Exam 10: Organized Crime Goods and Services

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Bookmakers "book" bets on two types of events-horse and sometimes dog races and sporting events such as football, basketball, baseball, and boxing. In earlier days, "horse parlors" or "wire rooms" were often set up in the back of a legitimate business. Results coming in over the wire service were posted on a large chalkboard for waiting bettors. Today, most bets are placed by telephone directly or through a roving "handbook," "runner," or "sheetwriter" who transmits the bet to the bookmaker. To maintain security, some bookmakers change locations frequently, often monthly, or they may use cell phones. Many use a "call back" system. The bettor calls an answering service or answering machine and leaves his or her number. The bookmaker returns the call from a variety of locations, and the bet is placed. Bets are written down and may also be recorded by a machine attached to the phone. This helps avoid any discrepancies about what arrangements were actually made over the phone. The larger bookmakers employ clerks, runners, or sheetwriters. The clerks handle the telephone, record the bets, and figure out the daily finances. The runners call the clerks and are given the day's totals for the bets they booked. Based on this information, the clerks either collect or pay off. The runners receive a portion of the winnings, usually half, and they must also share in the losses. ​