You finally took your first steps to becoming a professional bookmaker. You've gone through the process of setting up your sports betting business through pay per head solutions, you've set up a company web site, designed business cards and had them printed. But there's something missing: your first set of clients.

So, how do you get your first bettors? Follow these tips and you should have your first set of eager bettors in no time.

Know the competition, if there's any

You can't be a competitive bookie if you don't know anything about your competition. Find out how long other bookies in your area have been in business, if there are other bookies at all, what exact services they offer, who some of their past and present clients are and what they charge. If you can't find it yourself, call them and ask! You don't have to advertise the fact that you're a potential competitor to them.

Start a Database of Potential Bettors

While you're researching your competitors and taking note of who their past and present clients are, write down their names and contact information. Make a list of sports bars nearby and other places where sports enthusiasts meet. You're going to need this list later.

Market your Web Site

Your pay per head provider may already have created a website for your company (and if you don't you should get in contact with a pay per head provider right away), but it doesn't stop there. You must tell other people your site exists, include it in social networks, and update it constantly.

Advertise in Forums and Newsgroups

Announce your company's opening or promote your services in sports-related forums and newsgroups. Just be careful to read forum rules about advertising before you do. You can always include your company name and bookie website link in your signature.

Tell People You Know

Sometimes your best bet for your first couple of bettors is to go to friends, family members and acquaintances. They already know you and trust you, which is vital for any bookie-bettor relationship. They can also know other people that may be interested and from there your business will start to grow.

If you want to become a professional bookmaker, start with setting up your tools and when all is ready, start to build a list of clients with the above tips. You should be on your way to having your own sports betting business!