With its sights set on the worldwide Keno Gaming market, AWA Gaming Systems has announced the release of Kenix, a Concurrent Computer Corp real-time Unix-based version of the computer system driving the popular gambling game Club Keno. AWA, formerly Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Pty Ltd, has been operating Club Keno in New South Wales Registered Clubs in Australia for over a year. The game currently turns over $3.5m a week, which is expected to increase to around $8m a week within two years. Club Keno runs on two Concurrent 3250 minisupers located at North Ryde in Sydney and is connected on line to more than 350 participating clubs throughout the state. It is anticipated that 3,000 terminals will eventually be connected. The system uses Concurrent’s proprietary operating system OS/32, which according to an AWA spokesman is best suited to a multiple property environment. According to AWA, the Kenix-based single property system (which is also suited to multiple property environments) is more cost-effective for running Keno in casinos – the company says Unix-based systems offer superior scalability, portability and interoperability. Club Keno is currently operated in participating New South Wales clubs 12 or more hours a day, seven days a week, with a game every six minutes and jackpots growing to more than $1m The minimum wager is $1 and the maximum $9,999; 75% of bets are returned to the players.
