A bookmaker is a person or organization that accepts bets on sporting events, races, or other events. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bookmaker, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
A bookmaker is defined as a person or organization that takes bets on the outcome of a sporting event, race, or other event. The bookmaker sets the odds and determines the payout for each bet. They then collect the bets and pay out the winnings to the winners.
Origin
The term bookmaker originated in the 18th century in England. At that time, people would place bets on horse races by writing their bets in a book. The person who took the bets became known as the bookmaker.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, a bookmaker is defined as “a person who accepts and pays out bets, especially on horse races and other sporting events.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a bookmaker as “a person who determines odds and accepts and pays off bets, especially on horse races.”
Associations
Bookmakers are often associated with gambling and betting. They are also associated with sports and horse racing, as these are the most common events on which people place bets.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bookmaker include bookie, bookmaker’s clerk, and turf accountant.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bookmaker, as it is a specific term. However, the opposite of a bookmaker would be someone who does not accept bets or make odds.
The same root words
The root word for bookmaker is “book.” This refers to the book that was used to record bets in the early days of horse racing.
Example Sentences
- The bookmaker set the odds for the upcoming football game.
- The bookie collected bets on the horse race and paid out the winnings.
- The turf accountant was a well-known bookmaker in the racing community.