A "bookie," short for bookmaker, is a person or organization that accepts bets on various events, most commonly sports. They set odds and take wagers from gamblers, hoping to make a profit by balancing the amount of money bet on each side of an event. If the event turns out in favor of the bettors, the bookie pays out the winnings; if not, they keep the bets. Bookies often operate in a gray area of legality, depending on the laws of their location. With the rise of online betting platforms, many traditional bookies have adapted by offering their services on the internet, making it easier for gamblers to place bets on events like football, basketball, or horse racing.