Numbers runners are individuals who collect bets for illegal gambling activities. They go by many synonyms depending on the region, culture, and language. In the United States, numbers runners are commonly referred to as "bookies" or "bookmakers." In Spanish-speaking countries, they are called "boliteros." In African American slang, they are known as "policy kings" or "numbers kings." "Racketeers" and "gamblers" are also synonyms used to refer to numbers runners. In British English, "turf accountant" is a common term for someone who takes bets on horse races. Regardless of their name, numbers runners operate outside the law and are involved in criminal activities that harm communities.