Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners
Post information enabling patrons to wager on various races and sporting events. Assist in the operation of games such as keno and bingo. May operate random number-generating equipment and announce the numbers for patrons. Receive, verify, and record patrons' wagers. Scan and process winning tickets presented by patrons and pay out winnings for those wagers.
Also called: Bet Taker, Betting Clerk, Bingo Caller, Bingo Clerk, Bingo Floater, Bingo Worker
Median pay
$34,980
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$22,090 – $48,270
People employed
8,950
Holland code
CES
Conventional · Enterprising · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 7.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 8.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (30 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners salary in every state →
What gambling and sports book writers and runners do
- 01Pay off or move bets as established by game rules and procedures.
- 02Conduct gambling tables or games, such as dice, roulette, cards, or keno, and ensure that game rules are followed.
- 03Start gaming equipment that randomly selects numbered balls and announce winning numbers and colors.
- 04Check to ensure that all players have placed their bets before play begins.
- 05Answer questions about game rules or casino policies.
- 06Record the number of tickets cashed and the amount paid out after each race or event.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from gambling and sports book writers and runners
- Gambling Cage Workers92% · +7%
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers91% · +82%
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers90% · +4%
- Tellers89% · +23%
- Cashiers89% · −6%
Change into gambling and sports book writers and runners
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Gambling Cage Workers92% · $37,580
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers90% · $36,220
- Cashiers82% · $32,880
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks80% · $35,070
- Receptionists and Information Clerks79% · $38,010