Keno is coming soon to Lyons

Mike Fillipi, owner of the Branding Iron.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Keno is coming to Lyons, specifically the Branding Iron. Mike Fillipi, owner of the Branding Iron since November of 2012, approached the city council a few months ago with the idea of Keno being allowed at his establishment. Upon a vote of the citizens of Lyons, Keno was approved with 235 voting for it and 60 against keno.

Mike had a few reasons for wanting Keno at his establishment. “People go to Fremont and Sloan to play it. I want to keep some money in Lyons,” Mike said. “It will also help bring in more business.”

The city will also benefit financially from the Branding Iron having Keno. “It is mandated by the state, so I am not sure yet what percentage of the profits the city receives,” Mike stated.

There is quite a bit to do before Keno will be available at the Branding Iron. “The city council has to sign some things. I have to buy the equipment for it, TV’s, the scanner that picks the numbers, etc.,” Mike said.

Keno will be located in the bar area of the Branding Iron. “I don’t want the people in the dining area to be distracted by it. But, they can also go in the bar area to play keno if they want to,” Mike stated.

Keno is a game based on numbers the customer has chosen and the numbers that are drawn, a lottery type of game, but not very costly. Numbers are drawn every five minutes, but may be changed to every three minutes. “People can come in, and play the game,” Mike said.

Employees also have to be trained to play the game. “A person has to be trained to enter the correct numbers, and other things. There is a training class for it. I am not going to have everyone trained. There is a less chance for errors then,” Mike stated.

Mike lives in Pender. He bought the business from Dan and Diane Bacon last November. “They had good food and good service. We have a good business going now too, and many regulars.” Mike said.

He is looking forward to the arrival of Keno. “I just hope it goes good for Lyons,” Mike stated.