The online sportsbook industry is rapidly expanding, with dozens of new operators launching daily. Many of these betting sites offer exciting promotions, quick payouts and a user-friendly platform. However, it is important to choose a reliable site that offers a wide selection of markets and is licensed in your state. This way, you can be sure to find a legitimate gambling website that offers fair treatment and protects your personal information.

Before you make a bet, select the sport you want to wager on. Look for a sportsbook with competitive odds, and pay attention to the types of wagers offered. If you are a beginner, you should focus on moneylines and point spreads, but if you’re more experienced, you can also try exotic props or specials. The most popular online sportsbooks offer a diverse range of options for every major sport, including fantasy football and baseball.

A good online sportsbook should have a detailed event schedule, which lists all the bet-able events for the day. In addition, a top sportsbook will have live streaming and early cashout options. It should also accept multiple payment methods, and you should not be charged deposit or withdrawal fees. If you’re a fan of mobile betting, choose a site that has a dedicated app for your smartphone or tablet.

Most states have passed legislation to regulate the sportsbook business, and many have legalized the practice. Some, such as Florida and Montana, only allow sports bets if you’re within the geofenced footprint of a casino or retail sportsbook. Others, such as New Hampshire and Oregon, oversee sports betting via the lottery or a single retail operator.

Licensed online sportsbooks can offer a variety of welcome bonuses, free-to-play pools and reload bonuses. Rookie bettors often get sucked in by these offers, but it’s important to look past the initial bonuses and consider long-term incentives. These include reload bonuses, odds boosts, and loyalty programs.

The best sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate. Licensed operators are subject to strict regulations, and their websites must comply with federal laws governing gambling. This helps prevent fraud and other violations. It’s also important to check if the sportsbook has a high reputation among players.

Pennsylvania moved quickly after the Supreme Court’s PASPA ruling, and the first online sportsbooks went live in November 2018. SugarHouse launched its site with a generous welcome bonus, while BetRivers and DraftKings were quick to follow suit. In 2022, the state’s second-largest casino, Rivers Casino, launched its branded sportsbook.