Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners
SOC code 39-3012 · O*NET-SOC 39-3012.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$34,980
a year
Hourly
$16.82
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$36,450
$17.53 per hour
Middle 50%
$28,150 – $44,840
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$22,090 – $48,270
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
8,950
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $22,090
- $10.62/hr
- 25th percentile
- $28,150
- $13.54/hr
- Median percentile
- $34,980
- $16.82/hr
- 75th percentile
- $44,840
- $21.56/hr
- 90th percentile
- $48,270
- $23.21/hr
What do gambling and sports book writers and runners do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Pay off or move bets as established by game rules and procedures.
- Conduct gambling tables or games, such as dice, roulette, cards, or keno, and ensure that game rules are followed.
- Start gaming equipment that randomly selects numbered balls and announce winning numbers and colors.
- Check to ensure that all players have placed their bets before play begins.
- Answer questions about game rules or casino policies.
- Record the number of tickets cashed and the amount paid out after each race or event.
- Collect cards or tickets from players.
- Supervise staff and games and mediate disputes.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 87% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)87%
- Some College Courses7%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
- Post-Secondary Certificate2%
Common questions
How much does a gambling and sports book writers and runners earn?
The national median is $34,980 a year. The full range runs from $22,090 at the 10th percentile to $48,270 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a gambling and sports book writers and runners without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.5/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- Writing2.9/5
- Critical Thinking2.9/5
- Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Economics and Accounting2.7/5
- Computers and Electronics2.6/5
- Sales and Marketing2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation.