Betting shop cashier

Betting shop cashiers take bets from customers and pay out on winning bets. In some betting shops, they serve drinks and snacks.

Also known as:

• Bookmaking cashier
• Turf accountant’s cashier

Work activities

Betting shops are licensed to take bets from customers on sporting events, such as horse races, greyhound races and football matches. They also take bets on non-sporting events, such as the result of a reality show or General Election, or the likelihood of snow falling on Christmas Day. Betting shops often show live television broadcasts of sporting events, particularly horse and greyhound racing. Many shops are relatively small workplaces employing, on average, about five people.

The cashier takes bets and money from customers and gives them betting slips (which act as a receipt for a winning bet). Cashiers pay customers’ winnings if their bet has been successful.  They show customers how to use the gaming machines that most betting shops have and pay out winnings from them. At times, the work can be very hectic. When it is less busy, cashiers might spend time chatting with regular customers. Cashiers are responsible for making sure their till contains the right amount of money at the end of the day. Cashiers are usually responsible for making sure that the betting shop is clean and tidy. In shops where food and drink are available, it is part of the cashier’s job to serve it.

Personal qualities and skills

As a betting shop cashier, you need:

• To be numerate and capable of working quickly and accurately.
• To have good communication and customer service skills.
• An interest in sport.
• To be honest and reliable.
• A smart appearance.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Betting shop cashiers usually earn in the range of National Minimum Wage upwards.

Full-time cashiers usually work a full-time week, normally starting around 9:30 - 10:00 am. Working hours normally include evening and weekend work, especially during the summer when race meetings finish later. Many bookmakers offer part-time and flexible working arrangements.

Opportunities for betting shop cashiers occur throughout the UK, where betting shops are found on most high streets. Employers are the major betting chains, but there are also smaller independent companies, which run either a single shop or a handful of branches.

What’s happening in this work area?

The gambling industry has grown and become more varied. Online gambling dominates the sector; however, betting shop premises remain in most towns and cities.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised:

• In local newspapers and on their websites
• On employers’ websites
• On job boards
• On the Government’s Find A Job service.

Entry routes and training

The minimum age of entry is 18 years (by law, only those over 18 can enter betting shops). Experience of shop work is useful.

Training is provided on-the-job by experienced staff. Larger companies are likely to offer structured training courses. Training courses cover company policy and customer relations, in addition to the practical skills associated with the job. You may be able to work towards a work-based qualification in customer service.

Progression is possible to assistant manager and manager positions in betting shops.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are needed for entry to this work. However, cashiers need to be able to do simple figure work. You may be asked to take an arithmetic test.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. You must be aged at least 18 to enter a betting shop.

Employers prefer applicants with relevant skills and abilities, gained, for example, in numerical work and/or office administration. A background in handling cash, customer service and/or retail sales is also an advantage.

Related careers

• Betting shop manager
• Checkout operator
• Croupier
• Customer service adviser (banking)
• Post office counter clerk