A sportsbook is a gambling establishment, either online or in a brick-and-mortar building, that accepts wagers on various sporting events. The sportsbooks earn money by accepting losing bets and paying out winning ones. This way, they make sure that they’ll always have a profit. They collect a percentage of each bet, known as the vigorish or juice, and use it to pay off winning bettors.

Before 1992, sports betting was illegal in most states. But after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was passed, it became legal in four states: Oregon, Montana, Delaware, and Nevada. Now, most major US sportsbooks offer legal betting options. However, it’s important to find a reputable bookie and choose one with the most favorable odds before testing your luck.

The best online sportsbooks are licensed to operate. Getting a license takes 18 months and a sizable investment, but it ensures that your site is safe and follows responsible gambling practices. It also requires you to implement age verification and self-exclusion programs and to perform regular audits.

To grab the attention of your readers, start your article with a hook. Known as the lead in journalistic circles, it’s crucial to the success of your piece. This hook should be concise and informative, while compel the reader to keep reading. You can do this by describing interesting stats and facts about the event you’re covering. For example, if you’re writing about a baseball game, mention how many home runs were hit, or whether a player broke a record.