bookmaker

noun

book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər 

1

: a printer, binder, or designer of books

2

: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets

bookmaking

ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kiŋ 

noun

Examples of bookmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Midnite, the online bookmaker, sponsors Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while West Ham United, relegated from the Premier League in May, have been able to retain Boylesports as their leading partner. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

For bookmakers, Premier League sponsorship offered access to millions of potential customers who could directly use their products. — Tom Chitty, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

However, Pirlo’s candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet, prompting objections from Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officials and from Italian lawmakers. — Reuters, NBC news, 27 July 2026

Another interview by Thompson is with bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who explains on tape that his relationship with Mizuhara began during a hotel poker game with Angels players. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bookmaker

noun

book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər 

: a person who receives and pays off bets

Legal Definition

bookmaker

noun

book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər 

: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets

called also bookie