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

In 2023, a study commissioned by the NCAA found that 67% of college students living on campus had engaged in sports betting, 41% had bet on their school’s teams and 35% had used a student bookmaker. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Apr. 2026

The team is not mathematically safe from relegation, but a 39-point tally and an eight-point gap to 18th saw bookmakers’ odds on their chances significantly lengthen after last weekend. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Bowie Kuhn, who served as commissioner from 1969 to 1984, suspended All-Star pitcher Denny McLain in 1970 for his involvement with bookmakers. —Michael Delayo, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026

Later, Native American reservations and offshore bookmakers got in on the action. —Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 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