Where to Find Local Bookies: The Top Spots
Local bookies are often presented through referrals, however, there are other common locales where one can find their neighborhood bookie. Some are obvious, some are not. In this article we present a few top locations where bookies and agents are almost certain to be lurking, especially when big games are being played. This particular article places a special emphasis on the great state of Colorado.
The Sports Bar – There is a common notion surrounding the idea that many a sports bar owner is often a bookie and/or sports bettor.
Case in point, Gambling911.com recently profiled Denver area bookies and found that some of the sports bar owners found themselves caught up in one of Colorado’s biggest sports betting ring busts just a decade ago. Sports Column managers were among those listed as clients of that ring.
But in addition to the owners and management, sports bars seem like a logical place where you will find local bookies hanging out. Just ask the bartender. Chances are he or she will know the regular bookmaker and hook you up.
Unlike in years prior to 2018, before Colorado began regulating sports betting, a significant number of those patronizing sports bars will be bettors. A percentage of these folks will likely have had their limits cut at the regulated sportsbooks.
These establishments were ranked among the top sports bars in 2024: RiNo Beer Garden, Highland Tavern, Occidental and Whiskey Tango Fox Trot.
Pool Halls - Full of hustlers making bets. This is just another common place where one might find a town bookie.
Casino Poker Rooms – Another logical place to find bookies. Everyone at the poker table is a gambler and there are plenty of synergies between playing poker and betting sports.
Horse Tracks and OTB – Again, everyone you will find in here will be gambling and odds are good someone will have dealings with their own local bookie or you might even run across the man yourself.
Colorado currently has one live horse racetrack facility, Bally's Arapahoe Park in Aurora.
Other states have multiple OTBs and race tracks. Our personal favorite here in South Florida is Gulf Stream as it also serves as a full recreational location full of restaurants and shops.
Barber Shop – It’s easy to strike up conversations in a barber shop and often times your barber might use a bookie that he can refer you to. There have been instances where barber shops actually double as betting facilities.
Church – May sound crazy but chances are someone in the congregation uses a local bookie. Church is a great place to strike up a conversation. Most of the folks will be dressed in their Sunday best (and we are not talking their team jerseys). The irony is that the guy rushing out immediately following the service is most likely the one racing to get home to watch the NFL. Follow him out to the parking lot.
With sports betting now fully legal in Colorado, it's not unusual to see parishioners placing bets via their smartphones during communion.
The Work Place – When March Madness roles around chances are good you’ll uncover the workplace bookie or person who uses him. He’s the one who’s always on the phone and talking real low in a semi-hidden location.
The Gym – Another logical place and easy to strike up a conversation.
On the Slopes – People who ski are avid sports fans in general. Strike up a conversation on the lifts and in the lodges. We were recently skiing in California and lots of folks in the lodge were talking about betting sports. Give it a try.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
