A sportsbook is a place where you can make wagers on various sporting events. It’s important to note that not all sportsbooks are licensed, so it’s best to do your research before placing a bet. This includes reading independent/nonpartisan reviews and looking for a sportsbook that treats its customers fairly and expeditiously pays out winning bets upon request.

Another thing to look for in a sportsbook is its odds. This is because the odds are different between sportsbooks, and can have a big impact on your bankroll. For example, a Chicago Cubs game may be -180 at one sportsbook, and -190 at another. That difference might not break your bankroll, but over the long run, it can add up.

Most online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of betting markets, including straight bets and spread bets. Straight bets are simple bets that predict a team will win a particular game. For example, if you think the Toronto Raptors will beat the Boston Celtics, you can make a straight bet on them. Spread bets, on the other hand, are based on margins of victory. They involve betting over (Over) or under (Under) a certain number of runs/goals/points.

While sports betting is legal in more than 20 US states, there are still unlicensed and illegal sportsbooks that prey on unsuspecting American bettors. These bookies take advantage of lax or nonexistent state laws to operate offshore and solicit unsuspecting Americans through online advertisements.