A sportsbook is a place where you can make bets on sporting events. The odds will be clearly labeled, and you can choose teams with high or low chances of winning. You can also bet on underdogs, which are generally more risky but have higher payouts.

A bookie is a person who makes money by taking bets and paying out winning ones. Usually, they charge a commission on losing bets. This is known as the vigorish (vig).

If you are interested in becoming a bookie, there are a few things you should know. First, you will need to put up some capital to get started. This will help you cover the overhead expenses, such as rent, utilities, payroll and software.

You’ll also need a valid license to operate a sportsbook. This will ensure that you’re following all legalities and regulations in your country.

In addition, you’ll need to hire a bookie to set the lines and odds. You can find them online and at many brick-and-mortar bookies.

Betting on sports can be a fun way to make some extra cash, but you should never put your life savings at risk. It’s not easy to turn a profit betting on sports, and it takes time to build up a good base of betting knowledge and experience.

Currently, there are more than 20 US states that have legalized sportsbooks. While Nevada was the only state to have them operating for years, a 2018 Supreme Court decision has opened up the market. This is great news for the sports gambling industry, and it’s a boon for American fans who want to wager on their favorite teams.