20 FOR 20
In celebration of BettingJobs official 20th anniversary, we spoke with founder David Copeland exclusively for a one-to-one interview. The story behind BettingJobs’ is shared, along with an insight into David’s life as a successful business owner, plus some fun facts about himself in a round of ’20 questions for 20 years’.
David shared the inspiring story behind BettingJobs before we got started on the quickfire questions.
How was BettingJobs founded?
I worked in recruitment for around 4 years; however, I always had the idea in the back of my head that I would like to have my own business at some point, but I wasn’t certain on what that would be. I was always into sports and gambling, so I began looking at the traditional gambling industry in terms of how they would recruit. The only thing they really had then was a newspaper called the Racing Post which was published on a Wednesday and a Saturday. The paper had a bunch of job ads, and I wondered why an online website never existed. So, I started looking into betting shows and I went down to a conference in Birmingham and spoke to a few people when it became apparent there was no jobsboard at the time. This was my lightbulb moment, and I realised it was the perfect opportunity to start my own business. I then got some money together, which I spent on building a website and advertising for the first week, and that was me up and running. I left the job I was in, started working in the spare bedroom in my flat at the time, and the rest is history.
1. What was your first job?
My first job was selling football programmes.
2. Most memorable client?
The very first client I worked with in 2003.
3. Poker or blackjack?
Blackjack.
4. Working from home or in the office?
In the office.
5. Best abroad work trip?
Las Vegas.
6. Golf or football?
Football.
7. Favourite work memory?
The collection of laughs we have had over the years.
8. Morning or evening person?
I used to be evening person, but now I am a morning person.
9. Top thing on your bucket list?
To one day go to an industry conference with a decent Vegan menu…
10. What is your favourite part of your job?
Having worked with thousands of people over the years, my favourite part of the job is listening to everyone’s life stories.
11. Do you prefer in person or virtual meetings?
I think you get more value out of an in-person meeting, but sometimes I do prefer virtual.
12. Describe yourself in 3 words?
Honest, approachable, & generous.
13. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere as long as it’s with the right people.
14. Greatest iGaming conference you’ve ever been to?
My first conference in Birmingham 2003. Without that one, BettingJobs wouldn’t be here.
15. Do you prefer summer or winter?
Summer.
16. Name one thing your colleagues might not know about you?
I am the king of the carnival, world class player of the games.
17. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Alive by Pearl Jam.
18. What is one piece of advice you would give your 20-year-old self?
Don’t be impatient If you believe in something, be clear in your pursuit to do it properly. If you truly have a good idea, then really go for it.
19. If you could instantly become a pro at something, what would it be?
Singing.
20. What has been the biggest achievement since founding BettingJobs in 2003?
All the achievements of the various people that have worked at BettingJobs. Watching them do well enough that they can buy their property has been the best.
We would like to express our gratitude to David for taking the time to participate in this interview. During this commemorative article, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed learning more about BettingJobs history over the past 20 years and getting to know David.
