A sportsbook is a gambling establishment that accepts wagers on various events and pays bettors who correctly predict the outcome. It offers odds that indicate how much a wager will win, which varies by event and method of betting. The best sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by state governments, and offer age verification, self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and other controls that ensure responsible gambling. Licensing is a lengthy process that requires significant investment, but provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your company meets legal standards.

Sportsbooks vary in size and scope. Some are large, multi-state operations with a network of retail outlets. Others are smaller, online-only businesses that specialize in a particular sport or event. Still others are one-person bookmaking outfits that accept wagers on races and other events. Many of these have branched out to take wagers on eSports and other pivotal world events, from royal baby names to election results.

As more states legalize sports betting, sportsbook operators are looking to improve their responsible gambling offerings. Some are beginning to tie those tools more closely to customer relationship management, adjusting the push notifications and marketing messages a bettor will see if they show early signs of problem play. Others, like FanDuel, are considering an intriguing approach: offering rewards to customers who set account limits. These could be in the form of free bet credits or merchandise. Regardless, this shift signals that sportsbooks are beginning to recognize that self-imposed limits may not be enough to deter problematic gambling.