A sportsbook is a venue, either online or in-person, that accepts wagers on various sporting events. It is also known as a bookmaker, and it makes money by collecting a commission on losing wagers (vigorish). The proceeds from this are then used to pay out winning wagers. It is illegal in some jurisdictions, but most states have legalized sports betting.
A successful sportsbook must be able to balance competing concerns. On the one hand, it must drive volume and maintain margins. On the other, it must protect itself from bettors who have knowledge of its markets better than it does. To achieve this, retail sportsbooks take several protective measures. They offer relatively low betting limits – even for bets placed on apps and websites – and they increase the hold in their markets. They also curate their customer pool – excluding certain types of bettors from the book.
To successfully start a sportsbook, you need sufficient capital to cover all incoming bets and pay out winning chances from the outset. This amount will vary based on the target market, licensing costs and monetary guarantees required by your government. You will also need to have enough funds to fund your marketing strategy and growth plans. It is important to research your country’s online betting regulations before opening a sportsbook. This includes checking if sports betting is legal in your region and understanding the types of wagers you can place. In addition, make sure to follow responsible gambling practices and don’t wager more than you can afford to lose.