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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.

Keno sites

Charleys Throttle Stop, 7121 Dixie Highway

Club Kricket, 4737 Dixie Highway

Memories Sport Bar, 6679 Dixie Highway

Wildwood Pub, 5877 Ross Road,

Fairfield Bowling Lanes, 5181 Dixie Highway

Ricks Tavern, 5595 Boymel Drive

Symmes Tavern, 500 Wessel Drive

Par's Place, 6126 Winton Road

Jungle Jim's, 5440 Dixie Highway

Hamilton

American Legion Post #138, 427 S. Third St.

Riverbank Cafe, 102 Main St.

Hamilton Lodge #36, 925 Pyramid Hill Blvd.

Hanover Twp.

Turner Gill's, 2556 Millville Oxford Road

Liberty Twp.

Lucky Dog Tavern & Grille, 7029-7031 Yankee Road

Madison Twp.

Madison Inn Bar & Grill, 101 S. Front St.

Middletown

Hillbilly Heaven, 2502 Atco Ave.

Fricker's, 4810 Roosevelt Blvd.

FOE Aerie #528, 1300 First Ave.

Bills Open Door Cafe, 2715 Burbank Ave.

Fraternal Order Of Orioles #193, 3010 S. Main St.

Silver Leaf Lodge 456, 912 Eighth Ave.

Oxford

Indian Creek Tavern, 6206 Main St.

The Balcony, 116 1/2 E. High St.

Brick Street Restaurant, 36 E. High St.

West Chester Twp.

Back Porch Saloon, 9626 Princeton Glendale Road

Warren County

Lebanon Entertainment Center, 320 Columbus Ave.

Lebanon Raceway, 665 N. Broadway St.

Springboro

Roosters, 257 W. Central Ave.

Springs Bar, 80 Edgebrook Drive