A sportsbook is a gambling establishment that accepts bets on various events and teams. A good online sportsbook is well-regulated and provides an enjoyable experience for its customers. In order to find a great sportsbook, it is important to research the site and read reviews from past customers. In addition to checking out the reputation of a sportsbook, be sure to check out its betting options and promotions. Some of the best online sportsbooks offer competitive odds and a variety of markets to choose from.

New Jersey was the first state to launch legal sports betting after the Supreme Court ruled against PASPA in May 2018. The online market opened up in August and since then New Jersey has arguably become America’s hub for sports wagering. Currently, there are over two dozen sportsbooks online in New Jersey and more to come as the industry expands across the country.

The next state to launch legal sports betting was Colorado in 2021. While the Rocky Mountain state only has three dozen casinos -most of them located in small towns like Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek – a few big name sportsbook brands have joined the fold. As of late, Colorado has become one of the more robust sports betting markets and is among the top 6 states in terms of money bet on sports.

Arizona is another state that’s made a big splash in the industry. The sportsbook market there is booming, having cracked the top 10 in betting handle for the first time in March of 2022. Several big brands have entered the market, including FanDuel and Caesars. In-person sports betting began at a few local venues, including Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Phoenix Municipal Stadium, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

Kentucky also launched its online sportsbook in 2021, though its slow start has been due to a lack of staff at the state’s regulatory body. The good news is that once the staffing situation improves, Kentucky’s sportsbooks will be able to get up and running faster than many other states.

Lastly, Vermont is one of the more interesting states to watch when it comes to sports betting. In early February, state Rep. Matthew Birong introduced a bill to create a regulated sportsbook industry in the state. The bill was approved by the Senate Committee on Gaming and the full senate in April, and is now headed to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk for final approval.

If all goes according to plan, Vermont will join the ranks of states with legal sportsbooks in 2023 or 2024. Until then, bettors will have to rely on social sportsbooks and DFS sites like Fliff or PrizePicks to place bets. Responsible gambling is a major concern for sportsbooks, and most of them plaster their sites with responsible gambling resources, such as hotlines, cooling off periods, and self-exclusion options. In addition to these tools, most sportsbooks also provide information about the games they cover and have their own dedicated support teams to assist customers with any problems that arise.