Keno concerns justified

Despite assurances today’s computerized keno machines are tamper proof, two of five McCook City Council members remained unconvinced. A motion to write an amended city code to allow employees to play the games passed by only one vote.

The operator of McCook’s keno noted that chips in the machine include thousands of numbers chosen at random in advance, and if anyone disturbs the chip, the entire game is disabled.

We don’t doubt him, but we also know computer hackers are getting smarter by leaps and bounds.

We’re sure the vast majority of employees who work at keno outlets are honest, but we know of three in Nebraska who are charged with breaking the law.

Investigators say the three former Blue Springs Keno employees manipulated a keno machine and placed one-spot wagers on a ball they knew would win.

It sounds like they are accused of tampering with an older keno machine and not the modern computerized variety.

But employees of businesses operating keno machines have many hours to observe the machines and their operations, giving them the opportunity, if they are so inclined, to try to beat the system.

The city shouldn’t go out of its way to make it easier for them to do so.