Cranium #1656 and Keno # 1406

There are two games that are now playable with equal merit. Cranium and Keno #1406 differ from each other based upon the following comparison:

Category                                             Cranium                    Keno
Total Tickets Issued                           3,004,500                 2,934,000
Grand Prize                                          $75,000                   $50,000
Odds of any winner                                1 in 3.27                  1 in 2.70
Initial Odds to win Grand P                1,001,500:1                733,500:1
Current Odds                                      495,000:1                 484,000:1
Initial Odds to win at least $1k              24,830:1                   19,430:1
Current "            "        "                        26,797:1                   17,604:1
Initial Odds to win at least $100             1,063:1                     6,608:1
Current '      "               "                         1,053:1                    6,654:1

Cranium has a larger grand prize. The odds to win a grand prize is about the same in either game. Keno has more prizes between the grand prize and the $1000 prizes whereas Cranium has more between $1000 and $100. Keno has more smaller prizes. Play which ever game has the profile that appeals to you most.

I played Cranium 5 times this week winning $15 for a break even week. My friend went out on a raiding mission in North Bay last week purchasing 70 Cranium tickets. His total return was 75% of the money invested without the benefit of a significant prize.

I would advise to get out looking for your Cranium tickets soon. With only 34% of the ticket float left to be purchased, the tickets will soon begin to become scarce. When playing Keno, be sure to get Game #1406.

No Playable Games

One of the $75,000 Cranium prizes was won last week in Mississauga. It remains the best choice but its advantage has been eliminated. Thirty-six percent of tickets remain to be sold and two of the grand prizes remain to be claimed.  The 31% variance almost makes up the house advantage. I have been playing this game but without much success. I am winning at about the published rate but I can only ever win $3, which is no win at all!

Keno 1406 is also a +31 and should be played equally with Cranium. Cash for Life 1154 is +22 and can be played in a pinch. Be careful with Keno and Cash for Life: there are two versions of each game currently in play. In the case of Keno, the other game (1408) is a horrible play. The other Cash For Life (1155) is OK, just not as good as the recommended game.

As for games to avoid, the following games have all had their grand prizes won but are still available for sale:
$1 Line em Up, $3 Bingo 3000, $3 Keno 1408,