Sportsbooks are places where people can place bets on a variety of sports events. They can bet on which team will win a game, how many points or goals will be scored, and more. In the US, sports betting was legalized in 2018 and there are now hundreds of sportsbooks available online. However, setting up a sportsbook requires significant time and money and there are a number of things to keep in mind before launching one.

In addition to licensing and payment methods, sportsbook operators must comply with responsible gambling measures. These are often mandated by state regulators and include features like time counters, daily limits, and warnings. They also need to implement tools to help prevent problem gambling, such as betting limits, self-exclusion and more. This is a crucial step, as it helps to reduce the risk of addiction and minimize problems.

Odds compiling is a big part of running a sportsbook, as it involves balancing stakes and liability to determine payouts for winning bets. In order to make this process efficient, sportsbooks need to have a strong infrastructure that can deliver accurate odds in real-time. This is essential for attracting customers and building brand loyalty.

Another important aspect of sportsbooks is a wide range of markets for each event. For example, a reputable British sportsbook may display more than 200 different markets for an English Premier League fixture. This includes low-risk bets, such as the 3-way match winner after 90 minutes, but also handicaps and totals, which are more speculative. The sportsbook that offers the best odds will attract more wagers and drive revenue.