People whose business is taking bets on sporting events or other outcomes; also, people who manufacture or produce books.
Compound of 'book' and 'makers' (from Old English 'macian', to make). The term is homographic—it has two completely different meanings in different contexts, a quirk of English etymology.
This word is a perfect example of how homographs create confusion: the book industry uses it for publishers, while the gambling world uses it for people managing betting odds. Same word, totally different worlds.
Bookmaking as a profession historically excluded women through formal gatekeeping in gambling and betting industries. The male-default plural obscures female bookmakers' contributions to finance and wagering markets.
Use 'bookmakers' generically when gender-neutral; specify 'female/male bookmakers' when identity is relevant or historically notable.
["bookmaking professionals","betting professionals"]
Women bookmakers have operated since the 19th century despite formal exclusion; early female independent wagering operators deserve historical recognition.
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