A sportsbook is a gambling establishment where you can place bets on a variety of sporting events. While they used to be limited in number, they are now becoming more popular after being legalized throughout the United States. Before you place your first wager, it is important to know what to look for in a sportsbook.

When choosing a sportsbook, make sure to check out the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits. It is also a good idea to stay away from sites that require you to give up your personal information upfront. This is because they could be fraudulent and may lead to identity theft. Moreover, you should always check whether the site is regulated by a trusted government authority.

The safety of your funds is also an important consideration. Regulated books are required to answer to their respective licensing body and consumer protection standards are much higher. This means that you will have a better chance of getting your money back if something goes wrong. In addition, regulated sportsbooks will offer easier deposit and withdrawal options than offshore ones.

While it may be easy to find a sportsbook online, you should make sure that they have the right credentials before making a real-money bet. Some of the most reputable sportsbooks have been operating for decades and are backed by a strong brand. Others have just started offering sports betting. While the latter are still gaining popularity, they will need to improve their odds and other features to compete with their older competitors.