevie Dunbar, 21, of Xenia.

Most said they would like to see casino gambling in Ohio.

Zac Bedford said it would give the economy a much-needed boost, add jobs and keep Ohioans from driving to Indiana to gamble.

"People are going to gamble anyway," Bedford said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7455 or

lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.