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Getting started as a bookmaker
Careers with bookmakers
Anyone considering setting up a betting shop should not undertake such a venture lightly. Whilst the perception given in the media has often been that running a betting shop is a licence to print money, the truth is somewhat different. This article gives some general guidance about trading as a bookmaker in a licensed betting office and the obligations such an undertaking entails.
Please note that the nature of this guidance is very general and we would strongly advise any individual considering setting up in business as a bookmaker to take professional advice from relevant sources.
Legal obligations
You will need an Operating Licence from the Gambling Commission (see links). Your business will be regulated by the Commission and you will need to abide by its Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). You will also need a Premises Licence from your local authority for each shop.
The cost of new licences can run into several thousand pounds and you should contact the Commission and your local authority early to understand what these fees will be for you.
When you have found the premises which you intend converting into a betting shop you will need to speak to your solicitor to arrange a lease or purchase of the unit. A2 planning consent must be obtained for a betting office. The local council or your architect should be able to provide you with information on the planning consents required.
It is advisable to consult an architect at an early stage. Plans are required for the Premises Licence application and with an ever increasing volume of regulation an architect will be able to give advice as to the suitability of the property and the cost of conversion before acquisition.
Fitting out the premises
The equipment you are most likely to require is a bookmaker’s till. Second hand tills are also available. The purchase of a Security Flow Camera and cash security returns is also recommended. Other equipment will include a video settler to calculate the amount of the customer’s winnings, although settlers' pigeonholes cost considerably less.
It is now customary to use Satellite Information Services Ltd (SIS) live audio and video racing service in the betting office. This is a major on-going cost. SIS' fees are set out on its website (see links).
Before you start to trade
You should inform Customs & Excise (see links) of the date on which you intend starting to trade. Duty at a rate of 15% of Gross Profits must be paid. Machine duty (AMLD) is also payable on machines. You can have up to four machines.
A levy must also be paid to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (see links); this is 10% of the gross profit which you generate on British horseracing business - still the largest business are a for most bookmakers.
A copyright fee of £300 is payable to Football DataCo so you can take bets on football (tel 020 7864 9000. If you haven't paid for a licence you will not be able to buy-in pre-printed football coupons.
In addition to these statutory and commercial costs the betting industry also makes voluntary contributions to a number of organisations to support their work, Most notable are the British Greyhound Racing Fund (see links) which supports the Greyhound Industry and greyhound welfare organisations, and the Responsibility In Gambling Trust (see links)which supports research, education and counselling.
Finally, if you decide that jumping all the hurdles will be worthwhile then we wish you every success in your new venture and suggest that you join the ABB, the premier association for British bookmakers, which will cost only £100 for a full year's membership.
Opportunities in Retail with a Difference
Careers tend to start in retail bookmaking with jobs as Cashiers, Shop Management and upward to multi-site Retail Management.
Cashiers / Customer Service Assistants
Cashiers are the key contact between the customer and the business, providing a first class service that encourages customers to return time after time. Cashiers are able to identify with their customers creating a relaxed atmosphere and their job is crucial in generating fun and that certain buzz! Cashiers have to be knowledgeable about the sports, products and services that are on offer so that they can take and pay out bets. The real job is about customer service, knowing your customers, their sporting interests, and enjoying talking with them.
You don’t need formal qualifications, although mathematics GCSE helps. Employers provide the technical training required. What’s important is an interest in people, excellent customer service skills and the ability to work flexibly. You can fit the job around your lifestyle, with full-time, part-time and even student opportunities.
How do I become a Cashier?
The majority of companies advertise their vacancies in the shop window or in the local newspaper. Prospective applicants can also call in at their local betting shop and enquire about any vacancies.
Shop Management
Shop Managers (and their Deputy / Assistant managers where they are in place) are In charge of their own business, making decisions, running the day-to-day operation and achieving their profit targets. They are responsible for controlling costs, effectively marketing their shop and the training and development of their team. As with the Cashier, their commitment to and delivery of excellent customer service is key to their role. Whilst many Cashiers progress into management positions, you will see advertisements in local and/or national press for trainee managers. Ideal candidates would be numerate, good communicators, have previous customer service experience and be able to demonstrate leadership and management qualities.
How do I enter shop management?
As with the cashiers, the majority of trainee vacancies are advertised in shop windows or in the local paper. For prospective applicants with previous betting shop experience, vacancies can also be found on www.bettingjobs.com or in The Racing Post on a Saturday.
Multi-site Retail Management
This job is about being responsible for a number of betting shops; so it is as much about managing managers as it is about overseeing the betting shops. Main responsibilities are to lead, train and motivate your management team, supervising standards, raising levels of customer service and seeking opportunities to grow the business. The job involves regular travel between shops and the ability to win the respect and trust of team members.
The entry route requires technical betting knowledge and therefore tends to be available to existing employees, including students and part-time staff. Preference is given to those who have completed further education, and to those who have managed a betting shop. New entrants to the industry require previous multi-site retail management experience. Many employers provide a formal structured development programme.
How did I become a Multi-Site Retail Manager?
‘I started as a part-time Cashier while studying at university. The job was ideally suited to me as being a student the flexible hours and opportunities for overtime during the holidays fitted in well with my study timetable. When I completed my degree I applied for a position on a Multi-Site Management Development Programme and now supervise a high profile group of shops.
I am able to bring to the role not only my experience of working in the shops but also the time management, planning and report writing skills I learnt at university. The varied responsibilities of a Multi-Site Retail Manager, diverse mix of people and lively atmosphere combine to create a job that I find enjoyable and stimulating.’
Although the majority of all multi-site managers are promoted internally, there are sometimes opportunities for people with no previous bookmaking experience to join. Positions would normally be advertised in the Racing Post, on www.bettingjobs.com or in the national press.
FAQs
Q. I always thought betting shops were dark and dingy?
A. Gone are the blackened-out windows, dim lighting and smoky interiors. In their place are clear windows, attractive and colourful designs, air conditioning, light wood floors and chrome fixtures, digital display systems on plasma TV screens, electronic bet capture and settlement, comfortable seating and snacks and refreshments.
Q. Aren’t betting shops very male dominated?
A. No, whilst the majority of customers are men, more than half of the industry’s employees are women.
Q. Does it matter that I don’t know anything about sports?
A. Betting covers sports, celebrities, TV programmes, music, weather, politics and much more. So, knowledge about any of these topics can be helpful but not essential. Most employers provide training on product knowledge relevant to your job.
Q. Don’t you have to be good with numbers?
A. Betting odds are the chances of winning versus the chances of losing, and are shown as one number over another e.g. 3/1. You will need to have basic mathematics in the same way that you do in everyday life, to understand numbers and betting. Many employers provide additional numeric training particularly as your career progresses.
Q. Can it fit around my lifestyle?
A. Most betting shops are open seven days a week all year round from around 10:00am until 10:00pm. This means that there are both full and part-time jobs providing many opportunities for you to fit the job around your other commitments.
Q. Will I have to do weekend / Bank Holidays work?
A. The busiest day of the working week is normally Saturday and you will usually be required to work some Saturdays. You may also be required to work some Sundays, unless you have opted out of Sunday working. Most companies will offer the choice of pay or time off in lieu. Some companies are able to incorporate specific requirements for flexibility when rostering staff.
Q. Will I get proper training?
A. Most people join an employer with no experience of the industry and receive training as appropriate to their role.
Q. Is there a chance to progress?
A. Yes. Most companies encourage their employees to progress by internal promotion. Cashiers to Shop Management, Shop Management to Multi-Site Management and into related supporting roles.
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association of british bookmakers
info@abb.uk.com
tel: 020 7434 2111
