Working in a Bookies?

Anonstudent123

So basically I've been contacted after applying to a student summer job at a local bookies and I've been told they want to give me a trial. Another person is doing a trial also. I really need this job but I'm so worried as I haven't a clue about anything sports related and even less about gambling. Is this honestly something I could pick up with the right attitude or is it as difficult as people say it is? If anyone has any advice or could run me through the basics of the job that would be great. As I said I really need to get this so any good advice would be great. Thank you!

Scriptiee

Worked in Paddy Power for a while, started when they were still using the paper and ledger approach and before computers. All you really need is a basic math and a decent attention to details, a great customer facing skill is essential as talking to customers is what you will do most of the time anyway.

It's not harder than any other job, especially since they will not put you on some advanced tasks in the beginning. All you will mostly do is take the betting slips from people, and dependent on the system they are running, you will scan them or enter them into computer manually, or both.
Attention to detail here is required as you need to make sure that the odds and the bet are the same as the advertised on the board.

To be perfectly honest with you, working int he bookies was one of the nicest jobs I did over the years. Great attitude, big smile and decent small talk skills help in the long run, especially when you get to know all the regulars.

This is my experience and with certain shops in Paddy Power, might not reflect what other people were experiencing.

Anonstudent123

Thanks for your reply. Very helpful and much appreciated!