COLORADO GAMBLING LAWS
Gambling in Colorado: Laws, Casinos, and Betting Options
Colorado features a well-regulated gambling market with licensed casinos in historic mining towns, full-scale online and retail sports betting, and the state lottery. Voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, legalizing sports betting from May 2020, but no intrastate online casinos or real-money poker exist. Offshore platforms remain accessible in a legal gray area, though state authorities classify most online gambling outside licensed sports betting as illegal, with enforcement focused on operators rather than individual players.
Legal Gambling Landscape in Colorado
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 44 and the Colorado Constitution permit limited gaming in designated towns, tribal casino operations, sports betting (retail and mobile), pari-mutuel horse racing, charitable bingo/raffles, and the state lottery. The Division of Gaming under the Department of Revenue regulates casinos and sports betting. No changes have introduced regulated online casinos or poker, and authorities warn against unlicensed iGaming, including offshore sites, due to lack of oversight and protections.
Residents enjoy robust options in sports betting and land-based casinos, with offshore access common but carrying risks.
Casinos in Colorado
Limited gaming is authorized in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, plus two tribal casinos. These venues offer slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker with no maximum bet limit since 2021. Key locations include:
- Ameristar Casino Resort Spa (Black Hawk)
- Golden Gates Casino (Black Hawk)
- Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk
- Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino (Cripple Creek)
- Sky Ute Casino Resort (Ignacio, tribal)
- Ute Mountain Casino (Towaoc, tribal)
Many now host retail sportsbooks alongside traditional games.
Online Casinos and Poker in Colorado
No regulated online casinos or real-money poker platforms operate in Colorado. State law prohibits unauthorized gambling, and authorities state that placing bets on unlicensed online casinos remains illegal, even if individual prosecutions are rare. Offshore sites accept players, but lack regulation and consumer safeguards. Social/sweepstakes casinos provide free-play alternatives.
Sports Betting Status
Sports betting is fully legal since May 2020, with retail wagering at licensed casinos and mobile/online apps statewide. Over a dozen operators offer betting on professional and college sports (with in-state college prop restrictions), including moneylines, spreads, parlays, and live betting. Pari-mutuel horse racing continues at tracks like Arapahoe Park and off-track sites.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Lottery
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal since 2016 under HB 16-1404, regulated by the Division of Professions and Occupations with consumer protections, an 18+ age requirement, and no college prop contests. Major platforms accept Colorado residents. The Colorado Lottery offers draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Colorado Lotto+), scratchers, and Cash 5, available at retailers only—no online ticket sales, though the website provides information and second-chance drawings.
Bingo and Charitable Gaming
Bingo operates under charitable rules overseen by the Secretary of State, with licensed halls primarily in areas like Denver. No state-sanctioned real-money online bingo exists.
Future Prospects for Gambling Reform
While sports betting thrives, proposals for online casinos face barriers requiring voter approval or legislative compromise. Focus remains on refining existing markets, including sports betting exchanges and tax adjustments. No imminent changes for iGaming appear likely. Monitor the Division of Gaming for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is online gambling legal in Colorado? Only online sports betting is regulated; online casinos and poker are not, with offshore access in a gray area carrying risks.
- Is sports betting available in Colorado? Yes, both retail at casinos and mobile/online via licensed apps since 2020.
- Are there legal casinos in Colorado? Yes, in Black Hawk, Central City, Cripple Creek, and two tribal locations; slots, table games, poker, and sportsbooks available.
- What about daily fantasy sports? DFS is legal and regulated since 2016; major platforms accept players aged 18+.
- Can residents use offshore betting sites? Many do for casino games, but such platforms are unregulated and warned against by state authorities.
Colorado delivers strong regulated experiences in sports betting and casino gaming. For maximum safety and protections, use licensed operators under the Division of Gaming.