NUMBERS RUNNER Meaning and
Definition
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A "numbers runner" is a term primarily used in the context of illegal gambling operations, particularly in underground or organized criminal activities. It refers to an individual who is responsible for the collection and management of bets or wagers placed on a numbers game. This illicit gambling practice involves participants selecting a series of numbers, typically between 0 and 99, in the hopes of their chosen combination matching the numbers drawn by a designated source, such as a daily lottery draw.
In this context, the numbers runner serves as a highly vital intermediary between the bettors and the organizers of the illegal gambling operation. They act as the field agent, going door-to-door or personally interacting with the bettors to collect their wagers and providing receipts as evidence of their participation. Furthermore, numbers runners often distribute any winnings to the lucky participants.
The term "numbers runner" can also be used more broadly to describe individuals who are involved in any type of numbers-based gambling activity, legal or illegal. This could include those in charge of bookmaking or managing betting pools. Although the term largely denotes someone who facilitates illegal gambling, in some jurisdictions where certain forms of numbers games are legal, it may be used to describe individuals involved in state-regulated lotteries or similar legalized gambling activities as well.
Common Misspellings for NUMBERS RUNNER
- bumbers runner
- mumbers runner
- jumbers runner
- humbers runner
- nymbers runner
- nhmbers runner
- njmbers runner
- nimbers runner
- n8mbers runner
- n7mbers runner
- nunbers runner
- nukbers runner
- nujbers runner
- numvers runner
- numners runner
- numhers runner
- numgers runner
- numbwrs runner
- numbsrs runner
- numbdrs runner
Etymology of NUMBERS RUNNER
The term "numbers runner" has its origins in the illegal gambling activities that emerged during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. This phrase is closely associated with the practice of playing an illegal lottery game, also known as "the numbers" or "the daily number".The word "numbers" itself refers to the numerical combinations that players would bet on in this illegal lottery. The game involved selecting a three-digit number, often associated with a particular horse race or other events, and placing bets on it. Players would then wait for the results of the race or event to determine the winning number.The term "runner" pertains to the individuals who were responsible for collecting the bets and delivering the winnings to the participants. These runners would transport the bets and the money involved between the gambling dens and the organized crime syndicates that operated them. They acted as intermediaries, ensuring the smooth operation of the illegal gambling operations.
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