Sports Betting Jobs: How To Get Into The Industry

As the sports betting industry continues to grow and take hold in the USA, visions of jumping into sports betting careers are undoubtedly increasing as well. It’s nice to dream about being a professional sports bettor, but it is nowhere as easy as it may sound.

For starters, there’s a steep learning curve involved to reach the upper echelon of sports bettors. Sure, there is such a thing as a new bettor knocking it out of the park and having a great run, but to make it as a pro requires an extended run of excellence.

There will be peaks and valleys along the way. Those who have established the bankroll to sustain through cold streaks may hang on and make it happen, while those who haven’t will not. It’s a harsh world out there, and it’s no different when it comes to trying to make it as a sports bettor.

However, don’t let that little reality check discourage you. There are still ways for people to make it in the world of sports betting. Legalization has been a huge boon for the industry as a whole, and that in turn has led to plenty of job growth.

What Does The Sports Betting Boom Mean For Jobs?

Back in 2017, Oxford Economics released a report on the impacts that legalized sports betting would have on the economy. Here’s one of the key takeaways, courtesy of a piece from the Foundation for Economic Education.

A 2017 Oxford University report found that the legalization of sports betting would contribute between $11.6 billion and $14.2 billion to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) annually, depending on which states legalize it and their specific tax rates. Additionally, a legal sports gambling system would create 125,000 to 152,000 jobs paying between $6 billion and $7.5 billion in total wages. That’s an average salary of roughly $48,000 for a typical worker in a new sports betting industry.

That’s a ton of money, not to mention a whole host of available sports betting jobs. While the report makes for a fine estimate, the amount of sports betting internships, careers, and jobs which will actually be created remains to be seen. However, the bottom line is this: legal sports betting has created and will continue to create lots of jobs.

What Kind of Sports Betting Jobs Are Out There?

One of the fascinating things about the sports betting industry is the overall reach that it has up and down the employment ecosystem. From opportunities with the various gaming giants that are expanding into new states all the way to customer-facing roles in retail sportsbooks themselves, there are plenty of jobs to be found for those with various skill sets.

On the operations side, even established gaming operators cannot just enter a new state and expect to establish a significant presence in short time without a key ingredient: people. As companies enter new locales, they look to fill roles just like any other organization. This can include jobs in accounting or human resources, sales and marketing, as well as all points in between.

If you miss the initial hiring push, don’t sweat it too much. Once a company gains a foothold, there will be growth and turnover just like with any other organization. Jobs can open up regularly, so keep your eyes open and be ready pounce when the right opportunity presents itself.

In the legalized states, retail sportsbooks continue to pop up. They need people to work there, too. Sports betting jobs can range from ticket writers to ancillary food and beverage opportunities, not to mention security and support roles.

For the web-based operators, opportunities often spring up in the fields of technology and customer service. It takes a lot to keep mobile sportsbooks going without a hitch, so those with the skills to keep it running will be in demand for quite some time to come.

On the customer service side, companies that kill it on this front will thrive, while those that do not may see slow or declining growth. Companies will often look for new team members to meet the demand, as well as to find the perfect fits for the role.

If you prefer to not be that close to the action, there are still opportunities to be found, especially if you’re the creative type. Legalized sports betting has directly led to an increase in the amount of content directed at sports bettors, whether it be via audio, video, or the written word.

How Do You Make It In The Industry?

As you can see, there are plenty of different ways to work in the sports betting industry. That’s great, but exactly how does one get a foot in the door and start a career in sports betting? Vinny Magiulo of VSiN writes a regular column for the New York Post in which he answers reader questions.

That very topic was part of one of his recent articles. Here’s what he had to say:

“Like all endeavors, experience helps but is not necessary. In fact, some of my best employees over the years had no sportsbook (or horse racing) experience prior to working with me.

“I’m a firm believer in honesty, courtesy, respect, a positive attitude and common sense. If possible, apply for a job as a ticket writer; it’s the best entry-level position to break into the business. I’m not suggesting leaving your current job, but perhaps you can get started in a part-time capacity.”

Magiulo would go on to explain that familiarity with the industry and sports is a huge plus, and he would also offer up this key piece of advice.

“Just as important, there are things not to do: Don’t think because you know about sports and betting that you know it all. While the basic knowledge helps, always be prepared to learn something. After more than 40 years in this business, I pick up something every day!”

That last bit is the key no matter what type of sports betting job you’d like to land. Even if your state has been resistant to legalization, there is an endless amount of learning material online at the touch of your fingertips that you can consume absolutely free of charge in the meantime to get ahead of the curve.

Simply hanging around sports betting discussion forums, following industry news websites and engaging with like-minded people on social media will all help you be prepared to talk shop when the day comes that you find yourself seated across the interview table chatting with your future employer.

There are also some very revealing books that offer insight not only into how sports bettors think, but also about how sportsbooks themselves think. Being informed will not only make you a better candidate, but the process of learning more about the industry just might expose you to new career paths you hadn’t previously considered.

How To Get A Job In Sports Betting

If you’re interested in entering the sports betting industry, there are opportunities to currently be found, and there will be even more to come as additional states climb on board.

For anyone wondering how to get a job in sports betting, getting started in the industry is similar to entering any new field. Keep an eye on the job boards and look for openings and be sure to check out the various company websites. Many will list opportunities right there on site and allow you to apply without delay.

For the operators that don’t publish job openings online, don’t be shy about reaching out directly via email or the contact function on the website. In a worst-case scenario, your inquiry simply won’t be replied to, but there’s always the possibility that reaching out directly can open a door you didn’t even know was there.

As with any other job search, it can be challenging and time-consuming, but that all becomes worth it in the end when you reach the goal which you have set for yourself. Whether you’re just getting started or are already on the hunt, the two best things you can do from here on out are to stay on the grind and continue learning everything you can about every aspect of the industry.