A sportsbook is a website or a brick-and-mortar building that accepts bets on various sporting events and pays out winnings. It’s a big business that is now legal in most states. The word “sportsbook” is a bit misleading because it can mean more than just a place to bet on sports. The word can also refer to a person who is responsible for a sportsbook, or even a group of people who work in the business.

In a sport as popular and socially embraced as pro baseball, the sportsbook is as ubiquitous as the mascot or the jumbotron. Bettors can now use their smartphones to place wagers on games that would have been off limits in most places just a few years ago. Betting on professional sports has become a seamless part of the experience, with expert analysis offered during pregame shows and lines appearing onscreen during the telecasts themselves.

When it comes to betting on sports, the over/under bet is a popular option. These bets are based on the total number of points scored by both teams in a game. The oddsmakers at a sportsbook set these numbers by looking at the probability of each event happening. A lower risk event will pay out more than a higher risk one. This is why sharp bettors often avoid low-hanging fruit, despite the fact that it might benefit them in the short term. Always do your research before signing up with an online sportsbook, and read the house rules carefully.