# How did Keno writers draw the digits before automation? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 29, 2015, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-keno-writers-draw-the-digits-before-automation/738930 "2015-11-29T14:53:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-keno-writers-draw-the-digits-before-automation/738930/1 "2015-11-29T14:53:06Z")
For some reason, the bingo card question reminded me of an old question I’ve had. I thought of posting this in Thread Games with a title like _Scavenger Hunt_, but my question is sincere and should have a definite answer. When you play a Keno ticket in Nevada, you’re given a receipt showing exactly what you’re playing. Today these are machine-printed but as recently as the 1980’s they were handwritten by a casino employee, the “keno writer.” The played numbers themselves needn’t be written – the printed number is just daubed with ink – but numbers have to be written to show the price paid, and the details of a complex “way” bet. _ **To avoid any controversy, the keno writers had a stylized way of writing each of the ten digits** _; otherwise a hasty 3 might look like a 2 or an 8, etc. The stylized way the digits were drawn (which I assume was the same for all casinos) was very elegant, even beautiful. I wish I’d saved such a receipt. But I didn’t, and I can’t remember how the digits were drawn. _ **Can anyone point to a webpage or image that shows these beautiful digits?** _ I’ve tried Googling “old handwritten Keno receipts” etc. but get nothing. (If you don’t know the answer, but _do_ know what I’m talking about, please post anyway, so I don’t feel lonely. 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-keno-writers-draw-the-digits-before-automation/738930/2 "2015-11-30T20:23:09Z")
Is this what you’re looking for? > **[1980s Flamingo Hilton Hotel Keno Ticket Las Vegas](https://www.popscreen.com/prod/MTIyODU4OTA3/1980s-Flamingo-Hilton-Hotel-Keno-Ticket-Las-Vegas)** > > Find great deals on for flamingo hilton las vegas and hilton flamingo las vegas postcard. Shop with confidence. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-keno-writers-draw-the-digits-before-automation/738930/3 "2015-11-30T20:35:55Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Is this what you’re looking for? > > [https://www.popscreen.com/prod/MTIyODU4OTA3/1980s-Flamingo-Hilton-Hotel-Keno-Ticket-Las-Vegas](https://www.popscreen.com/prod/MTIyODU4OTA3/1980s-Flamingo-Hilton-Hotel-Keno-Ticket-Las-Vegas) Thanks! [One of those images](http://img0063.psstatic.com/128291998_amazoncom-star-broiler-keno-ticket-winnemuca-nevada-.jpg) has a very ornate-looking “8.” [Another one](https://www.popscreen.com/prod/MTYyMTkzMzI5/1956-Horseshoe-Club-Keno-Ticket-Joe-Browns-Las-Vegas) should have a “9” but I can’t decipher it. So I’m not satisfied. Still, you did _much_ better Googling than I did. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-keno-writers-draw-the-digits-before-automation/738930/4 "2015-11-30T21:00:29Z")
You’re welcome, I did a Google Images search for “1980s keno tickets” and saw a likely item in the pictures as I scrolled through them.