A sportsbook is a gambling establishment that accepts bets on sporting events. It may also offer other services like casino, race book and live betting. It is often the main focus of online gaming brands and it is usually accompanied by a separate horse race service, a full-service casino and other gambling options. A sportsbook is a highly specialized service and it has a very different approach to betting than a traditional bookmaker.

Sportsbooks make their money by putting up odds that differ from the actual probability of an event occurring. This margin, known as the vig or vigorish, gives the sportsbook an edge over bettors and helps it generate profits in the long run. It also mitigates risks by taking other bets that offset the ones it has on its books.

The sportsbook industry is dominated by large companies that accept wagers both in-person and over the Internet. Some of these firms are even licensed to operate in states that legalize sports betting. Others have branched out to take bets on pivotal world events, from the Oscars and Nobel Prizes to election results. A few even offer so-called novelty bets, ranging from royal baby names to the upcoming alien invasion.

To maintain a successful sportsbook, it is vital to have a dependable computer system that manages all the information from incoming bets to financial reports. A well-developed platform enables the sportsbook to be competitive in the market and can help it overcome early challenges.