The game of keno launched this week in Pennsylvania via the State Lottery and players are already taking to the game. In the coming months, the Lottery will be launching virtual sports and an iLottery app as well.

The Pennsylvania Lottery is preparing for big changes in their gaming offerings, having just recently launched the game of keno, with virtual sports and an app for lottery gaming set to launch in the coming months. The expansion of the state lottery is taking place due to a new law that passed last year, a gaming package that has seen the creation of satellite casinos, online casino and poker gaming, plus the new lottery additions and even more changes to come.

Strong start for keno

The new keno game went live on May 1, when the first ticket was sold in Schuylkill County in the early morning hours. Game play starts at just $1, making keno affordable for everyone. Drawings take place every four minutes, with players choosing up to 10 numbers from 1 to 80. Twenty numbers are then randomly drawn by a computer, with players earning a payday based on the number of matches they have with their chosen numbers and the numbers drawn.

Drew Svitko, the lottery’s executive director, said: “We watched sales rise steadily through the morning, which shows that our players are excited to try this new game. By lunchtime, keno was selling at a clip of about 8,200 tickets per hour and still rising.”

Players who take part in the keno games can watch the drawing at the PA Lottery website on the Keno page or use the lottery’s official mobile app. A keno ticket can also be scanned at a lottery retailer to see if a prize has been won. Big-screen monitors have been installed at locations where tickets are sold so players can view the drawing as it happens.

More to come

The launch of keno is just one way that the Pennsylvania Lottery plans to offer even more for gamers. Back in March, the lottery announced that it would be launching the keno game, along with an iLottery online gaming platform and virtual sports. Both are set to be live in the near future.

The iLottery platform will provide individuals located within the borders of the state with the ability to play games from a mobile device or computer. When the online lottery launches, players will have access to a variety of games, but traditional draw games, Fast Play, and scratch-offs will not be included.

Virtual sports monitor games are set to launch as well, reportedly in June. This option will show simulated sporting events that have an outcome based on random computerized drawings. The virtual sports option is known as Xpress Sports and will be provided by Inspired Entertainment Inc. Simulations will focus on football games and racing. Virtual sporting events will run every few minutes, offering plenty of wagering opportunities for players.

Proceeds from lottery games currently go toward senior citizens. The state uses funds to assist with property taxes and rent rebates, transportation needs, prescription assistance, care services, and more. Lottery Executive Director Svitko said: “We’re excited to develop new types of games that will bolster support for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians. We know that future generations of seniors will be counting on us to be there to help.”