A bookmaker, or bookie, in the gambling industry refers to the person or organisation that decides on odds for bet making events, accepts bets, and pays out bets that win. The name originally came from the fact that bookmakers would keep track of the information in a book, or set of books, and would refer to these often to keep track of a gambler’s credits or debts.
Bookies of old were also often regarded as unscrupulous or unfair, sometimes using debt owed to them to garner favours, or otherwise take advantage of people. In modern times, however, unscrupulous bookies would likely not stay in business very long, considering how well regulated gambling has become. It is not unheard of, however, that shady modern bookies will accept bets from gamblers who have been blacklisted. Or, more specifically, gamblers that are already known to not have enough money to make bets, and have been refused betting privileges. This, however, falls under the heading o unregulated gambling, and is illegal.
Online Bookies
In many parts of the world online gambling has only just recently become legal. This has led to a huge number of online gambling websites springing up across the world. Online betting websites are generally an all in one facility, meaning that a user may browse offered betting events, see odds, compare odds, and place an official bet, all without ever having to leave the one single website.
The convenience of the situation cannot be understated, especially considering that online book making website basically have a one hundred percent record of being reliable. That is not to say that real world bookies are less reliable, only that unregulated bet making is virtually impossible in the online world. Likewise, online bookies are known to payout quickly and efficiently, directly into an online account.
Real World Versus Online Bookie
So what, if any, are the advantages of an online bookie versus a real world bookie? It first must be mentioned that online bet making is a very impersonal experience. Looking at pages of odds on a computer screen, and placing a bet with a bookie who you have never met, and probably will never meet, is about as mechanical an experience as is possible. A digital bookie does not know you as a person, and certainly does not care if you win or lose.
A real world book maker, one that perhaps a person has built a relationship over time, may be more likely to offer advice, bend or change odds based on a discussion, and help wherever is possible. There is no guarantee of this, however, but it merely illustrates that a computer screen is never a substitute for a real person. On the other hand, if a real world bookie is insisting on odds that are generally disagreed with, comparing odds may involve climbing into a car and driving across town. There are clearly advantages and disadvantages to both situations, it simply comes down to what an individual prefers. Many insist that a real world bookie is the only true, social bet making experience, while others are happy placing a bet on their phone in less the a minute.