Gambling and Sports Book Writer and Runner Salary
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners earn a median $34,980 a year nationally. Personal Care and Service Occupations
What gambling and sports book writers and runners do
Post information enabling patrons to wager on various races and sporting events. Assist in the operation of games such as keno and bingo. May operate random number-generating equipment and announce the numbers for patrons. Receive, verify, and record patrons’ wagers. Scan and process winning tickets presented by patrons and pay out winnings for those wagers.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +1.8% (slower than average)
- Openings per year
- 1,400
- Self-employed
- 5%
Employment of gambling and sports book writers and runners is projected to grow 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Gambling and Sports Book Writer and Runner take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$2,018
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,169
- Medicare (1.45%)$507
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$30,286
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,090 | $10.62 | $19,801 |
| 25th percentile | $28,150 | $13.53 | $24,792 |
| Median (50th) | $34,980 | $16.82 | $30,286 |
| 75th percentile | $44,840 | $21.56 | $38,209 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,270 | $23.21 | $40,965 |
Gambling and Sports Book Writer and Runner salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $54,740 | +3.0% | $43,805 | $37,350 – $97,670 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $48,260 | +21.3% | $39,838 | $35,090 – $57,880 | 90 |
| Massachusetts | $47,720 | +4.4% | $38,357 | $38,860 – $49,340 | — |
| Wisconsin | $47,250 | +5.4% | $38,847 | $33,340 – $51,140 | 80 |
| California | $44,860 | +26.6% | $36,858 | $36,110 – $50,970 | 1,480 |
| Washington | $42,180 | +5.5% | $36,072 | $37,210 – $56,760 | 220 |
| Ohio | $38,460 | +37.1% | $32,807 | $29,750 – $73,180 | 360 |
| Kentucky | $37,910 | +4.7% | $31,431 | $24,370 – $52,240 | 60 |
| Michigan | $37,720 | +3.9% | $31,136 | $30,800 – $41,240 | — |
| Nevada | $37,500 | +23.0% | $32,311 | $27,100 – $46,090 | 1,440 |
| Iowa | $37,440 | +4.2% | $31,492 | $24,090 – $46,820 | 100 |
| Arizona | $35,640 | — | $30,134 | $31,280 – $37,000 | 260 |
| Minnesota | $35,370 | +2.7% | $29,526 | $28,920 – $51,410 | 350 |
| Maryland | $35,230 | +4.8% | $29,178 | $31,200 – $36,720 | — |
| Illinois | $34,610 | +3.1% | $28,421 | $31,460 – $51,080 | 130 |
| Colorado | $34,450 | +4.8% | $29,053 | $31,010 – $38,110 | — |
| Connecticut | $34,420 | +5.5% | $29,213 | $34,010 – $40,210 | 70 |
| Florida | $34,160 | +31.7% | $29,628 | $27,040 – $58,520 | — |
| South Carolina | $33,650 | +5.0% | $28,356 | $28,890 – $39,100 | 130 |
| Indiana | $32,730 | −7.9% | $27,543 | $26,740 – $43,540 | 90 |
| Kansas | $31,550 | — | $26,554 | $22,840 – $48,820 | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,690 | +10.4% | $25,897 | $25,630 – $43,830 | 90 |
| Texas | $30,660 | +6.9% | $26,815 | $22,340 – $57,720 | 440 |
| North Dakota | $30,640 | +17.0% | $26,799 | $23,280 – $41,590 | 110 |
| South Dakota | $30,620 | +5.0% | $26,783 | $29,010 – $36,710 | 80 |
| Nebraska | $29,670 | +16.0% | $25,508 | $28,080 – $36,300 | 360 |
| Mississippi | $28,340 | +2.9% | $24,546 | $18,050 – $36,300 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $26,620 | +5.6% | $23,119 | $15,380 – $30,950 | 180 |
| Montana | $22,030 | −0.9% | $19,473 | $21,940 – $23,620 | 1,050 |
| West Virginia | $19,740 | −33.6% | $17,415 | $19,290 – $31,690 | 180 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling Dealer | $34,320 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.4% |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $36,310 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.2% |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $36,300 | High school diploma or equivalent | +6.4% |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,910 | No formal educational credential | +0.9% |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $32,640 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendant | $32,150 | No formal educational credential | +3.7% |
| Motion Picture Projectionist | $38,270 | No formal educational credential | -6.2% |
| Costume Attendant | $50,400 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.9% |
| Childcare Worker | $34,980 | High school diploma or equivalent | -2.0% |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,360 | High school diploma or equivalent | +12.1% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gambling and sports book writer and runner make?
The national median salary for gambling and sports book writers and runners is $34,980 a year ($16.82 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $22,090 and the top 10% earn over $48,270. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays gambling and sports book writers and runners the most?
New York has the highest median pay at $54,740.
How many gambling and sports book writers and runners are there in the U.S.?
About 8,950 people work as gambling and sports book writers and runners nationwide.