Colorado Sports Betting: Best Colorado Betting Sites and Promos - 2023

Sports betting and online sports betting are completely legal in Colorado.  

A 2018 court decision restricting gambling across the United States and allowing states to decide if they wanted to create local gambling markets. The state officially passed legislation (Proposition DD) in November 2019 and launched the Colorado sports betting market on May 2, 2020. 

25 sportsbooks have made their way into Colorado’s list of offerings, marking one of the larger markets in the United States. Colorado natives are known as a committed and friendly group of sports fans, and their attitude towards sports betting represents these attributes. 

Colorado sports betting also has a great infrastructure with the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids all providing top-drawer attractions in one of the most unique locations (because of the altitude) in the country. 

There are currently 25 sportsbooks that are live in Colorado and ready to accept wagers. While they may have many commonalities, such as betting lines in major sports and traditional opportunities for players, they all have unique selling points that set them apart. 

The experts at Usalegalbetting.com have spent time digging through the ins and outs of each sportsbook to figure out what makes each one stand out and for what reasons.

As we continue, you will see what makes each Colorado online sportsbook so special.

Note that there is not one sportsbook that is a definitive “best fit” for everyone, as sportsbooks suit different needs.

One person may require a more in-depth experience with a wide variety of betting lines to feel at home, while another may not care as much about betting in unique markets but would prefer to get their money deposited and withdrawn quickly.

Everyone has their own preferences and requirements for their betting experiences. 

Always pursue what makes the most sense for you, regardless of the overall popularity of every site. Got it? Here we go.

1. BetMGM Sportsbook Colorado - 🔢 Best for live betting odds 
2. Caesars Sportsbook Colorado - 🤝 Best for new sports bettors 
3. FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado - 📱Best betting app in Colorado 
4. BetRivers Sportsbook Colorado - 👓 Most immersive betting experience 
5. Bally Bet Sportsbook Colorado - 📈 Best for a variety of betting markets 
6. SBK Colorado - 💸 Best destination for favorable odds
7. DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado - 🎁 Most creative promotional betting opportunities 
8. WynnBET Sportsbook Colorado - 💰 Best opportunity to win big 
9. Bet365 Sportsbook Colorado - 🤗 Suitable for customers of every background 
10. PointsBet Sportsbook Colorado - 🤳Best place for easy mobile betting 
11. Fox Bet Sportsbook Colorado - 🏟️ Best for true sports fans 
12. Barstool Sportsbook Colorado - ✨ Most multidimensional betting platform
13. Elite Sportsbook Colorado - 🎙️Best online and in-person sportsbook 
14. Betfred Sportsbook Colorado - ⚖️ Most well-balanced sportsbook 
15. Betway Sportsbook Colorado - 🌎 Great for international online sports betting
16. BetSafe Sportsbook Colorado - 🖼️ Most comfortable, eye-catching betting app 
17. BetWildwood Sportsbook Colorado - 🏈 Designed specifically for Colorado residents 
18. SI Sportsbook Colorado - 🤼 Best for free pick ’ems and contests 
19. BetMonarch Sportsbook Colorado - 🪙 Best place to earn continual rewards
20. PlayUp Sportsbook Colorado - 👩🏻‍💻 Best for transparent communication with bettors
21. Play Maverick Sports - 🫴🏼Best sign-up opportunities and rewards 
22. Circa Sports Colorado - 🤑 Best for high-stakes sports bettors 
23. Sky Ute Sportsbook Colorado - Best homegrown Colorado sportsbook and betting platform 
24. SuperBook Colorado - 🏈 Best spot for diverse betting lines 
25. Tipico Sportsbook Colorado - ⏩ Best for fast registration and betting

In this section, we will expand on all of the sportsbooks and ideas that we mentioned above in much greater detail. 

Remember that just because sportsbooks have different selling points, it doesn’t mean that they do not offer some, if not all, of the same services as other books—they might just specialize in one area that others do not.

We recommend paying a visit to several of these sites as you decide which one is the best fit for your betting style to get a closer, more hands-on experience.

Without further ado, let’s put each of the best sportsbooks in Colorado under the microscope.

📰 October 11, 2023: Novig, a sports betting exchange, is approved for an online license. The license is the first one Novig has been able to acquire in the US.

📰 April 25, 2023 - ClutchBet becomes the news sportsbook to enter the Colorado market, bringing the total of legal Colorado sportsbooks to 26.

📰 January 1, 2023 - Colorado bill H.B. 22-1402 goes into effect, reducing rax write-offs for sportsbooks, meaning the state will almost double their yearly revenue

📰 October 20, 2022 - Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) service Underdog Sports Wagering is granted a temporary iGaming license, preparing to launch its own sports betting arm

📰 October 9, 2022 - The Colorado Division of Gaming released data showing Colorado bettors wagered over $290m, a 12.3% increase from July’s total of $258.4m

📰 September 28, 2022 - Colorado’s Legislative Audit Committee voted 4-4 along party lines not to investigate Governor Jared Polis’ (D-CO) business interests, including potential gambling stock, and his ability to profit from legislation he pushed through

📰 September 15, 2022 - The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approved a new tax allocation for the Colorado Water Plan in fiscal year 2022, rerouting over $11m

📰 September 8, 2022 - The Denver Broncos head into opening day in the 2022 NFL season with +1800 odds to win the Super Bowl (they are now over 7x less likely to win at the time of writing)

📰 September 1, 2022 - Colorado sportsbook locations and providers made $20.8m in revenue after accepting $254.8m in bets in July; $1.1m was paid in taxes

📰 September 1, 2022 - European gambling operator bet365 launches its sports betting service in Colorado, bringing the number of legal sportsbooks to 25 in the state

📰 July 6, 2022 - Colorado Rockies star and MaximBet partner Charlie Blackmon issues a statement via Twitter reminding bettors that money from gambling taxes goes towards conservation efforts and clean drinking water programs

📰 June 15, 2022 - state auditors find several failures in the Colorado sports betting scene, including operators failing to properly report taxes, undiscovered background information, and money lost to free bets

📰 May 24, 2022 - Colorado becomes the first state to cut sports betting tax write-offs, helping raise more money for the state; Gov. Polis supported the Bill

Colorado, like many states, housed different gambling enterprises in the 19th century, and probably had undocumented setups even before that.  

Let’s start with a quick background of what we do know.

Early stages 

HB 439 allowed for horse racing in the state. In 1982, SB-82-119 created the state lottery under the supervision of the Department of Revenue.

In 1991, Colorado added casinos to areas dominated by miners, which was one of the most successful industries at the time.

The breakthrough

Colorado sports betting was not a legal activity until a 2018 court decision (mentioned above).

That decision was given in the case of Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, and ultimately determined that the restriction on sports gambling across the nation was in violation of the country’s binding rules.

At the time of writing, 36 states have legalized sports betting since the 2018 court case—Colorado was the 19th state to do so, launching its market on May 1, 2020. 

However, the road to Colorado sports betting took time. Local change

It all started with HB 1327, or a bill in the House of Representatives that, among other things, proposed the idea of sports wagering in Colorado.

The bill made it through the House committees and went before a Senate vote, which it resoundingly passed 27-8. The bill then went back to the House for a second vote, where it also received the necessary support.

There were several key details of the bill, including age restrictions, support for casinos, registration rules, and more.

Specifically, the bill stated that no people under the age of 21 could be online, in-person, or by using mobile apps.

It also declared that the state’s 33 Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek casinos, were the only ones that could apply for master licenses. 

Furthermore, prospective customers would be allowed to register online or from their phones instead of having to visit a retail establishment. They would then be free to place wagers as high as they chose without state-imposed limitations.

There was an attempt to place a $100 ceiling on wagers, but that was quickly rejected, and the bill began to take shape.

Fast approval

It didn’t take much to make it through the next level as Gov. Polis signed the bill. In many other states, Governors delayed signing sports betting bills or sent them back to state legislators to make amendments, but Polis was on board. 

The bill was signed on May 19, 2019, but still needed to pass a majority vote in the general election, meaning that the true result of the bill would not be known until November. At the same time, that gave sportsbooks and other interested figures the opportunity to begin promoting the bill, establishing campaign sites, and putting people on the ground to help sway public opinion. 

The November election made the pro-gamlbing community sweat, but HB 1327 ultimately passed with 51.4% of Colorado voters’ support. Half a year later, the Colorado sports betting market was created.

Unanswered questions

Despite the resounding success for the Colorado sports betting community, there were a few questions related to betting that were left unanswered—the primary being DFS, which was already legal but did not receive any further development with the bill.

Daily Fantasy Sports are programs run by sports betting operators that allow users to construct fantasy-style lineups that are both non-binding and non-committal.

Players form rosters in their sports of choice and compete against other users for varying stakes.

DFS is appealing to many people because it is easy to get out of the rut. By that, if a person picks their lineup for the day and it ends up going horribly wrong, they can easily create a new roster the very next day. 

Online poker, other forms of iGaming, and the use (and regulation) of data were also not mentioned in the bill that is now Colorado law.

So, while it was deemed a successful rollout of the Colorado sports betting market, many questions still hung over the gambling community. 

So, all in all, Colorado sports betting took a couple of years, but legislators did not face as much criticism or opposition as many in other states did.

Nearby states without gambling markets have also used Colorado as an example of what a successful sports betting industry could look like.

Colorado Sports Betting Law

So, now that we’ve discussed the framework for Colorado sports betting and all of the legal hurdles that went into passing it, what does sports betting Colorado law look like today? We’re glad you asked. 

Colorado, as you would expect, mandates that all sports bettors be at least 21 years old.

Now, those people do not have to be Colorado residents or even been born in Colorado—they can be visitors, or better yet, complete passers-by on their way to another corner of the country, and they will be eligible to use Colorado sportsbooks.

Interested parties can bet with regulated Colorado sportsbooks, a list which we have already discussed in this article but that can also be found with a quick internet search.

Offshore gambling sites have not been declared illegal outright, but they are in a bit of a gray area.

Those sites are not hosted by American companies and are also decentralized, meaning that there are no guarantees on rules or ethics being uphelps, essentially opening the door to fraud and other criminal penalties.

Note that offshore sportsbooks are flatly illegal in other states and you will need to consult that state’s laws to find the answer—Colorado just happens to be one that has not defined their jurisdiction.

Just like non-Colorado residents can use Colorado sportsbooks when they are inside state lines,

Colorado residents will have to find other sportsbooks to use when traveling outside of the state, and if they are not in any of the legal sports betting states, they will not be able to access any sportsbooks.

Sports bettors can register with sportsbooks by using Colorado betting apps, a computer, or visiting an in-person establishment.

Some states require all first-time bettors to go to a brick-and-mortar location to verify the creation of an account, but Colorado does not, so long as the person meets the age requirement and has no deemed themselves ineligible to bet through self-exclusion (used to help people with gambling addictions.)

All gambling winnings are taxable by the state, just like any other form of income. Most states abide by this standard.

Casinos and sportsbooks all have to pay 10% in taxes on gambling revenue, whether those funds come at retail locations or online. A majority of the tax money sent to the state from casinos goes to the Colorado Water Plan which, as discussed earlier, is focused on preserving local waterways and providing clean drinking water to citizens.

Who regulates sports betting in Colorado? 

Colorado sports betting is regulated by Colorado Division of Gaming, which is under the command of the Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue. They control Daily Fantasy Sports, limited gaming, and sports betting.

The regulator acknowledges on its website that it is short in human resources and allows for interested applicants to apply online. The costs for entering the market as an operator differs depending on what the company is hoping to offer.

Companies looking to provide legal online sports betting services must pay $73,000—that fee drops to $12,000 for retail betting establishments.

Licenses also range from $25-$2,000 depending on the license that is needed/requested.

The office’s division can be found at 17301 West Colfax Avenue Suite 135. Golden, Colorado 80401-4880 or reached by phone at (303) 205-1300.

They respond to comments, questions, and tips via a “contact us” page on their website and also share information on how to gamble responsibly.

Colorado sportsbooks have been able to forge a strong position in the overall sports betting landscape ever since the early effects of the pandemic started to wear off.

Colorado bettors wagered over $494 million in March 2023, the last month with complete figures at the time of writing. Baseball was the most-bet sport by a wide margin, although popular sports leagues like the NFL and NBA weren’t in season at that time.

All in all, the state has accepted over $1.46 billion in wagers from the start of 2023 to the end of August, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

That’s a massive amount for a state that, despite its success, does not share the same profile as East-coast hubs like New York and New Jersey or midwest betting giant Illinois.

Over $11.68 billion worth of wagers have been handled by regulated sportsbooks since the market first opened in spring 2020. Sportsbooks have reported an excess of $511m in revenue, and the state has claimed $22.6m in tax funding.

Yes, Colorado sportsbooks are available on mobile apps, including Android and iOS.

Sportsbooks recognize that mobile betting is just as important to many sports bettors as in-person wagering, which is why apps have been constructed to look almost exactly the same as the full sportsbook.

Here, we will provide information on where you can find Colorado sports betting apps, as well as details of each one.

How do I use a Colorado sportsbook mobile app?

Using a Colorado sportsbook mobile app is simple—just follow these steps.

• Download the app using our links: by clicking on any of our links to the sportsbooks, you will instantly arrive at the correct place to download the app for  your sportsbook of choice.
• Sign up: create an account with your sportsbook by entering your information into the empty boxes, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and submitting your application.
• Deposit: choose your perfered paymnet method and make a deposit. Welcome bonuses will not be granted until an initial deposit is placed—that money can also be used to place your first bet.
• Place a bet: the final step is simply to use the mobile app to place your first bet. Once you have done that, you will have kicked down every door and will be a full-fledged mobile bettor. ( If you need help in placing a bet please visit our betting guides section for help)

Colorado sports bettors can place wagers on a wide variety of professional and amateur sports. 

Football, is traditionally the most popular betting sport, but there are others that are still extremely popular. And while soccer, tennis, cricket and rugby are less popular for bettors in North America, players can still bet on them.

As we continue, we will highlight all major sports that Colorado bettors can find betting lines for, the benefits to each, and highlight some of the key teams in the area.

Football

NFL

The NFL, as we already mentioned, is the crown jewel in Colorado’s sports betting market, with the Denver Broncos receiving a majority of the public’s support. NFL betting sites offer diverse lines from moneylines to parlay to teasers and are a hot spot for all types of bettors. NFL fans can also find exciting promotions throughout the season, especially near the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl

Super Bowl betting sites are largely just NFL betting sites, but with a twist—the Super Bowl is the most-watched television event in America, and Colorado sportsbook promos are frequent for new and returning bettors. The promotions can include free betting money, increased stakes, or lucrative sign-up offers.

NCAA Football

NCAA football is the top level of amateur football in America and the world. Colleges compete to move up the national rankings in a regular-season schedule until they are sent to postseason Bowl Games or named to the College Football Playoff. NCAA football betting sites capitalize on the devout faith of fans and provide lines and matchups, futures, and, if the state allows it, props.

Basketball

NBA

The NBA is also extremely popular for Colorado bettors, thanks largely in part to the Denver Nuggets. NBA betting sites are structured similarly to NFL betting sites, although betting lines are available more frequently as games occur nearly every day in-season. The NBA also has expansive betting markets, with futures, props, traditional lines, and much more.

NCAA Basketball

NCAA basketball is the top level of amateur basketball in America. Teams have both conference and non-conference parts of their regular-season schedule before 68 top teams are selected to go to a one-and-done bracket. NCAA basketball betting sites are at their best during March Madness but are prevalent throughout the year.

March Madness

March Madness betting sites are dedicated to the 68-team bracket portion of the NCAA basketball season. The term “March Madness” was coined because of all the upsets that occur, making it a spectacular time to be a sports fan and bettor.

Baseball

MLB

The MLB is the best baseball league in the world and houses talent from across the globe. It is extremely popular not only for its high-level action but also because of how quickly the games come and go and the constant player movement across the league. MLB betting sites are once again similar to the previous two and have tons of betting lines—the local Colorado Rockies usually receive the most bets.

Hockey

NHL

The NHL is a gut-wrenching, jaw-dropping hockey league that has a diehard corps of fans. The Colorado Avalanche is the most popular team in the area and competes in a shorter regular-season schedule with the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. NHL betting sites are yet another group of sites that provide tons of betting lines, fit for every audience.

Golf

The LIV tour, international events, and many more events can be found here. Among the many options, bettors can pick winners, lowest scores, longest drives, and more.

PGA Tour Golf

PGA Tour golf is the premier event for top golfers across the world. Although the LIV Tour has caused some golfers to break off lately, the tour remains a hot commodity. PGA Tour golf betting sites allow bettors to choose winning golfers from a large field, giving them more profitable odds than simple head-to-head matchups.

NASCAR Auto Racing

NASCAR auto racing is a series of stock-car races with cars that go well over 200mph. NASCAR betting sites are also catered to a committed crowd of fans, especially the race-going crowd. Bettors can wager on the winner (from a field), the fastest lap, if there will be a crash, and more.

MMA

MMA is another popular (and general) spot for combat sports. The most popular federation in MMA is the UFC, which houses most of the top fighters in the world. MMA betting sites offer betting lines in clusters on cards (or lineups for events) and let bettors pick fight winners, the method of victory, when the fight will end, and more.

Boxing

Boxing is both the pastime and future of sports in America. The Rocky movie series helped capture the eyes of millions, while heavyweights like Mike Tyson and, lately, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury captivated audiences with their other-worldly power and breathtaking skill. Boxing betting sites offer odds on fights, the method of victory, what round a fight will end in, and more.

Horse Betting

Horse betting is one of the oldest traditions in America. The Kentucky Derby is known around the world for its high-stakes races and massive gambling draw, but there are plenty of other races that occur all the time. TVG betting sites let bettors pick the winner of a racer from a huge field, which is just another way to secure large payouts.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports betting sites let users become the general manager of a team in their favorite sports. Players can roll into every day with a new lineup, much different than the long-term commitment required for regular fantasy sports, like on soccer or tennis, for example. Players compete to build the best lineup and take on other users for real-money prizes.

College Sports Betting in Colorado

College Colorado sports betting is totally legal, just like it is for professional leagues and international competitions. The University of Colorado is the most popular local attraction, but bettors can support their team of choice anywhere in the country. 

However, prop betting on college sports is illegal. States are split on whether or not it is right to allow bettors to gamble on individual performances of amateurs, and Colorado has taken the position that it is not okay. 

Regardless, bettors can find lines on all of the usual big matchups in college football, basketball, and more.

Prohibited Sports Betting in Colorado

The only true prohibition in Colorado sports betting is against college player props. Aside from that, all bets are legal, so long as they are placed with a regulated sportsbook and the bettor meets the requirements.

Professional Sports Teams in Colorado

Denver Broncos
The Broncos have a strong history in the NFL and are revered for their incredible atmosphere and unique playing-day experience.  

Whether the players are still warming up or in full tilt, prospective bettors visit the BetMGM lounge, which features a drink service and betting kiosks. If that doesn’t fit your preferences, however, there is also a Betfred betting lounge on the south lawn.

Mile High visitors are truly treated to a great overall time, whether it be through the friendly crowd of fans, the beautiful stadium, or either of the betting lounges.

• League: NFL
• Year Founded: 1960
• Stadium: Empower Field at Mile High 
• Location: 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204
• Partners/sponsors: Betfred, BetMGM, FanDuel

Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are yet another team to capitalize on Denver’s unique environment, brandishing a faded “5280” in the court to represent the mile-high altitude.

Ball Arena does not house any in-stadium sportsbooks, but the Nuggets are sponsored by the well-known PointsBet sportsbook. Fans of the team can access betting lines for the Nuggets on PointsBet or any other regulated sportsbook.

• League: NBA
• When Founded: 1967
• Stadium: Ball Arena
• Location: 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
• Partners/sponsors: PointsBet

Colorado Rockies
The Rockies’ stadium is known around the MLB as a haven for home run hitters because of the thin atmosphere, which causes the ball to soar over the outfield wall with great regularity.   

Coors Field also does not currently have an in-stadium sportsbook, but there is a rooftop party deck that could be a nice spot for one to go up in the future. Even without a dedicated betting lounge, the Rockies have a 50,000+ seat stadium with an open layout, stacking seats behind home plate to look out on all of the home runs that are hit.

• League: MLB
• When Founded: 1991
• Stadium: Coors Field
• Location: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
• Partners/sponsors: BetFred, DraftKings, WynnBet

Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche always have a roaring fan base cheering them on any time they hit the ice. They too play in Ball Arena, where no sportsbook is present, which means that there are no in-person betting opportunities for loyal visitors.

However, the stadium is an experience in and of itself. Anyone who is new to Colorado and has not been to an Avalanche game will be taken aback at how close you feel to the action with the sounds of slicing skates and the jostling of the big bodies.

• League: NHL
• When Founded: 1972
• Stadium: Ball Arena
• Location: 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
• Partners/sponsors: DraftKings, PointsBet  

College Sports Teams in Colorado

Basketball

• Air Force Falcons Men’s Basketball
• Colorado Buffaloes Men's Basketball
• Colorado State Rams Men's Basketball
• Denver Pioneers Men’s Basketball
• Northern Colorado Bears Men's Basketball

Football

• Air Force Falcons Men’s Football
• Colorado Buffaloes Men's Football
• Colorado State Rams Men's Football
• Northern Colorado Bears Men's Football

Colorado sports betting is not restricted to simple online betting with websites or mobile apps. Instead, bettors can also find retail locations where they can hang out, relax, and throw down some wagers. 

Retail sports betting locations are often combined with casinos, which is where bettors go to play poker and other card games, slots, roulette, and many more traditional games, or sports venues. However, there are also standalone betting lounges or sports betting kiosks combined with bars and restaurants. 

As we continue, we will go over retail sports betting locations in Colorado and discuss the opportunities they offer for visitors.

Ameristar Casino Black Hawk 

Ameristar is a casino and resort located in Black Hawk, Colorado. It forged a partnership with Barstool Sportsbook in November 2020, and now has a refined destination for sports bettors as well as several restaurants and plenty of hotel rooms. Their website is easy to use and shows availability for hotel rooms to allow you to plan an overnight stay ahead of time.

BetWildwood Casino (ISI)

BetWildwood Casino partnered with ISI Race & Sports (ISI) to launch a special sporting experience for gamers.

It is a full-service casino with over 500 slot machines, 14 table games, 102 hotel rooms, and a full in-house sportsbook. Visitors are treated to a 24-hour gambling floor with enough betting kiosks to satisfy every customer.

Bronco Billy’s Casino 

Bronco Billy’s Casino is a popular destination for casino-goers and sports bettors due to its warm environment and high-stakes action.

Guests can dine at award-winning restaurants, go play on the BetAmerica sportsbook (debuted in 2020), access slots and table games, or stay overnight at Carr Manor. They also have a players club and special rewards for frequent patrons.

Colorado Grande Casino

The Colorado Grande Casino has one of the most unique aesthetics of all Colorado casinos and resorts.

There are only seven hotel rooms, and each offers an older, western-style feeling that represents the town and local environment. Back inside, visitors can grab refreshments at a coffee bar or restaurant or access the SI Sportsbook, launched in 2021.

Golden Mardi Gras Casino 

The Golden Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado debuted its DraftKings-sponsored sportsbook in August 2020.

Visitors are also welcome to gamble at any of the various slot machines or table games. When in need of a break, feel free to check out historic Black Hawk in the area surrounding the casino.

Grand Z Casino 

The Grand Z Casino launched its sportsbook in partnership with Play Maverick Sports in January 2021.

This place is special because it has a “Mile High Room” with guests on Fridays and Saturdays, along with over 400 slots, table games, and other gambling attractions.

Visitors can also stay the night at the hotel if they aren’t busy using the 24-hour gambling floor.

Isle of Capri Casino

Isle of Capri launched the Caesars Sportsbook (in conjunction with William Hill) in July 2020.

Visitors are treated to nearly 1,000 slot machines, a poker room with 10 tables, and 30 table games. There are also 400+ hotel rooms and luxury suites ready to be booked for anyone wanting to make a trip out of their visit.

Johnny Nolon’s

Johnny Nolon’s was the first of two casinos to launch its sportsbook, with the help of partner ISI Race and Sports, in August 2020.

The casino also has a rich history as one of the first five to open in the state in 1991, giving it major influence in the area. Patrons are invited to enjoy over 6,000 square feet of gambling space and entertainment.

Johnny Z’s Casino

Johnny Z’s also linked up with Play Maverick Sports for its sportsbook, which cut the ribbon in March 2021.

Inside the casino, you’ll find hundreds of slots and video game machines, including penny slots, and an on-site restaurant. Commemorate your visit with a trip to the gift shop before you walk out the doors.

Lady Luck Casino

Lady Luck premiered the William Hill sportsbook (since converted to the Caesars sportsbook) in July 2020.

This hotel-casino has advanced rewards for overnight visitors and prospective sports bettors, 400 + slot machines, a restaurant, a bar, and luxurious hotel rooms. This is yet another top-tier destination in the popular Black Hawk area.

Monarch Casino Black Hawk

Monarch Casino in, guess where, Black Hawk launched its BetMonarch sportsbook in December 2021, giving it complete authority and autonomy with its sports betting arm.

Just 40 minutes from the state’s largest city of Denver, guests are free to check out a buffet, expansive gaming floor, and live entertainment. 

Red Dolly Casino

Red Dolly Casino went live with the ELITE Sportsbook in August 2020. Branded as “Black Hawk’s oldest and friendliest casino,” the Red Dolly has a full-service restaurant, a casino floor, and a must-see design.

This is a perfect spot for gamblers who love the thrill but don’t want the loud, crowded environment to boot.

Saratoga Casino

Saratoga Casino was the first casino in Colorado to officially house a sportsbook, welcoming in the Betfred sportsbook in June 2020.

Betfred now also has a location outside the Empower Field at Mile High for game-going Broncos fans. Inside the property, there is a restaurant with all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner and tons of gaming setups, all in front of the majestic Colorado mountains.

Sasquatch Casino

Sasquatch Casino launched an in-house sportsbook in May 2020 a few months after the state's sports betting market opened.

There’s a famous 7-foot-4-inch tall sasquatch statue on the property, where many visitors stop for a photo opp. It is also locally owned and has 186 slot machines for visitors to use during their visit.

The Lodge Casino at Black Hawk

The Lodge Casino at Black Hawk launched its SuperBook Sportsbook in June 2021.

They have a few dining options—including a Cinnabon— overnight rooms, and table games with large amounts. As you might imagine, The Lodge has a clean, wooden aesthetic and feel that perfectly represents Colorado.

Wild Card Casino

Wild Card Casino is another establishment that used IGT to launch an in-house sportsbook outfitted with tons of betting kiosks.

The first two floors of the building are dedicated to gambling floors and table games, while the third floor is a comfortable bar and restaurant. There is also a convenience store for, well, your convenience.

Z Casino

Z Casino went live with the Play Maverick Sportsbook in January 2021. The casino has over 400 slot machines, roulette wheels, blackjack, poker, and other high-stakes games to round it out.

There is no hotel on the premises, but there is one a few miles away.

Colorado sports betting is legal and live at retail sportsbooks and casinos, online betting sites, racetracks, and affiliate locations.

The market opened in November 2019 following a federal court decision in 2018 that opened the door to the spread of gambling.

The Centennial State did not need much pushing in the wake of the decision.

Lawmakers were almost unanimously on board and welcomed sports betting with open arms. Now, Colorado has a growing and healthy market for customers and operators.

36 states (at the time of writing) have legal sports betting markets, five of which are not yet live.

However, the internal processes, structure, and binding rules differ greatly between states. As we continue, we will compare Colorado’s sports betting ecosystem to those of several nearby states.

The ultimate goal will be to highlight the similarities and differences between Colorado and other nearby competitors.

The national market is still in its infancy, and states are constantly pulling what they can from other nearby locations and adapting their model.

Here’s a report on how a few of Colorado’s contemporaries look.

New Mexico

New Mexico was early to the party, becoming the sixth American state to legalize sports betting in October 2018. There are many regulated sportsbooks in the state, none more important than the first legal sportsbook, the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel.

New Mexico has a steep 46.25% tax rate on casinos’ net take and receives 6% of gambling winnings. Figures for their revenue are not available online, but the market appears to be healthy and productive. 

Some states have outlawed the use of offshore sportsbooks, but New Mexico has kept them legal. In fact, nearly every facet of gambling is legal here, including college and college player prop betting.

There are no major sporting draws in the state, with the New Mexico Lobos football team being the greatest draw. However, they are next door to Arizona and Texas, both of which have very strong sports attractions. 

New Mexico sports betting participants must be at least 21 years old to wager online or at casinos, although guests of 18+ can wager at racetracks. The New Mexico Gaming Control Board oversees all gambling-related operations within state lines. 

Arizona

Arizona is another state in the prominent southwest gambling area, except it has more juice than its neighbor, New Mexico. Arizona sports betting launched in April 2021 after Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill into law. 

From the launch of the market to the end of 2021, Arizona bettors wagered more than $1.7bn in total. Sportsbooks made out with $60m in profit, leading to $6.1m being paid to the state in taxes. 

Arizona has a few major draws for sports fans in general, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Mercury. They also have strong collegiate options with the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.

There are no laws that explicitly outlaw offshore sportsbooks like Bovada in Arizona, leaving them open for use. Unlike New Mexico, however, Arizona bettors cannot put money on individual player performances in college sports. 

Arizona bettors have to be 21 to place any type of bets with regulated agencies. The Arizona Department of Gaming serves as the regulator for all sports gambling endeavors.

Kansas

Kansas sports betting recently began in September 2022 after a long-winded legislative battle and tons of internal and external pressure. Other states in the middle of the country pushed Kansas to legalize sports betting and join their proliferating sector, but legislators needed a lot of convincing. 

The six regulated sportsbooks reported a $160.5m handle in their first month of operation, resulting in $1.29m in revenue and $129,000 in taxes for the state. The market is expected to grow substantially with more time and investment.

Kansas missed a golden opportunity for sports bettors in spring 2022 as the University of Kansas Jayhawks won March Madness, successfully defeating the University of North Carolina in a memorable title match they controlled from the opening tip. 

The only professional pro sports teams in Kansas are Sporting Kansas City, although they are next door (and lend their name) to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the MLB’s Kansas City Royals.

Offshore betting sites are legal in Kansas for bettors who prefer to get their lines from any of the non-dominant sportsbooks or are looking for different offerings. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is in charge of monitoring the state’s gaming scene and intervening when necessary.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma sports betting has not been legalized, but that is not for want of effort. In January 2022, Rep. Ken Luttrell introduced HB 3008 which, among other things, called for a legal sports betting market in the state. 

Gambling has been legal in Oklahoma since 2004. There are more than 140 tribal casinos, yet despite this, none of them can legally accept any sports bets.

There is great interest in breaking into the Oklahoma market from most major sportsbooks. Although it is not the most populated state, nor one with the greatest draws in the world, it is in a growing part of the country’s gambling scene and would unlock a new revenue stream. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder stand out as the biggest attraction in sports in Oklahoma, while the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University also receive a ton of attention. 

Lawmakers are continually pushing for legalization and figure to continue until a compromise of sorts is reached if their request is not granted outright. Until that time, however, sportsbooks will remain entirely illegal. 

Casino-going gamblers must be at least 18 years old to place wagers.

Utah

Utah sports betting is not operational and faces a long road to legalization. In fact, Utah is one of just two states in the USA —Hawaii being the other — that has exactly zero forms of legal gambling. That includes casinos, sports betting, horse racing, DFS, and anything that you can think of. 

The closest way for prospective sports bettors to get involved is by playing free-to-play, no-prize contests and simulators. For example, Utah residents (and guests) can play a free DFS-style game online, but they cannot deposit or withdraw any money tied to the game. 

While many states without legal sports betting are marching in the right direction, Utah is completely stuck in the mud. The Beehive State would have to legalize gambling before it could even consider adding sports betting to its market, which represents a much greater step and has taken months, sometimes years, for other states to debate.

Utah has a long history of opposing gambling as a reserved and traditional state. There are inevitable integrations of the internet that could force the state’s hand on some levels, but it is doubtful that a market will open up any time soon.

Sports fans, the non-betting kind, are still free to go check out the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utah Utes and Utah State Aggies to get their fix.

Wyoming

Wyoming sports betting was legalized in April 2021, and DraftKings and BetMGM became the first sportsbooks to offer their services as part of the market. Caesars and FanDuel joined later in 2022, and both Barstool and PointsBet have received regulatory approval but are yet to launch their services.

There are no commercial casinos in the state and only four tribal casinos, meaning that a majority of sports betting take solace online or through mobile apps, although the tribes are allowed to offer sports betting if they want to. 

Wyoming sportsbooks accepted nearly $13.6m in wagers in September 2022, leading to over $1.9m in revenue for the agencies and close to $1.2m in tax money for the state. All three of those figures were monthly records for the state, which is finally building momentum in its gambling scene.

There are no major professional attractions in Wyoming, but there are several semi-pro teams and collegiate athletics. Residents support teams such as the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, among others, although team patronage is not usually geo-based. 

Offshore sportsbooks can accept wagers from Wyoming per the state’s legislation. All online sports gamblers betting with regulated sportsbooks must be at least 21 years old.

The Wyoming Gaming Commission is in charge of creating, disseminating, and enforcing the rules for the gaming community. 

Nebraska

Nebraska sports betting was expected to launch in early 2022 but now could be months, if not longer, away. 

The state legislature passed a bill in May 2021 that legalized sports betting—all that was left to do was create an internal structure and set a launch date. However, that has proven harder than previously expected, as the state is looking at possibly up to 2024 before it will have sports betting. 

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is working on approving casinos at local horse racing tracks. It is possible that they will have to build permanent establishments to be deemed eligible to offer sports betting services. 

The bill approved in 2021 also only deals with in-person sports betting, meaning that the online and mobile app crowds are set to be excluded. Several states have found that online wagering leads to far greater participation, which could prove to be a point of discussion for lawmakers. 

There aren’t any professional sports teams in Nebraska, but there are schools like the University of Nebraska and Creighton University that have popular football and basketball teams.

Online casinos are completely and totally illegal in Colorado, regardless of age, residency, or online location. This means that popular games like slots, roulette, and card games cannot be played for money anywhere on the internet.

In contrast, all of these games and many more are available at retail establishments. Colorado has more than 40 casinos in total, the majority of which are in Black Hawk and Cripple Creek, and all have their share of exciting games.

Online players are still treated to sports betting and DFS, just not casino games. Visit our Colorado’s online casino page for more information.