How to become a bookmaker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
College
This massive increase in potential profit for the bookmaker (19% instead of 9% on an event; in this case the double) is the main reason why bookmakers pay bonuses for the successful selection of winners. If you look for the best tip for online betting, it is to bet only at the best online bookmakers.These are betting sites that have proven time and time again that they know what the modern punter wants, and always have a betting offer for the bet you want to place. We look at how bookmakers set their odds so that they would make money off the bettors. A bit more on decimal and fractional odds: https://support.skybet.com.
You can learn some of the skills you need for this job by doing a course in customer service or retail, such as:
You could apply directly to bookmakers for a trainee manager post. To do this, you'll need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A. to C), including English and maths. Employers will also expect you to have some.
- Level 2 Diploma in Retail Skills
- Level 2 Diploma in Customer Service
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
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Apprenticeship
You could join a bookmaking firm and start on a customer service practitioner intermediate apprenticeship. This is followed by further training which can lead to betting shop manager positions.
Entry requirements
How To Be A Bookmaker Online
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
How To Be A Bookie
You could start in a betting shop as a cashier then take training on the job to become a supervisor or betting shop manager.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to bookmakers for a trainee manager post. To do this, you'll need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.
Employers will also expect you to have some experience of customer service, supervising staff and handling money.
Other Routes
You may be able to apply for a betting company's graduate training scheme to start your career in bookmaking and betting shop management.
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How To Be A Bookmaker On Course
Career tips
When you apply for a job as a bookmaker, you may be asked to sit a basic maths test to show that you can deal with percentages and calculating odds and payments. These tasks are often done on electronic tills, but it's important that you're able to explain them to customers.
Further information
How To Be A Bookie
You'll find more details about a career in the gaming industry from theHospitality Guild.