The US sports betting industry is regulated on a state-by-state basis, with most legal states having established rigorous licensing regimes. In addition, many of the nation’s top sportsbooks have partnered with gambling addiction resources and responsible gaming initiatives to ensure that they are doing everything in their power to protect their customers and foster an environment of responsible gambling. In contrast, offshore operators prey on consumers, violating federal law in the process. These illegal sportsbooks claim to operate legally in countries like Antigua and Latvia while failing to adhere to key principles of responsible gambling, data privacy, and consumer protection.
Online sportsbooks have grown in popularity following the U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). As more states legalize sports betting, online operators are offering a range of features to attract new players. Some offer bonuses to get people to sign up, while others provide enhanced odds and a wide selection of markets. In addition to standard sports bets, some sites allow bettors to place wagers on esports, fantasy sports, and political events.
A legal sportsbook in North Carolina must follow strict rules set by the state’s lottery commission. Licensed operators must uphold key principles of responsible gaming, protect consumer funds and data, and pay local and state taxes to support educational scholarship programs and infrastructure projects. In addition, they must offer fast and secure deposits and withdrawals. They must also offer a user-friendly app and excellent customer service. The most popular North Carolina sportsbooks include FanDuel and BetMGM.
To gamble on sports online, a player must be 21 or older and be physically located within state lines. The majority of legal sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm the player’s location and eligibility to gamble. This is an important step in preventing underage gambling and fraud.
Most online sportsbooks will display their license and regulation information prominently on their homepage. In addition, they will have a responsible gambling resource section with hotlines, a self-exclusion list, and other helpful materials. Many will also plaster their site with ads from their reputable partners.
Sportsbooks should be easy to navigate and use, with a clean design and clear betting sections. Ideally, they should be responsive to customer questions and concerns and offer a variety of deposit methods. They should also have customer service available around the clock, including a live chat option.
BetRivers is an online sportsbook that offers a variety of betting options. The site’s iRush Rewards system allows customers to earn Loyalty Level Points and Bonus Store Points with every wager placed. These points can be redeemed for a number of different bonuses and freerolls.
In addition to offering an array of betting markets, Fanatics Sportsbook is known for its innovative promotions and bonuses. The site is currently available in a handful of states, and its integration with the company’s online casino and daily fantasy sports offerings makes it easy for users to transition between platforms.