If you are interested or just starting to be a bookie agent then one of your biggest challenges is going to be how to get clients to bet with you.
First and foremost you will need to get set up with a pay per head provider that way you can offer your potential customers a professional website such as AcePerHead.com that has tons of betting options to choose from each day.
Once you get set up with a pay per head provider then you will not have to worry about the technical aspect of sports betting such as how to make lines, wager limits, and grading because that is what you will end up paying the PPH service to do. This means that you will have plenty of free time to start growing your bookie business.
The Best Way of Getting Clients is Word of Mouth
Start by reaching out to your friends, family members, co-workers, ex-classmates, and any of your acquaintances from your social media networking platforms. These are the best and safest ways to acquire customers because you know the people.
It is important to know the people because most bookies give their clients a credit account which means that the player does not have to post up the money first, but instead plays with a preset credit balance that you decide on. So if you give one of your buddies a 1k credit limit for the week it just means that he will have 1k in available credit to bet with throughout the week. If he loses the full 1k by the end of the week then you and that player would set a way that would be agreed upon between you and him to settle and pay the 1k that the player lost.
It is important to make sure that whoever you do get as a client you do not give them too big of a credit limit because they will have to be able to afford to pay what they lose. There is no sense in giving a guy a 1k credit limit per week if he is a person that only makes $250 a week. People that you have total trust in and know have sufficient funds to their name can be given higher credit limits. Or if you do not trust the person you can even just make him give you the money upfront that he wants to use to bet with and then he can just bet anytime he gives you money upfront.
How to Build Your Player Base the Right Way
Look, starting as a bookie isn’t about flashy marketing or social media gimmicks. It’s about building real relationships and earning trust. Here’s how the pros actually do it:
Start With Your Inner Circle (But Be Smart About It)
Your first 10 players will probably be:
Your fantasy football league buddies
That coworker who’s always talking spreads
Your cousin who bets on every fight
Key move: Don’t come on too strong. Next time the game’s on, casually mention: “Yeah, I run a little book if you ever want better odds than those offshore sites.” Hand them your number – not some sketchy link.
Become the Local Betting Guru
The best bookies I know:
Know sports inside out – can talk X’s and O’s, not just point spreads
Pay faster than DraftKings – no “I’ll get you tomorrow” nonsense
Keep their word – if you promise 10% bonus, deliver 10%
Pro tip: Carry cash. When you pay a winner at the bar after the game, three guys will ask for your number.
The Power of Small Perks
You don’t need crazy bonuses, just smart ones:
“First bet insurance” – Lose your first wager? Get $50 credit
“Game of the Week” special – Better odds on the prime-time game
“Bring a friend” deal – Both get $25 when new player makes first bet
Why this works: It shows you’re not some faceless app – you actually care about your players.
Old-School Networking That Still Works
Forget social media. Try:
Sports bars (but don’t be that guy handing out cards)
Golf courses (join a weekend foursome)
Gyms (especially during football season)
Golden rule: Never recruit at your kid’s soccer game or church. Some lines you don’t cross.
When You Get a New Player…
Start them small – $50-100 limits until you know they’re good for it
Answer your damn phone – especially on Sundays
Remember birthdays – a $25 free bet goes a long way
The AcePerHead Advantage
With our system:
You get text alerts when players deposit
Can set custom bonuses in 2 clicks
24/7 support when you need backup
Bottom line: This business runs on trust. Be the bookie you’d want to bet with, and the players will come.
“Started with 8 guys from my bowling league. Two years later I’ve got 137 active players. Not bad for a plumber from Jersey.” – Mike D., AcePerHead bookie since 2019.