A sportsbook is a place where people can make wagers on various sporting events. It is usually operated legally through a bookmaker or a gambling establishment, although some are online and operate over the Internet from jurisdictions other than the clients they serve in order to get around various gambling laws (such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 in the United States).
Sportsbooks balance bettors on both sides of a game by pricing point-spread odds so that they are close to the true expected probability of a game occurring. They then charge a 10% commission called the vig to cover their costs.
Betting on sports is a popular pastime in the US, and since legal betting started in May 2018, more than $13.7 billion has been wagered. The influx of money has made sportsbooks impossible to ignore, even among fans who are not placing bets themselves.
There are a number of different types of bets that can be placed at a sportsbook, including moneyline bets, parlays, and futures. While most bets are based on the results of specific games, some are based on long-term events, such as which team will win the Super Bowl. Futures bets can be placed any time of year, but payouts are usually reduced as the season progresses.
BetRivers offers a full menu of sports and betting options, and it has competitive odds and promotions. It also has a smooth, user-friendly app and solid customer service. It is available in six US states.
