CO Online Gambling
Colorado has officially legalized online gambling, thanks to the 2019 ballot measures. Even though it doesn’t come in all forms of gambling, CO has a great selection of online sports betting.
Anyhow, keep reading to get the breakdown of betting in Colorado, everything from the various bonus offers, tax rates, and even CO gambling history.
Best LEGAL CO Gambling Sites
FOX Bet Sportsbook
$500- New player accounts only
- Expires 30 days after issue
- The initial bet has to lose
- 1x wagering requirement
- No rollover required
- Qualifying first bet must lose
- Free bet must be used within 7 days
- Valid for new customer accounts only
BetMGM Sports Review
$1,000- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
Moreover, the list of sports betting sites above was made with you in mind. These five legal betting sites have been thoroughly reviewed and tested by our team of experts.
Among the listed sportsbooks, we have carefully analyzed each with these criteria:
- Game or Odds variety
- Bonus offer
- Customer support
- Interface
Is Online Gambling Legal in Colorado?
| Type | Online | Land-based |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Games | Illegal | Legal |
| Sports Betting | Legal | Legal |
| Horse Racing | Legal | Legal |
| Poker | Illegal | Legal |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal | N/A |
| Bingo | Illegal | Legal |
| Lottery | Illegal | Legal |
Online gambling laws in Colorado are outdated and don’t completely cater to the new online betting framework.
Notably, Colorado only has three forms of legal online gambling: sports betting, fantasy sports, and horse betting. Let’s carefully examine the ins and outs of each one.
Types of Gambling in CO
Simply, Colorado is still hesitant to move forward with certain online gambling operations. The only online gambling that is legal in relation to sports betting. Admittedly, Colorado voters will have more than enough opportunity to make some changes in the gambling sector.
Casino Gaming
The saga of legalized casino betting in Colorado stems back to the Limited Gaming Act of 1991. In result, limited gaming became legal in three CO communities: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
To further break it down, limited gaming means “casino-style” gambling, which is limited to the following terms and games:
- $100 maximum wager (originally $50)
- Slot machines
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Craps
- Roulette
- Tribal reservation land
Colorado voters supported a 2008 amendment that included adding more table games, raising betting limits, and extending gaming hours to 24- hours. Additionally, the city of Cripple Creek legalized 24-hour alcohol service for of-age players.
Unfortunately, online casino operations are still prohibited in Colorado.
CO Tribal Casinos
While there are a couple of tribal casinos in Colorado, they operate in somewhat of a gray area. Even though they are on tribal land, the tribes have agreed to obey the same limited gaming bet limits that other Colorado casinos must follow.
Regardless, tribal casinos are not subject to taxation and do not have to report their revenue to the State.
Sports Betting
Now we're turning your attention to the star of the show, sports betting. Officially legalized per HB 1327, the bill gives legal authority to the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC), a Colorado Department of Revenue division.
Mainly, sportsbooks must work with casino master license holders to do business in the state. Also, the bill enforces a mandatory 10% sports betting tax, of which the profits will go to the Colorado Water Plan.
Furthermore, there are many reasons why Colorado is perfect for ALL sportsbook operators. All in all, our full Colorado betting has the details about the many perks of gambling at CO sportsbooks and which are the best ones.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
The legalization of Fantasy Sports paved the way and started a trend for the current state of sports gambling in CO. In fact, Daily Fantasy Sports became legal in 2016, with a few minor restrictions.
Look out for a number of well-known DFS sites in Colorado, such as FanDuel and DraftKings. Although, unlike some states, Colorado prohibits betting on college sports picks.
Overall, Fantasy sports are great for testing your knowledge and skill beyond the world of sports betting.
Bingo
Undoubtedly, the most accepted form of gambling in CO is bingo. Authorized in 1958, bingo in Colorado has developed to include a large variety of bingo hall locations and tournaments.
Sadly, since the bingo law is outdated, the chances for any online support are low.
For any operators or charitable organizations wanting to hold bingo raffles, the Colorado Secretary of State manages the state's licenses.
Horse Racing
Horse racing set the stage for the legalization of gambling in Colorado. Ultimately, horse racing was given the green light thanks to a 1948 ballot.
Unfortunately, even though horse racing was off to a great start, things have drastically changed over the years. Colorado currently only has one horse racetrack left in the entire state, located in Aurora.
However, for players looking to get their horse racing fix, there are 12 off-track betting locations. OTB offers bettors simulcast and parimutuel betting possibilities.
Some of the available legal horse racing sites in CO include:
CO Lottery
The Colorado Lottery began in 1982 with just scratch tickets. Multistate games were added over the years, including Mega Millions and Powerball.
CO voters decided in 1992 that they wanted the Lottery proceeds to go to outdoor recreation, parks, trails, rivers, wildlife, and open space. Hence, 100% of the profits from lottery game sales are given back to the assigned state projects.
The state recipients that get the lottery profits are:
- Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) 50%
- Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) 40%
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) 10%
- Any profits made over the annual cap go to various Colorado Education funds.
Unlike the handful of states with a diverse lottery program, Colorado does not offer any online lottery options. In fact, CO has a mobile lottery app, but it only allows users to do a few things, such as scan tickets or view jackpot results.
Poker
Online poker is currently not legal in the Centennial State. Sadly, when the Limited Gaming law was enacted, poker was on the list of table games.
Even with the recent advancements in the online gambling industry, it will take more of an effort to change that aspect of the Limited Gaming law. While this may be true, elected leaders recently voted in favor of Amendment 77 to lift betting limits across the state.
On the other hand, poker players can take advantage of in-person poker at the 50+ tables across Colorado; most of them are located in Black Hawk.
Colorado Gambling Law
Colorado took a historic step in the right direction in 2020 with the legalization of online sports betting. Typically known for its liberal agenda, Colorado is not as enthusiastic about legalizing online gambling.
So, when voters made their way to the polls, the final result was an almost even tie on the Colorado sports betting ballot. Still, sports betting officially received the go-ahead.
Unfortunately, this still means that no other form of online gambling is legal-yet.
Here are the key gambling milestones throughout Colorado history:
| 1948 | Horse Racing became legal |
| 1948 | Colorado Racing Commission is created |
| 1958 | Bingo & Raffles were legalized |
| 1982 | Colorado Lottery was created, ticket sales started in 1983 |
| 1991 | Casino gambling authorized as part of Limited Gaming revitalization program |
| 2016 | Fantasy Sports becomes a regulated form of gambling per HB 1404 |
| 2020 | Sports betting legalized and all 33 casinos are officially allowed to offer sports betting |
| 2020 | Voters passed Amendment 77 removing betting limits |
Local License Holders
On top of having many land-based casinos, the method for obtaining betting licenses in Colorado can get complicated.
Here are some key points relating to licenses, fees, and operators:
- The 33 casinos can offer mobile, retail (in-person), or online sports betting.
- Master licenses are only available to state casinos in Central City, Cripple Creek, and Black Hawk.
- Master Sports Betting License applications are $10,000, and $125,000 upon approval.
- Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Suffice to say, there is a large variety of sports betting operators in CO, which is certainly beneficial for players in every way.
Judging from the tables below, some sports betting partners are retail locations while others are online only.
| Black Hawk License Holders | Sportsbook | Location |
|---|---|---|
| AmeriStar Casino | Barstool Sportsbook | 111 Richman St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Bill Durham Saloon and Casino | TBD- Application in Progress | 110 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| The Gilpin Hotel & Casino | TBD- theScore Bet * | 120 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Golden Mardi Gras | DraftKings Sportsbook (online and retail) | 300 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Golden Gulch | TBD-DraftKings Sportsbook * | 321 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel | William Hill Sports Book (online and retail) | 401 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Lady Luck Casino | FOX Bet Sportsbook * William Hill Sports Book Retail | 340 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Lodge Casino | theScore Bet/Superbook | 240 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Monarch Casino | Monarch Casino Sportsbook * | 488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Red Dolly Casino | Elite Gaming Sportsbook * | 530 Gregory St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Saratoga Casino | Betfred Sportsbook * | 101 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Sasquatch Casino | TBD- IGT PlaySports (online and retail) | 125 Gregory St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| The Wild Card Saloon & Casino | TBD- IGT PlaySports (online and retail) | 120 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Z Casino- Black Hawk | Play Maverick Sports | 101 Gregory St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| * online or app | ||
| Central City License Holders | Sportsbook | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Century Casino | Circa Sports Colorado * | 116 Main St, Central City, CO 80427 |
| Dostal Alley Casino | Betsson * | 116 Main St, Central City, CO 80427 |
| Easy Street Casino | TBD- Licensed | 120 Main St, Central City, CO 80427 |
| Famous Bonanza Casino | TBD- Licensed | 107 Main St, Central City, CO 80427 |
| Grand Z Casino | Play Maverick Sports | 321 Gregory St, Central City, CO 80427 |
| Johnny Z Casino | Play Maverick Sports | 132 Lawrence St, Central City, CO 80427 |
| * online or app | ||
| Cripple Creek License Holders | Sportsbook | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brass Ass Casino | TBD-Triple Crown Casino | 264 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Bronco Billy's Casino | BetAmerica Bronco Sportsbook | 233 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Century Casino- Cripple Creek | Circa Sports * | 200 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Christmas Casino & Inn at Bronco Billy's | TBD-BetAmerica Retail WynnBet * SBK App * | 279 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Colorado Grande Hotel & Casino | TBD – ISI Retail Sports | 300 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Johnny Nolon's Casino | TBD – ISI Retail Sports | 301 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| McGills Hotel and Casino | BetRivers Sportsbook | 232 Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino | TBD- BetMGM | 256 Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Wildwood Casino- Cripple Creek | Woody’s Sportsbook | 119 N Fifth St, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| * online or app | ||
| CO Tribal License Holders | Sportsbook | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Ute Casino Resort | TBD – Online only | 14324 Hwy 172 North, Ignacio, CO 81137 |
| Ute Mountain Casino Hotel | TBD – Online only | 3 Weeminuche Dr, Towaoc, CO 81334 |
Minimum Legal Gambling Age in Colorado
The minimum legal gambling age in Colorado varies on the type of gambling.
For instance, bingo, lottery, fantasy sports, and horse racing require at least 18 years of age.
Sports betting, casinos, and poker require players to be at least 21.
Auditors and Regulators
| Casino Games | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC) |
| Sports Betting | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC) |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC) |
| Bingo | Colorado Secretary of State |
| Lottery | Colorado Lottery |
| Horse Racing | Colorado Division of Racing Events |
| Poker | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC) |
As you can see, the different types of gambling are mainly regulated by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (LGCC), which is a division of the Colorado Department of Revenue.
CO Bonus and Promotions
Thanks to the low entrance fees, online sports operators are quickly entering the CO sports betting market. Alongside any bonuses and promotions that can be found at physical casinos, Colorado online sports betting have a lot to offer new and existing players.
Here is a list of CO online sports betting welcome bonus offers:
- No-deposit bonus
- Deposit match bonus
- Leaderboard promotions
Depending on the sport season, players will be able to take advantage of some great ongoing betting promotions such as:
- Odds boost
- Parlay boosters
- Betting reload bonuses
- Leaderboard races
Responsible Gambling
Players in Colorado are lucky to have access to some fantastic responsible gambling organizations and tools. The responsible gambling organizations in Colorado focus on restoring the quality of life for individuals and neighborhoods affected by problem gambling.
Although some tools are more account-specific, players can utilize the Self Exclude decision at every operator statewide. Keep in mind, Self Exclude is a long-term choice and cannot be easily reversed.
Some further alternatives to manage problem gambling are:
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado
- Colorado Intergroup of Gamblers Anonymous
- International Center for Responsible Gaming
Additionally, the CO Lottery joined the World Lottery Association in 2018 to better improve Colorado residents' Responsible Gaming program.
CO Gambling Tax Rate
Of course, each state has its own set of rules, especially when it comes to taxes. Fortunately for prospective sportsbook operators, Colorado has a low 10% tax rate.
For any other betting, such as any limited gaming, the tax rate is based on a sliding scale. The scale changes according to the adjusted gross revenue. For example, the scale starts at .25% tax rate for the first $2 million in revenue.
Besides the operator tax rates, individuals are subject to report their winnings as well. For example, the tax for larger winnings gets withheld by the operator on your behalf, but you must still report it on your tax return.
Typically, the winning limits for automatic tax deductions are dependent on the game, and they include:
- Sports Betting: $600 and 300x your stake
- Horse Racing: $600 and 300x your stake
- Poker Tournament: $5,000
- Slot Machines: $1,200
- Bingo Games: $1,200
- Keno: $1,500
Although our duty at PlayingLegal.com is to inform you, we always recommend speaking to a professional accountant about all of your tax concerns.
Payment Methods in CO Gambling Sites
Safety and security are at the top of our priority list. Therefore, we recommend only playing at legal and licensed CO casinos and sportsbooks.
While this list includes the most common and secure payment methods, they do vary at each operator.
| VISA | PayPal | PayNearMe |
| MasterCard | Play+ | ACH/VIP Preferred |
The Future of CO Online Gambling
All in all, CO online gambling is off to a great start with the approval of online sports betting, but the state needs more.
Although it is a waiting game, we expect changes to occur this year. One thing we know for a fact, the approved increase to limited gaming betting limits will do wonders for the population of the three main gambling towns, and the overall revenue for everyone involved.
CO Online Gambling FAQ's
Is DraftKings available in Colorado?
Yes, DraftKings Sportsbook is available in Colorado. In addition to online sports betting sites, DraftKings is also available at retail locations. Expect to find the DraftKings retail location at Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk.
Is FanDuel available for Colorado betting?
Yes, FanDuel is legal in Colorado. Additionally, FanDuel is available for betting online or in-person at one of their retail locations.
Where can I play poker in Colorado?
Unfortunately, online poker is prohibited in Colorado at this time. The good news is that there are more than 50+ poker tables across Colorado.
Are online casinos legal in CO?
No, online casinos are not legal in Colorado at this time. The only casinos that are legal in Colorado are located on tribal land, or located in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
Is sports betting legal in CO?
As a matter of fact, sports betting is legal in Colorado. In addition to retail sportsbooks, players are also able to place sports bets online.
What type of sports betting promotions are available in Colorado?
The type of betting promotions simply depend on the CO online sportsbook and the sports season. Typically with welcome bonus promotions, expect to see more no-deposit offers, deposit match bonuses, and even free bets!
