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Bookmaker's Clerks assist Bookmakers to provide oncourse betting services at race meetings. Bookmaker's clerks take bets from customers at betting agencies or bookmakers' stands, or over the phone, and assist bookmakers to provide betting services at race meetings.

A Bookmakers Clerk is responsible for the processing of bets that are placed through a Bookmaker. Clerks are employed by Bookmakers and must be licensed by the respective Principle Racing Authority. A Bookmakers Clerk is responsible for handling cash and calling the bet, and/or entering the bet into the computer and printing out the ticket. They will also cash tickets for customers after correct weight is declared.

ANZSCO ID & description: 561112: Assists Bookmakers to provide oncourse betting services at race meetings. Registration or licensing is required. This occupation is illegal in New Zealand.

Specialisations: Bagman/woman,

Knowledge, skills and attributes        

• enjoy working with people

• able to work weekends and evenings

• good with figures

• comfortable working with computers

Duties and Tasks

• Takes bets by debiting credit accounts and bank accounts electronically or physically receiving cash.

• take bets from customers over the phone or in person

• receive cash or record bets electronically

• Records and enters bets electronically and in transaction ledgers.

• Issues tickets and prepares summaries of transactions.

• check on the amounts of money placed on race entrants, update the betting ledger and advise bookmakers

• Monitors amounts of money placed on race entrants.

• Checks details and numbers on winning betting tickets against those in betting ledgers and electronic records, before paying out money on winning tickets.

• Verifies the identity and account balances of betting agency customers.

• Answers betting inquiries over the telephone, via email and in person.

• May work in a call centre.
  
  

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Bookmaker's Clerk without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. You can also complete the following courses at TAFE: Certificate II in Racing Services (Racing Administration); Certificate III in Racing Services (Racing Administration; Certificate IV in Racing Services (Racing Administration); and, Diploma of Racing Services (Racing Administration)

Additional Information

The minimum age for a bookmaker's clerk in NSW is 18. You must also be licensed by Racing NSW for thoroughbred racing, Greyhound Racing NSW for greyhound racing and Harness Racing NSW for harness racing. A current National Police Certificate must also be provided. for further information, contact the relevant authority.

The minimum age for a bookmaker's clerk in the ACT is 18. In order to work as a bookmaker's clerk in the ACT, a licence must be obtained from the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission under the Race and Sports Bookmaking Act 2001. A current National Police Certificate must also be provided.

 

Employment Opportunities

Bookmakers' clerks may work for any licensed bookmaker in their state or territory at racing, trotting or greyhound associations. Positions are mostly casual and turnover is quite high.

With experience and sufficient capital, bookmakers' clerks may start their own bookmaking business.

 

(Source: Good Universities Guide)

 

Did You Know? Australia/New Zealand - Glossary of terms Single race Win: Runner must finish first. Place: Runner must finish first, second or third place. In events with five to seven runners, no dividends are payable on third place (signified by "NTD" or No Third Dividend) and in events with 4 or fewer runners, only Win betting is allowed. Each-Way: A combination of Win and Place. A $5 bet Each-way is a $5.00 bet to Win and a $5.00 bet to Place, for a total bet cost of $10. Exacta: The bettor must correctly pick the two runners which finish first and second. Quinella: The bettor must pick the two runners which finish first and second, but need not specify which will finish first. Trifecta: The bettor must correctly pick the three runners which finish first, second, and third. First4: The bettor must correctly pick the four runners which finish first, second, third and fourth. Duet: The bettor must pick two horses who will place first, second or third but can finish in any order. Multiple races Running Double: The bettor must pick the winners of two consecutive races at same track. Daily Double: The bettor must pick the winners of two nominated races at the same track. Treble: The bettor must pick the winners of three nominated races at the same track. This bet type is only available in the states of Queensland and South Australia. Quadrella or Quaddie: The bettor must pick the winners of four nominated races at the same track. Big 6: The bettor must pick the winners of six nominated races, which can be at the same track or split over two or more tracks. In Australia, certain exotic bet types can be laid as "flexi" bets. Usually the price of an exotic bet is determined by a set multiple of the outcome, for example $60 for a five horse boxed trifecta at one unit ($1)—or $30 at half unit (50c). If the bet is successful, the bettor will get either the full winning amount shown on the board, or half the winning amount. Under a flexi system the bettor can nominate their desired total wager, and their percentage of payout is determined by this wager's relationship to the full unit price. Using a five horse box trifecta, the bettor may wish to lay only $20 on the outcome. Their percentage of winnings is now calculated as $20/$60 = 33.3%. If the bet is successful, the payout will be 33.3% of the winning amount for a full unit bet. In recent times the "Roving Banker" variant for Trifecta and First4 betting is now offered. For a Roving Banker First4 the player selects one, two or three runners they believe will definitely finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th, and up to three selections as Roving Banker(s) with other runners to fill the remaining place(s). A Roving Banker Trifecta is where the player believes that one or two runners will definitely finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd. The bet can be placed by picking the player's favourite runner to finish in any place within the bet and complete the Trifecta with any number of other runners to fill the other placing(s). (Source: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

Betting Clerks place bets from customers either over the phone or in person at betting agencies and bookmakers stands on course.
  

ANZSCO description:  561111: Records and processes customer bets, payments and payouts over the counter at a betting agency for horse and dog racing, and other sports and events.

  
Knowledge, skills and attributes   

• Ability to Make Quick Calculations

• Capacity to Understand Betting Regulations

• Ethics and Integrity

• Good Computer Skills

• Some Knowledge of, and Interest in Sporting Events

• Strong Communication and Customer Service        

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

• taking bets and debiting credit accounts and bank accounts electronically, and receiving cash

• recording and entering bets electronically and in transaction ledgers

• issuing tickets and preparing summaries of transactions

• monitoring amounts of money placed on race entrants and pay out money to winners

• checking details and numbers on winning betting tickets against those in betting ledgers and electronic records, and paying out money on winning tickets and keep the betting ledgers up to date

• verifying the identity and account balances of betting agency customers

• answering betting inquiries over the telephone, via email and in person

• may work in a call centre

• Balance accounts at the end of the day

Working conditions

Betting Clerks generally work indoors taking bets at agencies or over the phone. They are often required to work evenings and weekends.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Betting Clerk without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. Some workers have Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications in areas such as accounting.

 

 

 

Betting Agency Counter Clerks [Seller] record and process customer bets, payments and payouts over the counter at betting agencies, for horse and dog racing, and other sports and events.

 

ANZSCO description: 561111: Records and processes customer bets, payments and payouts over the counter at a betting agency for horse and dog racing, and other sports and events.

  
Knowledge, skills and attributes    

• Enjoy working with people

• Able to work weekends and evenings

• Good with figures

• Comfortable working with computers

      

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

• Takes bets and debits credit accounts and bank accounts electronically, as well as receiving cash.

• Records and enters bets electronically and in transaction ledgers.

• Issues tickets and prepares summaries of transactions.

• Monitors amounts of money placed on race entrants.

• Checks details and numbers on winning betting tickets against those in betting ledgers and electronic records, and pays out money on winning tickets.

• Verifies the identity and account balances of betting agency customers.

• Answers betting inquiries over the telephone, via email and in person.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Betting Agency Counter Clerk without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. Some workers have Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications in areas such as accounting.

 

 

   

Betting Agency Managers manage branches of betting agencies. Organises and controls the operations of a branch of a betting agency.
  

ANZSCO ID: 142113
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes           

To become a betting agency manager or supervisor, you would need:

• strong verbal communication skills

• customer service skills

• able to be attuned to, and understand, people’s reactions

• able to understand and follow a range of rules and regulations.

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

• promotes and advertises the establishment's services

• sells services to customers and advises them on service options

• maintains records of transactions

• undertakes budgeting for the establishment

• controls selection, training and supervision of staff

• ensures compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

Working conditions

Managers generally work 40 hours a week. Although there is a lot of computer and deskwork involved, a good portion of the time is spent supervising staff and managing the physical facility.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You need managerial experience or experience in a related role to work as a Betting Agency Manager. Formal qualifications might be useful but aren't essential.

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Betting Clerks record and process customer bets and account details over the telephone for horse and dog racing, and other sports events. They may work in call centres.

 

ANZSCO description: 561113 Records and processes customer bets and account details over the telephone for horse and dog racing, and other sports events. May work in a call centre.

   
Knowledge, skills and attributes     

• Positive attitude and solid work ethic

• Strong attention to detail

• Eager to learn and able to take direction well

• Excellent customer service abilities

• Knowledge of racing terms is a plus

      
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

• Records and enters bets, debiting credit and bank accounts electronically.

• Records and enters bets electronically and in transaction ledgers.

• Issues electronic tickets and prepares summaries of transactions.

• Monitors amounts of money placed on race entrants.

• Checks details and numbers on winning betting tickets against those in electronic records, and pays out money on winning tickets.

• Verifies the identity and account balances of betting agency customers.

• Answers betting inquiries over the telephone, via email and in person.

• May work in a call centre.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Telephone Betting Clerk without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided.

Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to work rotating day and evening shifts (depending on branch hours)
Must have experience in handling and being accountable for money
Nights and Weekends are required

 

 

 

 

Much like a Bookmaker's Clerk, a Tote Operator processes the bets placed through the tote on course. Tote Operators will need appropriate accreditation which comes with being employed by the Tote. Again, this is a service that is only available on race days so people in these roles will usually have another job as well. This may include working at a local Tote as the same accreditation is required. The Tote Operator will receive bets orally and cash winning tickets after correct weight so will need excellent cash handling skills.

Tote operators run the day-to-day functions of the tote operation at a horse race track, such as tote system data entry and verification, prepare the reports for the racetrack office, assist the forwarding of company equipment and spare parts. They maintain, operate and troubleshoot tote boards and auxiliary odds boards. They operate the communication tools used at the racetrack. They install, tear down and maintain equipment.

ANZSCO ID: 561112

 

Alternative names: Tote Technician, Advanced Tote Operator, Tote Manager

Knowledge, skills and attributes 

• Knowledge of Tote reports and how to read them

• Knowledge of how to set up a tote board

• Knowledge of how to operate tote board

• Excellent customer service skills

• Follow ethical code of conduct of gambling

• Excellent data entry skills

(Source: SBO)

Duties and Tasks

• Read reports related to horserace betting and interpret the information.

• Install and the tote board used to display information relevant to tote betting at an event.

• Maintain customer service - Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.

• Follow the rules and ethical code used in gambling, betting and lottery. Keep the entertainment of players in mind.

• Operate tote board - either manually or using software such as Autotote.

• Process data - Enter information into a data storage and data retrieval system via processes such as scanning, manual keying or electronic data transfer in order to process large amounts of data.

 

Calculate tote price
A price quote for a horse on the Tote is the current dividend pay-out on the event of that outcome happening. This tends to be similar to normal bookmaker odds, and tracks the market in a similar way, but at any given time may be better or worse than a bookmaker's quoted odds. However, since all bets are pooled, all bets are essentially starting price" (SP), that is, until the race has started (and all betting finished) one cannot calculate what the final pay-out will be

 

Parimutuel betting
Betting systems where bets are placed together in a pool.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

No formal educational requirements but you need to be good at mathematics and be quick at calculations. 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Betting Clerks includes jobs like Bingo Caller, and Keno Terminal Operator.

Bingo callers run bingo games.

 

ANZSCO description: 561199 This occupation group covers Betting Clerks not elsewhere classified.

    

Knowledge, skills and attributes      

Bingo callers should:

• Be enthusiastic, outgoing and confident.

• Enjoy performing to an audience and being the centre of attention.

• Clearly understand all the rules and working practices relating to each game.

• Have a clear voice.

• Be a natural, charismatic presenter.

• Be able to engage very large audiences.

• Be confident using equipment.

• Be professional, trustworthy and responsible.

• Be observant and alert, continuously listening out for winners.

• Remain calm under pressure.

• Be able to work at a fast pace.

• Be able to think on their feet.

• Be able to work well in a team.

• Understand the alcohol and gaming licensing laws.

 

 

 

Bingo Caller
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

• Meeting and greeting customers.

• Making sure each game runs smoothly and on time.

• Checking lights, monitors, random number generator and sound equipment before each session, and reporting any faults.

• Telling players before the first game, and as the session goes along, the sequence of games, the colour of the bingo ticket they should be playing, and the type of game they are playing.

• Operating a random number generator.

• Using a microphone to call out the numbers.

• Managing the session - eg, stopping people from talking and making sure mobile phones do not go off during games.

• Controlling the pace of the session.

• Building a rapport with customers, keeping them entertained and creating a lively, sociable atmosphere.

• Checking winning claims.

• Announcing promotions.

• Responding to players' queries.

• Hosting special events such as Christmas parties.

• Providing high standards of customer care.

Working conditions

During quiet times, callers may be expected to carry out other tasks, such as preparing bingo tickets and promotional materials. Bingo callers work with ushers, bar and catering staff, who all report to a floor or club manager.

Bingo callers work up to 40 hours a week, including weekends and bank holidays. The opening times of bingo clubs vary, but most have afternoon and evening programmes.

Most clubs are open every day of the year (except for Christmas Day), so callers are needed seven days a week, for example from 11am until the last game, usually at 10pm. Bingo callers mostly work an afternoon or evening shift, but must be prepared to take on a varied workload. Part-time work is available.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

This group includes jobs that might have different study pathways.

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Call Centre Operator

Croupier Club Manager Gaming Cage Worker Gaming Manager or Supervisor Gaming Surveillance Officer & Gaming Investigator Gaming Worker

Horse Trainer

Jockey

 

Material sourced from
Jobs and Skills WA [Bookmaker;]
CareerHQ [Bookmaker; ]
Careers Online [Bookmaker's Clerk; ]
Racing Jobs [Betting Services; ]
Open Universities [Betting Clerk; ]
Skills Road [Betting Clerks; ]
Acacia - ANZSCO
Good Universities Guide [Bookmaker's Clerk; ]
123Test [Profession Tote Operator; ]
Capital Off-Track Betting [Telephone Betting Clerk; ]
NSW Thoroughbred Racing [Bookmaker Licence; ]
InPutYouth UK [Bingo Caller; ]
Your Career [Bookmaker; Betting Clerk; Betting Agency Counter Clerk; Bookmaker's Clerk; Telephone Betting Clerk; Other Betting Clerks; Betting Agency Manager; ]


 

 

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