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What is a Sportsbook?

A sportsbook is a gambling establishment that accepts bets on sporting events and pays winners when they win. Whether it’s a moneyline bet on a favorite team or an over/under bet on total points scored, the goal of the sportsbook is to make as much profit as possible by collecting bets and then paying out winning wagers.

Betting lines are constantly moving for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a line will open that induces lopsided action on one side, which can create a liability for the sportsbook. Also, as new information becomes available (such as injury or lineup news), the sportsbook may adjust the betting line accordingly.

The most popular online sportsbooks feature a wide range of betting markets and offer competitive odds and welcome bonuses. They cover major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and NHL as well as a host of international sports from Aussie Rules to alpine skiing. The best sites also have a mobile app that makes placing bets easy and convenient, even on the go.

While many players are still catching up with the tricked-out, smartphone-powered sportsbook experience that has exploded in popularity since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA last year, a growing number of players are concerned about problem gambling and want to limit their exposure. As a result, sportsbooks are embracing responsible gambling tools that let users set self-imposed limits on how much they can deposit and wager in a day, week or month and restrict access to their betting apps after a certain amount of time.