Betting shop manager

Betting shop managers have overall responsibility for the profits, security and efficient running of a betting shop. The work involves staff recruitment and supervision.

Also known as:

• Bookmaker
• Turf accountant

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. Managers supervise staff, organise work schedules and recruit and train new staff. The bookmaker determines the betting odds for most events in advance. At a betting shop which is part of a chain, these are worked out by a central office. Managers usually spend time working alongside cashiers, in which case they take bets and money from customers and give them betting slips (which act as a receipt for a winning bet). They pay customers’ winnings if their bet has been successful. Managers need to motivate their team, to maximise shop profits. They must also handle any customer complaints and make sure that the shop operates within regulations laid down by law.

It is the manager’s responsibility to encourage people to use their shop. They do this by making customers feel welcome and discussing betting opportunities with them. Any gaming machines in the betting shop are also the manager’s responsibility. They make sure they are in working order and sort out any problems that occur, by calling in an engineer, for example. The manager must make sure that the shop is run efficiently and is kept secure.

Personal qualities and skills

As a betting shop manager, you need to be:

• Numerate and capable of working quickly and accurately.
• Friendly with customers.
• Skilled at managing the staff under your supervision.
• Good at selling.
• Honest and reliable.
• Smartly presented.
• Tactful when dealing with genuine complaints and awkward customers.

An interest in sport is preferable, but not essential.

Pay and opportunities

Betting shop managers earn in the range of £18,000, rising to £30,000 for more senior positions. Some of your salary may be based on your sales figures.

Most betting shops are open seven days a week from around 10am until 10pm so working hours usually include evening and weekend work, especially during the summer when race meetings finish later.

Where could I work?

Opportunities for betting shop managers occur in towns and cities throughout the UK, where betting shops are found on most high streets. Most jobs are with the major betting chains, but there are also smaller independent companies, which run either a single shop or a handful of branches.

Self-employment It is possible to start your own licensed betting business. Some managers become bookmakers, working from horse or greyhound racing tracks.

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/national newspapers and on their web sites.
• On job boards.
• On employers’ websites.
• On the Government’s Find A Job service.

Entry routes and training

The minimum age of entry is 18 (by law, only those over 18 can enter betting shops). New entrants either join management trainee schemes or are promoted from the position of deputy/assistant manager after experience as a cashier. Previous retail management experience can be an advantage.

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship as a customer service practitioner, with a betting firm, is a great place to start.

Management training is usually done on-the-job, with some time spent at training centres (if with a larger employer). Induction training covers company policy, legal requirements, administrative systems and bet calculation. Graduate training schemes are available with some employers.

With further experience, it’s possible to progress to a higher management position, such as area or regional manager.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Working as a betting shop manager where a licence from the Gaming Board is required, is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

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

A background in customer service or retail work, plus an interest in sports, is an advantage.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Business) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Related careers

• Bank manager
• Betting shop cashier
• Croupier
• Manager
• Store manager