In May 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed HB 1327 following a legislative push from Representative Alec Garnett. After a public referendum, where Proposition DD passed with a 51.4% margin, Colorado legalized sports betting on May 1, 2020.
Each new sportsbook had to partner with one of Colorado’s 42 commercial casinos to launch in the state. Today, Colorado has 17 retail sportsbooks in land-based casinos across Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, with a further nine operating solely online. With brands like DraftKings complemented by local bookmakers like BetWildwood, Colorado’s betting market is diverse. Read our expert guide to discover the best sportsbooks, bonuses, and the latest regulations and requirements to wager in the Centennial State.
Colorado is one of the stronger legal sports-betting markets in the United States, but the phrase “online casinos in Colorado” needs a major warning label. Real-money online casino games such as online slots, roulette, blackjack, and live-dealer casino tables are not state-regulated in Colorado. The Colorado Division of Gaming says internet casino gambling is illegal for Coloradans and warns that players using offshore online casinos have no state agency to help with unpaid winnings, disputes, payout standards, or game fairness.
Colorado Sports Betting Overview
| CO Sports Betting Law Details | Status |
|---|---|
| 📆 Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: | May 1, 2020 |
| 📆 Online Sports Betting Launch Date: | May 1, 2020 |
| ✅ Licensed Sportsbooks: | Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, Betfred, BetMGM, BetMonarch, BetRivers, Betway, BetWildwood (ISI), Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Elite Sportsbook, FanDuel, FOX Bet, MaximBet, Play Maverick Sports, PlayUp, PointsBet, SBK, SI Sportsbook, Sky Ute Sportsbook, SuperBook, theScore Bet, Tipico Sportsbook, TwinSpires, WynnBET |
| 💵 Legal Wagering Options: | Moneyline, point spreads, futures bets, prop bets (not on college games) |
| 🔞 Legal Gambling Age in CO: | 21+ |
| 🏈 Sports to Bet On: | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, college sports, motorsports, MMA, rugby, and table tennis |
| 🏦 Permitted Banking Options: | Visa, Mastercard, online bank transfer, PayPal, Play+, wire transfer, casino cage cashier, PayNearMe, Stars Transfer, Skrill, VanillaDirect, VIP preferred e-Check, Discover |
| ⚖️ Colorado Gambling Regulator: | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission |
That means the “best online casino” choice in Colorado is simple: do not treat offshore casino sites as legal Colorado casinos. Safer legal alternatives include visiting licensed land-based casinos in Black Hawk, Central City, or Cripple Creek, or using social/sweepstakes-style games only with a clear understanding that they are not the same as regulated real-money iGaming.
For sports bettors, the picture is much better. Colorado sports betting has been legal since May 1, 2020, as long as bets are placed with authorized operators while the bettor is inside state borders. The state keeps an official licensed-operator resource and license lookup, and the Colorado sports betting catalog lists approved wager types that licensed operators may offer.
Colorado Online Sportsbooks Compared
Colorado players are spoiled for choice with 26 online sportsbooks. To help you to choose which to bet with, we’ve compared the top sportsbooks in Colorado and uncovered which brand does what best.
- Best Mobile App – DraftKings
DraftKings offers you a straightforward mobile interface, from registration to withdrawing your winnings. The app is available on Android and Apple devices and features easy navigation, especially when moving between markets. You’ll also have access to generous promotions, perfect for topping up your bankroll.
- Best Welcome Bonus – BetRivers
BetRivers’ deposit match bonus of 100% up to $250 is perfect for both casual and experienced bettors. The reward may not be large enough to attract high rollers, but its 1x wagering requirements give you a good shot at boosting your bankroll. BetRivers makes it clear how to redeem this bonus, and the easy-to-navigate sportsbook makes finding a market for these bonus funds easy.
- Best for Competitive Odds – FanDuel
Most sportsbooks in Colorado offer competitive odds, but FanDuel has a marginal edge with their betting lines on popular markets. In addition, the sportsbook often runs boosted odds and special bets, which are easy to find on its main page.
- Best for Market Coverage – FanDuel
FanDuel is currently on top when comparing sports market coverage. You can bet on all major league sports like the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB, as well as international soccer, tennis, and many more niche sports. Plus, you can use the same-game parlay feature on many of the most popular sports.
- Best for Beginner Bettors – Caesars
Caesars Sportsbook offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, which makes getting started on its user-friendly app easy. The sportsbook provides first bet insurance up to $1,100 for all new players. If your first wager loses, you get five free bets, each equal to 20% of your first wager, giving beginner bettors more bets to try out the sportsbook.
- Best for Payout Speed – Betway
Betway has earned a reputation for processing all withdrawal requests within 48 hours. Sometimes these payments are completed quicker if further security checks aren’t required. The sportsbook can also complete e-wallet transactions instantly.
How to Place a Bet in Colorado
Colorado is a state with passionate sports fans, but some may be new to placing wagers. If you’re ready to enjoy some exciting sports betting, follow our guide below to register and place your first bet within minutes.
- Choose from 26 online sportsbooks in Colorado to find the perfect operator for you.
- Download the app of your chosen sportsbook from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Or, you can visit their site from your mobile browser.
- Register an account by entering personal details like your full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Visit the cashier section of your sportsbook to fund your account. If your sportsbook offers a deposit welcome bonus, you can unlock your rewards here.
- Browse your sportsbook’s markets. Add a wager to your bet slip, choose your bet amount using your welcome bonus funds, and place the bet.
- If you win your first bet, return to the cashier section, and the sportsbook will guide you through making a withdrawal.
Banking Methods Available in Colorado
You have a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods to choose from at Colorado sportsbooks. Familiar payment options like Visa and Mastercard are available with many betting apps, although sometimes as a deposit-only option. Some operators welcome popular e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, which provide the fastest withdrawals on average. There are also prepaid cards like Play+ and PayNearMe, the latter of which you can top up at local retail stores like 7-Eleven and CVS.
Who is Eligible to Bet in CO?
If you are 21 years old or over and within Colorado state lines, you can place bets with retail and online sportsbooks. However, specific jobs and roles of authority will prevent you from placing sports bets, including:
- People prohibited from betting at a federal or state level (e.g. due to criminal history).
- People on a self-exclusion program at a federal or state level.
- College sports athletes, team members, and staff.
- Professional sports athletes, team members, and staff.
- Referees involved with major league, minor league, and college competitions.
- People with authority to influence professional or college athletes and team members.
- People working for sports leagues to create regulations (NCAA, NBA).
- People who have a stake in a sports team.
- People with non-public information about sports teams and sports leagues (e.g. player medical records).
- Employees of sports betting operators and casinos with sportsbook licenses, including directors, officers, owners, and key staff.
Latest Colorado Sports Betting Updates
Current Sports Betting Status in Colorado
Colorado legalized online and retail sports betting in May 2019. However, sports betting didn’t launch until a year later, as the regulations required voter approval in a referendum. The state took its first legal sports wagers in May 2020. Colorado does not allow betting on entertainment events like the Oscars, nor does it permit eSports wagering. However, there are no restrictions on table tennis, cornhole betting, or college sports – aside from player prop wagers being prohibited.
Timeline for Sports Betting in Colorado
- March 2022: Betsson, a popular European sports betting operator, chooses Colorado as the perfect state to launch its Betsafe brand in the US.
- March 16, 2021: With the launch of Play Maverick Sports, Colorado officially has five times as many operators as when the state first launched sports betting.
- May 1, 2020: Online and retail sports betting launches in the state, with providers BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, and FanDuel opening their doors to Colorado bettors.
- November 7, 2019: Proposition DD features in the Colorado referendum. Despite an issue that didn’t allow for an explanation of the planned tax structure, sports betting passes by a small margin of 43,982 “Yes” votes.
- May 29, 2019: Gov. Jared Polis signs HB 1327 into law. Due to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the legislation goes to a public referendum.
- May 21, 2019: The Speaker of the House, Kathleen Collins Becker, signs off HB 1327 and sends it to the Governor.
- April 18, 2019: House majority leader Rep. Alec Garnett introduces HB 1327 to the Colorado General Assembly.
- May 2018: The US Supreme Court declares the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 unconstitutional. Ultimately, this ends Nevada’s effective monopoly on sports betting and gives every state the right to legalize sports wagering.
Colorado Sports Betting Background
Compared to many US states where gambling is legal, Colorado has a long history, with pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and greyhounds legalized in 1948. The state established the Colorado Lottery in January 1983, and in 1990, restricted casino gambling became legal thanks to the Colorado Limited Gaming Initiative. The law only allowed maximum bets of $5, and casinos couldn’t stay open for 24 hours.
Before the PASPA ruling, there wasn’t much demand for sports betting in the state. Yet, in 2009, Amendment 50 changed the definitions of certain casino games from the Colorado Limited Gaming Act and raised the maximum bet to $100. In 2014 Gov. John Hickenlooper made greyhound racing illegal. However, the state saw no sports betting legislation put forward until 2019.
Colorado betting is for adults only. State sports betting rules require patrons to be at least 21, and users must be physically located in Colorado to place online wagers. Colorado also enacted SB26-131 in 2026, which becomes effective August 12, 2026, and adds consumer protections including a six-deposit-per-gaming-day limit, restrictions on betting-solicitation push notifications or texts, limits on under-21-targeted advertising, and a ban on credit-card deposits for sports betting.
Future of Colorado Sports Betting
Colorado continues to expand the number of operators available within its borders beyond the current 26 sportsbooks. bet365 recently signed a partnership with Century Casino and will soon launch in the Centennial State.
In addition, there have been discussions about legalizing an online casino gambling market. The wording of the current laws includes mention of “electronic versions of slot machines, craps, roulette, and card games of poker and blackjack,” which has encouraged excitement.
Colorado Sports Betting Locations
There are 42 commercial casinos in Colorado, mainly spread across three towns in the mountains. Every sportsbook operating in CO requires a casino partner, and 17 of these establishments have launched retail sportsbooks as a part of these agreements.
Ameristar Casino Black Hawk
- Address: 111 Richman Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Website: https://www.ameristarblackhawk.com/
- Phone Number: +1 720-946-4000
- Operator: Barstool Sportsbook
Ameristar Casino Black Hawk boasts over 1,250 slots, 40 table games, and 22 live poker tables. Alongside the casino games, Ameristar Casino has partnered with Barstool Sportsbook to launch a retail sportsbook on the second floor of its land-based gambling venue. You can find a 24-foot video wall, 13 betting kiosks, and 29 HDTVs. With every wager placed, you can earn loyalty rewards with their mycash and mychoice points.
Golden Mardi Gras Casino
- Address: 300 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Website: https://www.ballys.com/black-hawk/
- Phone Number: +1 303-582-5600
- Operator: DraftKings
Golden Mardi Gras, otherwise known as Bally’s Casino Black Hawk, has partnered with DraftKings to offer a premium sportsbook lounge. The casino boasts a large video wall and 11 additional 65” TVs for an immersive experience. You can also find a full-service kitchen and a bar offering craft cocktails. An exclusive VIP lounge is available if you want to host a private sports betting event.
Lady Luck Casino
- Address: 340 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422
- Website: https://www.ladyluckblackhawk.com/
- Phone Number: +1 303-998-7777
- Operator: Caesars
Lady Luck Casino’s partnership with Caesars resulted in the launch of a kiosk-only retail sportsbook. You can bet on football, baseball, basketball, auto racing, soccer, ice hockey, MMA, and boxing. You can also redeem Caesars Rewards at the casino and hotel. Real-life rewards include discounts and complimentary rooms.
| Location | Address | Phone Number | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saratoga Casino | 101 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-6100 | Betfred |
| Wildwood Casino | 119 N. Fifth Street, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | (719) 244-9700 | BetWildwood (ISI) |
| Isle Casino | 401 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (800) 843-4753 | Caesars |
| Sasquatch Casino | 125 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (720) 880-1616 | PlaySports (IGT) |
| Z Casino | 101 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 271-2500 | Play Maverick Sports |
| Monarch Casino Black Hawk | 488 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582‑1000 | BetMonarch |
| Red Dolly Casino | 530 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-1100 | Elite Sportsbook |
| Bronco Billy’s Casino | 530 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-1100 | TwinSpires |
| Dragon Tiger Casino | 132 Lawrence Street, Central City, CO 80427 | (303) 582-5623 | Play Maverick Sports |
| The Lodge Casino at Black Hawk | 240 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-1771 | SuperBook Sportsbook |
| Johnny Nolon’s | 301 E. Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | (719) 689-2080 | Johnny Nolon’s Sportsbook (ISI) |
| The Wild Card Saloon | 120 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-3412 | PlaySports (IGT) |
| Colorado Grande | 300 E. Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | (719) 689-3517 | SI Sportsbook |
| Grand Z Casino | 321 Gregory Street, Central City, CO 80427 | (303) 582-0800 | Play Maverick Sports |
Colorado Lottery Locations
The Colorado Lottery launched in January 1983 and has made over $3.7 billion for the state’s benefit. However, the organization has no affiliation with any sportsbooks operating in the state. IGT will continue to provide the software for the lottery until 2025. Similarly, the developer also supplies the technology for Colorado retail sportsbooks, like Sasquatch Casino. However, lottery retailers are unlikely to start providing sports betting in the Centennial State.
Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations
There is currently one horse race track where you can watch and wager on horse racing in Colorado. That’s Arapahoe Park, Aurora. Yet, several off-track betting (OTB) providers across the state overseen by the Colorado Racing Commission offer betting on a wide range of horse races. There is also simulcast betting on horse and greyhound races elsewhere, despite greyhound racing becoming illegal in the state in 2014.
No stadium betting is available, as sportsbooks can only partner with land-based casinos to offer retail sportsbooks.
| Location | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Sundance Steakhouse & Saloon | 2716 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 | (970) 484-1600 |
| The Celtic on Market | 1400 Market Street, Denver, CO 80202 | (303) 484-1066 |
| Elevated Stakes at Peak 31 | 2419 N. Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 | (719) 227-7168 |
| Mirage Sports Bar | 8340 W. Coal Mine Avenue, Littleton, CO 80123 | (303) 979-9220 |
| Big D’s OTB at El Bandido Nightclub | 618 25th Street, Garden City, CO 80631 | (970) 373-9689 |
| Off to the Races (Formerly SCGEC) | 3215 Lake Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81005 | (719) 561-8926 |
| Elevated Stakes at the Block Bar & Grill | 333 S. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 | (719) 474-8070 |
| Havana Park | 10750 E. Iliff Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014 | (303) 696-7315 |
| Odds on OTB | 5390 Sheridan Boulevard, Arvada, CO 80002 | (303) 428-3518 |
| Golden Mardi Gras OTB | 300 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-5600 |
| Ultimate Sports OTB at In the Zone | 15600 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403 | (303) 279-3888 |
Colorado Responsible Gambling Resources
- Colorado Department of Revenue Problem Gambling Resources — Provides a 24-hour helpline and live chat for those struggling with problem gambling. It also offers links to further organizations locally and nationally. 1-800-522-4700
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado — Includes a free helpline, resources, and treatment advice. These resources come in English and Spanish. 1-800-226-0435
- Colorado Gaming Association — Details the training casino employees receive in Colorado and information on the self-exclusion program. The site also refers you to further help and gives you information on the odds of casino games.
State-mandated problem gambling measures require every sportsbook to provide access to the self-exclusion program. Problem gamblers can opt out of all gambling sites in the state thanks to regulations by the Colorado Gaming Association and the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado. In addition, Colorado sportsbooks need to supply responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and spend limits. Operators also need to offer links to further support organizations, like Gamblers Anonymous and Gamtalk.
Teams to Bet on in Colorado
- Pro Sports
Colorado Rockies: MLB’s Colorado Rockies have qualified for the postseason five times, each time as a Wild Card Winner. The team earned its first (and only) National League pennant in 2007 after winning 14 of their final 15 games, capping the streak with a 13 inning 9-8 victory against the San Diego Padres in a tiebreaker game known as “Game 163” by their fans.
Denver Nuggets: The Denver Nuggets have not appeared in the postseason finals since its last year in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Therefore, this makes them the only surviving former ABA team to have never reached the NBA Finals since the league merger in 1976. The Nuggets currently play all home games at Ball Arena.
Denver Broncos: The Denver Broncos didn’t make an impact during its time in the American Football League (AFL) and the first seven years in the NFL. However, since 1975, the Broncos have become one of the NFL’s successful teams, having suffered only eleven losing seasons and winning three Super Bowls.
Colorado Avalanche: The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche has won two Stanley Cups, winning the trophy both times it reached the NHL Finals. Since moving to Denver, the team has won ten division titles and set the league record for the most consecutive division titles (9).
- College Sports
Air Force Falcons: Representing the United States Air Force Academy, the athletics department has 17 men’s and 10 women’s NCAA-sanctioned teams.
Colorado Buffaloes: Representing the University of Colorado, the “Buffs” currently have 17 varsity sports teams. The Buffaloes have won 27 national championships, with many coming in skiing.
Colorado State Rams: The Rams athletic teams compete with eight other institutions in the Mountain West Conference. The Rams have won nine MWC tournament championships and won or shared 11 regular-season titles for Colorado State University.
Denver Pioneers: Currently, the Pioneers sponsor 17 varsity teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, swimming, and diving. The University of Denver team has seen tons of success, with the tied most NCAA ice hockey national championships (9).
Northern Colorado Bears: The Bears represent the University of Northern Colorado and sponsor 17 varsity teams, including men’s and women’s cross country, golf, basketball, and tennis.
- Women’s Sports
Denver Bandits: The Denver Bandits play football in the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC). The team joined the league for its inaugural season in 2019 and plays its games at the Aurora Public Schools Stadium.
How Does Colorado Compare to Other States?
- Market Coverage
Colorado sportsbooks cover every major US sports market and more niche sports. However, the state does not permit betting on entertainment events, like awards shows, and restricts eSports betting. Colorado allows betting on college sports, but does not permit player prop wagers on these games.
- Competitive Odds & Prices
The Colorado betting market is loaded with sportsbook operators, so it’s no surprise it has some of the most competitive odds. Big brands operating in Colorado also provide betting in other states, and we found no noticeable difference between the sports betting odds elsewhere and in Colorado.
- Gambling Revenue
Colorado has become one of the biggest betting markets in the US and, as of May 2022, had brought in $6,047,510,354 in betting handle since its launch. That’s more than Michigan, which has almost double the population. The Colorado sportsbook operator tax rate is 10%, and the state has collected $16,428,256 from sportsbook revenue of $380,160,523. Its best month came in November 2021, when the state earned nearly $2 million in taxes.
- Betting Taxes
The Internal Revenue Code sets that sportsbooks must pay 0.25% tax on betting handles. There is an additional $50 tax for every employee involved in taking wagers. A state tax of 10% is currently in place for sportsbook operators, which is considerably lower than the 51% New York sportsbooks must pay.
You must declare all betting profits to the IRS when filing your taxes. If you make a profit of over $600 at a sportsbook, you must add this to a W-2G form. Sportsbooks also have the right to hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.
Who Oversees Sports Betting in Colorado?
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC) enforces state sports betting laws and regulations by issuing fines and collecting taxes. It also administers the state’s three gambling licenses: sports betting operator, master license, and internet sports betting operator. While the Gaming Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue assists the CLGCC, the latter has the final say on all matters.
All the casinos in Colorado already hold a limited gaming license and would therefore be the only entities able to receive a master license. The other two licenses are specific to online and retail sportsbooks. A casino with a master license can partner with a sportsbook to help it obtain a sports betting operator or internet sports betting operator license.
The CLGCC ensures that sportsbooks across the state create a safe and secure environment for bettors, including geolocation software on their websites. This technology makes certain that anyone using the site for betting is within state lines.
The bottom line: Colorado’s best legal online gambling products are sportsbooks, not online casinos. For casino games, stick with licensed physical casinos or non-gambling social options. For sports betting, compare licensed apps by odds, usability, market depth, payout speed, and responsible-gaming features. Anyone who feels gambling is becoming stressful or hard to control can use Colorado self-exclusion, which can block access to casinos, retail sportsbooks, and online sportsbooks for one, three, or five years.
FAQs:
1. Is betting legal in Colorado?
Yes, online and retail sports betting are both legal in Colorado. Using a sportsbook app, you can wager on sports like the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA from anywhere in the state.
2. Who governs sports betting in Colorado?
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC) is responsible for licensing and regulating all sportsbooks in the state. This organization is assisted by the Gaming Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue.
3. How old do you have to be to bet in Colorado?
You must be 21 years of age or older to place legal bets in Colorado. You must also be within the state’s borders.
4. When did sports betting launch in Colorado?
Retail and online sportsbooks in Colorado launched on May 1, 2020. This change occurred after Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 1327 into law, and the state voted for Proposition DD in the November 2019 referendum.
5. What sportsbooks are legal in Colorado?
The Centennial State is home to 26 online sportsbooks, all licensed and approved by the CLGCC. This list includes some of the biggest brands in the US, like Barstool Sportsbook, WynnBET, and PointsBet. Smaller brands like BetWildwood and Elite Sportsbook are also available in the state.
6. Are sportsbooks in Colorado safe?
Absolutely. Any sportsbook licensed by the CLGCC must adhere to strict player security standards, including scrutiny of its encryption methods and payment processes.
7. Do I have to pay taxes on betting winnings in Colorado?
Yes, the IRS taxes betting profits in the US. You must complete a W-2G form and submit it to the IRS to pay this tax. Your sportsbook should send you this form if you are eligible.
8. Can you play DraftKings in Colorado?
You can access DraftKings Sportsbook through its desktop site or mobile app in Colorado.
9. Can you play FanDuel in Colorado?
Yes, you can bet with FanDuel anywhere in the state and browse its wide range of betting options.
10. Can you play BetMGM in Colorado?
BetMGM is available in Colorado thanks to its partnership with the Midnight Rose Casino.
11. Can you play Caesars in Colorado?
Yes, Caesars holds a license in Colorado thanks to its partnership with the Lady Luck Casino.
12. Can you play TwinSpires in Colorado?
TwinSpires is available in Colorado, but the operator has announced its plans to shut down its sports betting operation. However, it will continue to offer its horse racing betting platform.
13. Which sportsbooks will be available in Colorado in the future?
bet365 recently signed a partnership with Colorado casino Century Casino. The sportsbook will launch in the state soon and may also open a retail sportsbook.
