Qualifications
Would you believe there are actual gaming schools where people go to learn about dealing, odds making, gambling theory, and the like? Incredibly, there are. Even more incredibly, the bookmaker is not expected to attend.
That's right―unlike many other card-and-slot-related professions, most gaming establishments don't need their bookies to do the classroom setting nonsense to earn a job. They'll teach you the basics in-house over the course of a month or so, then let you loose out into the world of overpriced cocktails and wandering magicians.
What they are looking for are qualities you're not going to learn in any fancy school. The successful bookie must possess some important skillsets, though, like communication, math, and organizational abilities, along with lots of patience.
You'll also need to be able to get licensed in your state as a bookie, so an ID, a clean record, and a drug-free lifestyle will be necessary. For some reason, states don't want criminals involved in the gambling industry.