[f. BET v. + -ER1. As in other cases where a general agent-noun becomes somewhat specific, the tendency is to spell with -or; cf. abettor.] One who makes bets.
1609. B. Jonson, Sil. Wom., I. i. (1616), 531. Able to giue ’hem the character of every bowler, or better [ed. 1640 bettor] o’ the greene.
1628. Earle, Microcosm., xlvii. 102. The betters are the factious noise of the alley, or the gamesters beadsmen that pray for them.
1711. Addison, Spect., 126, ¶ 2. Notwithstanding he was a very fair Bettor, no Body would take him up.
1859. Sala, Tw. round Clock (1861), 182. Like the honourable betters inside, and the thievish touts outside.
1878. H. Smart, Play or Pay, xi. 234. Some of the big bettors of the Turf have awoke to the fact that this is, in their vernacular, ‘a great gamble.’
