A sportsbook is a gambling establishment that accepts bets on a variety of different sports events. They also offer a wide range of betting options, including prop bets and futures wagers. To make a bet, simply click on the odds and fill out your bet slip. Most sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses for new customers, which can be worth a lot of money.

Sportsbooks make their money by taking a small cut of each bet placed on their lines. They calculate this amount, called vig, by adding up all the bets placed and then dividing that number by the total number of bets paid out. For example, if a bet is -110 and the sportsbook takes in $1 million in bets, then they will pay out $954,545 (the winning bet plus the profit).

The vast majority of wagers at sportsbooks are placed on football games. The NFL season runs from September through January, and every major sportsbook offers a huge selection of markets for each game. They also feature a wide array of player and team props and parlay bets.

Before a sportsbook can begin accepting bets, it must be licensed by the state in which it operates. This process can take up to 18 months and requires a significant investment, but it ensures that the sportsbook meets all legal requirements for responsible gambling. These include age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and other controls to prevent problem gambling. Some states also require that sportsbooks provide access to help services for their customers.