A sportsbook is a business that accepts bets on sporting events. Historically, bets are placed on individual teams or players to win a game. Legal sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by state authorities and are available online, in brick-and-mortar casinos, racetracks and retail locations such as gas station convenience stores. The popularity of sports betting has exploded since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, allowing states to license and regulate sports wagering. Many of the top online sportsbooks offer generous welcome bonuses, competitive odds and a variety of daily promotions.

The registration process for new bettors at top sportsbooks varies slightly by operator, but most sites have similar requirements. Users must provide a valid email address, date of birth and the last four digits of their social security number, as well as select a username and password. They also must agree to the terms of use and answer a few additional questions. The most popular sportsbooks feature a fast and secure sign-up process that is compatible with mobile devices.

The sportsbooks that have a reputation for treating their customers fairly and paying winning bets promptly and accurately are best-positioned to attract loyal patrons. In contrast, illegal offshore books tend to avoid state and federal regulations and provide little in the way of consumer protection. This can leave bettors with limited recourse should they have a dispute with their sportsbook, or fail to receive payment for their winnings.