History of the profession
The first bookmakers appeared in Ancient Rome. At that time, people actively bet on the results of gladiator fights and chariot races. Excitement and the thirst for profit pushed people to participate in bets, but this required a person whose task was to collect money during the fights and distribute the winnings after the end. For this, the intermediary took a part of the funds for the work done. This is how the profession of a bookmaker initially looked like.
Description of the profession
The bookmaker accepts bets in cash equivalent on various events, mainly sports, but there may also be political or cultural ones, after the completion of which it undertakes to pay out the winnings.
The main task of the bookmaker is to identify all possible risks and correctly set the odds on the favorite and the underdog in order to avoid losing its own profit. The value of the odds is constantly changing depending on the amount of bets made by the players.
When conducting analytical work on the game, the bookmaker relies on the statistical indicators of past games between teams, on changes in the lineups, tactics. Even such trifles as the birthdays of coaches or players can affect the final value of the odds.
The profession is considered risky, since a large amount of finance is involved in the turnover.
England is the birthplace of bookmaking. The country occupies a leading position in the number of offices. Among the residents of foggy Albion, earning money on bets is a very popular activity.
Responsibilities
In addition to setting odds, the bookmaker needs to communicate with clients competently. Each player has an individual account in the bookmaker’s office. The convenience of this method is that the client can choose the outcomes while at home, and the bookmaker’s task is to prevent the leakage of personal data.
When paying out money, the bookmaker withholds a certain percentage to pay income tax to the state. The percentage value is controlled by the tax office.
Technical support from the bookmaker concerns the rules of the game or questions about the account, its constant communication with the client. Usually, the user can send an application online, after which the company representatives must process it and explain the situation. There are also hotline numbers and e-mail.
Employee requirements
Frequent calculations require the candidate to have developed logical thinking, certain knowledge in mathematics and an analytical mind. Constant calculations are tiring, it is necessary to have such qualities as stress resistance and patience.
The next criterion is knowledge in the field of psychology. The employee must understand the behavior of gamblers. Bookmakers offer various bonuses to keep the player active.
Most often, those who come to get a job in this profession are people who are fans of a team or sport. When making a forecast, it is necessary to use a “cool” head, even if your favorite team is playing. Otherwise, the employee can lead the company to significant financial losses.
