A sportsbook is an establishment that accepts bets on a variety of sporting events. It also offers players the opportunity to win big money. The best online sportsbooks offer fast payouts, a great user experience and thousands of betting options every day. These sportsbooks are state-regulated and offer a safe place to play. This article will examine the top sportsbooks to help bettors decide which one is right for them.

While the legality of sports gambling in the United States has long been debated, a number of states have begun to open their doors to online sportsbooks. In some cases, sportsbooks have even partnered with local casinos and racetracks to create an omnichannel gaming experience. These partnerships are meant to boost the credibility of a sportsbook and encourage people to visit.

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA has opened the door for sportsbooks across the country. Previously, only Nevada and New Jersey were permitted to offer full-scale sports wagering. But the ruling has prompted many other states to pass legislation and begin taking bets. Some of them have already launched their first official sportsbooks. Others are working to set up a system that will allow them to do so in the near future.

One of the biggest changes to the industry since the ruling came down is the resurgence of the illegal sportsbook. These unlicensed operations are often operated by organized crime families and can be accessed from a wide range of devices. They have become a major source of income for some of the nation’s largest mob families. Some have even branched out into other areas, such as loan sharking and the illegal sale of firearms.

Despite the popularity of these sportsbooks, it’s still important to stick with legal options. The best regulated US sportsbooks will have a robust responsible gambling policy that includes deposit and session limits, self-exclusion options and more. In addition, they’ll have a dedicated hotline for players who need help.

There are several other factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing an online sportsbook. The first is payment options. The best sportsbooks will accept a variety of methods, including credit cards and digital wallets. Some will even offer their own branded cards, such as PointsBet’s Play+. Others will allow players to use e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill.

The second factor is a good customer service team. The best online sportsbooks will have representatives available around the clock to answer questions and help bettors find what they’re looking for. They should also have a helpful FAQ page and live chat.

The final factor is how easy a site is to navigate. The best online sportsbooks have sleek designs and an intuitive layout. They’ll also feature a variety of betting markets and support languages. For example, BetRivers’ mobile app features a menu that displays the most popular bets. This makes it easier for players to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.