Online sports betting in Colorado is legal! As long as you are over 21 and based in the state of Colorado, you can place bets at over a dozen sportsbook apps. Retail sportsbooks are also in operation at many of the state’s brick and mortar casinos.
Colorado prides itself in doing things a little differently. In fact, sportsbook operators only became legal following a public referendum back in 2019.
Read on to find all everything you need to know about legal sports betting in Colorado.
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OH Colorado Sports Betting Apps
Under Proposition DD, it’s legal to place real money bets on licensed mobile apps. You can also earn a deposit match when you join up – claim free wagers on prop bets or markets of your choice.
There are now over 12 Colorado sports betting apps up and running. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest and best.
Betfred
UK bookmaker, Betfred, has been a presence in the UK since the 1960s. And now, the British betting behemoth has moved into the regulated US market in a deal with Saratoga Casino.
BetMGM
The BetMGM name will be familiar to anyone who’s been to an MGM Resorts casino in the United States.
Previously, the BetMGM sportsbook offered legal sports betting in West Virginia, New Jersey, Indiana, Nevada. But, in a deal with the Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino in Cripple Creek, they now legally accept sports bets in Colorado.
BetMonarch
BetMonarch launched its mobile sports wagering app on May 8, 2020. It’s unique in being the first Colorado sports betting software that is completely owned and operated in the Centennial State.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers launched its sportsbook app in 2020 in partnership with JP McGill’s Hotel & Casino in Cripple Creek. The software is powered by Rush Street Interactive, and BetRivers has experience in the legal US market already. In fact, BetRivers runs sports betting sites in Iowa, Illinois, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
BetWildwood
In 2020, Cripple Creek’s Wildwood Casino launched its own mobile sports betting app, BetWildwood. It has two technology partners in the shape of Amelco and ISI Race & Sports.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings was among the first sports betting operators to launch in Colorado. The DraftKings sportsbook debuted in May 2020 in partnership with Mardi Gras Casino in Blackhawk.
Furthermore, in opening its doors, the leading Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) provider now has legal retail sportsbooks in seven US states. Under Colorado law, it’s legal to bet on DFS or individual sports markets.
ELITE Sportsbook
Elite Casino Resorts signed a partnership with Red Dolly Casino, Black Hawk, in July 2020 and launched its mobile app in Colorado the following month. As well as placing prop bets and moneyline wagers online or through a mobile app, you can visit the ELITE Sportsbook at the Red Dolly Casino in person.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is a leading DFS provider that also has licensed sportsbooks in Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Now, FanDuel Sportsbook has launched in the state of Colorado with Golden Gates Casino, Black Hawk, as its land-based partner.
FOX Bet Sportsbook
FOX Bet was launched back in 2019 and is one of the newer sports betting players in the US. The easy-to-use app is already popular in states like Pennsylvania, but now gamblers in Denver or Aurora can bet on the Denver Broncos through the FOX Bet app.
FOX Bet makes a big play of its celebrity tie-ins. For instance, you’ll get expert analysis from FOX Sports presenters on a range of major sports.
PointsBet
Aussie gambling pioneer, PointsBet, already has sports betting sites in New Jersey, Iowa, and Illinois, where it’s licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Sportsbetting.com
SportsBetting.com was a little late to the Colorado party but finally got a license from the Colorado Division of Gaming in September 2020. The US-facing sportsbook is part of the Carousel Group and has a land-based partner in the shape of Johnny Nolon’s Casino in Cripple Creek.
SBK by Smarkets
Smarkets is a well-known betting exchange platform that launched in June 2020. After master gaming license from Christmas Casino in Cripple Creek but runs under the name SBK.
SBK offers the unique Smarkets Exchange which shows you current price movements as they happen in real-time.
theScore
theScore is a Canadian media business that already has a legal sportsbook in New Jersey. It’s also due to introduce mobile apps in Iowa and Indiana in due course. In Colorado, theScore launched its award-winning sports betting app in September 2020 on the Bet.Works platform. It also runs the sportsbook at the Gilpin Casino.
William Hill
British betting giant William Hill now offers an app in Colorado. In partnership with the Isle of Capri Casino, they run one of the most effective mobile apps around.
It also runs the retail sportsbook at casinos like the Isle of Capri.
Possible Sportsbooks Coming to Colorado
Sports betting has only been live since May 2020 but some of the biggest sportsbook operators have wasted no time in getting their products out.
But who else could be joining the party in 2020 and beyond?
Bet365
Bet365 entered the New Jersey sports betting market in 2019 and already has eyes on other regulated states. It’s one of the UK’s oldest and most successful sportsbooks and offers an award-winning mobile app for gamblers.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool already offers retail sportsbooks and online betting through its partnership with casinos in states like Pennsylvania. Indeed, Barstool launched a land-based sportsbook at Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk in July 2020 and has been keen to get mobile apps out in every legalized state in the Union.
BetAmerica
BetAmerica’s first Colorado retail sportsbook opened its doors back in September 2020 at Bronco Billy’s Casino in Cripple Creek. There are plans to launch a mobile app and an online sportsbook soon.
How to Open a Colorado Online Sports Betting Account
Ready to get started with legal Colorado sports betting? You’re only a few clicks away from opening your account and making your first wager.
1. Choose A Sportsbook
Select one of our top mobile apps or online sportsbooks from the list above.
You’ll find easy links that get you straight to the action.
Remember, you must be resident in the United States in order to download a client and create an account.
2. Sign Up and Deposit
Download the app or visit the sportsbook website and create your account, then enter a new username and password. You’ll also have to provide some key information, such as:
- Email address
- Home address
- Phone number
- Social Security Number
3. Verify Geolocation Software
Most Colorado sports betting apps use GeoComply software plug-ins to verify your location within The Centennial State.
In fact, without these, you won’t be able to place bets within Colorado state borders. Luckily, apps come with the plug-in already included.
4. Enjoy Responsible Betting
The Colorado Division of Gaming insists on a good attitude toward responsible gambling on behalf of its licensed operators.
Now that Colorado is one of the major US hotspots for legalized sportsbook apps, the state has to up its commitment to responsible gaming.
If you or anyone you know needs help can access a full list of helplines including contact details for the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado.
Remote Registration at Colorado Online Sports Betting Sites
Unlike Iowa sports betting, gamblers in Colorado can register for a sportsbook account anywhere in the state. That puts Colorado on a par with states like West Virginia and New Jersey in that regard.
You can either download a native app direct from the App Store or Google Play, if available. Alternatively, you can just install an app straight from the sportsbook website. You’ll need to have geolocation tools enabled to ensure you get access to the app when inside Colorado.
Colorado Sports Betting Locations
Retail casinos were only legalized in Colorado in the 1990s, but now, there are around 30 land-based casinos in the state, which are mostly concentrated around the gambling centers of Cripple Creek, Central City, and Black Hawk. There are also two tribal casinos in the state.
Like online sportsbooks, land-based casinos are overseen by the Colorado Division of Gaming and they hold a full list of offline casinos for customers.
Under the new betting laws in Colorado, every land-based casino is allowed one master license. They are then permitted partnership deals with up to two operators.
However, as of November 2020, not every Colorado casino had taken up its full license allocation. Here are some Colorado casinos who have sportsbooks and sports betting app deals in place.
- Bronco Billy’s Casino – BetAmerica
- Christmas Casino -SBK
- Double Eagle Hotel & Casino – PointsBet
- Century Casino Cripple Creek – Circa Sports
- Johnny Nolon’s Casino – Sportsbetting.com
- JP McGill’s Hotel & Casino – BetRivers
- Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino – BetMGM
- Wildwood Casino – BetWildwood
- Ameristar Casino – Barstool/Kambi
- Bull Durham Saloon & Casino – TBC
- Gilpin Hotel & Casino – theScore
- Golden Gates Casino – FanDuel & DraftKings
- Golden Mardi Gras – FanDuel & DraftKings
- Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk – William Hill
- Lady Luck Casino – William Hill & FOX Bet
- Monarch Casino – BetMonarch
- Saratoga Casino Black Hawk – Betfred
- Easy Street Casino – TBC
- Famous Bonanza – TBC
- Century Casino – TBC
- Grand Z Casino – TBC
- Johnny Z Casino – TBC
Colorado Sports Betting Payment Options
Colorado mobile apps and sportsbooks offer a wide range of banking options. The reason being that sites want it to be as easy as possible for you to get your money in and out of your account. Watch out for fees, especially when funding an e-Wallet or making a credit card transaction.
Depositing at Colorado Sportsbooks
In general, you’ll be able to make real money deposits via a selection of cards and online transfer methods. Although, limits will vary from app to app.
- Debit cards: Use your Mastercard, Discover, or Visa to make instant payments straight from your checking account.
- Credit cards: Fund your sports betting account with a Visa or Mastercard credit card. Watch out for the 3% cash advance fee, which is usually applied when you make the deposit.
- Wire transfer: Make an online payment from your US bank account, where available. Bank transfers can be instant, but not all US banks are eligible.
- Prepaid card: Some sportsbooks will issue Play+ prepaid cards. Load your card with funds and instantly transfer cash to your account. It’s a great alternative to traditional bank cards.
- PayPal: Use your online e-Wallet to transfer cash anonymously to your sportsbook account. Deposits are usually instant and you can avoid the kinds of declined payments you might experience with debit cards.
- ACH/e-Check: A third-party processor like VIP Preferred is a top banking method for gamblers wanting to transfer cash without using a credit card. You also avoid the sorts of banking fees associated with wire transfers.
Cashing Out Your Winnings
You can also withdraw funds from your sportsbook account and transfer them to a card or e-Wallet.
In general, you will have to withdraw cash via the same method you used to deposit with. That’s to avoid any money fraud issues and help to comply with the Colorado Division of Gaming rules. If you can’t cash out that way (e.g. MasterCard and Visa aren’t available for withdrawals), you’ll have to settle for a straight wire transfer.
Withdrawals are always subject to payment processing. This is to allow for any checks necessary before the money arrives in your account. Cash-out times can range from 1-2 days for PayPal, to 5-7 days for a wire transfer. You can also request a paper check by email, which typically takes a few weeks.
To cash out, follow these steps:
- Visit the sportsbook cashier or open the tab in your app
- Select your preferred cash-out method
- Enter the amount you want to withdraw
- Enter your account password
- Hit the submit button
Colorado Sports Betting Options
It’s easy to get started with legal Colorado sports betting through our in-depth guide to betting on sports.
Legal sportsbook apps in the state of Colorado offer hundreds of markets on major sports and overseas games like cricket and darts. Also, you can bet in-play on games as they happen, or bet on futures for a Super Bowl winner many months away.
Types of Bets Allowed
Mobile apps in Colorado allow for a massive array of bets and wagers. For instance, you can place bets on outright results of games or go for more complex bets covering multiple outcomes.
- Moneyline: Bet on the result of a game between two teams or competitors
- Totals (Over/Under): Bet on the total number of goals or points during a game. Bet on whether it will be over or under the sportsbook’s position.
- Points betting: You can also bet on the points spread where the favorite’s and underdog’s position changes during a game. Back the favorite with a points handicap, or go for the underdog with a given points advantage.
- Teasers: This is a points spread wager where you get to choose the handicap. The more the favorite is handicapped, the bigger the odds.
- Prop bets: Bet on the star quarterback having a great game or the NBA All-Star scoring a bunch of chances. Prop bets give you special odds on your favorite players.
- Futures: Bet on the outcome of sports events many months ahead, such as backing the next US Open champ.
- In-play: In-play betting lets you gamble on games as they happen. Follow the live stream or track the stats in real-time as the odds change before your eyes!
- Parlays: Why back a single result when you can back multiple results in one bet? Intuitive bet slips give you the power to combine several wagers in one. The more results you back, the higher your odds. You can even take out parlay insurance in case one of your legs fails.
Types of Sports/Games Available to Bet On
The best Colorado sportsbook apps come ready-stocked with hundreds of markets to bet on. Take your pick of major sports like hockey and football, or take a shot at overseas ties in cricket, rugby, or soccer. You’ve never had a bigger choice of games to bet on.
You can also bet on college sports with Colorado sportsbooks.
Colorado Sports Teams to Bet On
Colorado betting operators now let you place wagers on Colorado sports teams across major US sports like the NHL and NBA. Some college sports are also permitted, as long as games don’t involve college teams playing in Colorado.
NFL Betting in Colorado
From individual games to player props and the winner of the Super Bowl, Colorado sports bettors can wager on their local team the Denver Broncos. For example, on single games, you can bet the points spread, the total points, or, just play it simple and go for the winner on the moneyline.
Not sure what to bet on? We provide the best NFL picks and parlays for the week’s NFL games. Alternatively, get the full skinny on placing quarter lines bets and 1st half spreads with our in-depth NFL how-to guide.
NHL Betting
Want to bet on the Eastern Conference winners or perhaps the Stanley Cup Outright winner?
You can find hundreds of NHL markets to bet on at Colorado sportsbooks. For example, bet the puck line, period winners, or game props like the game going into overtime. Also, you can bet in-play on all major NHL games. Odds change as the game progresses, so you never have to miss out.
MLB Betting
Millions of dollars are bet on the World Series every year. But what if you want to bet on your favorite team or have a wager on the Colorado Rockies?
Colorado sports bettors can wager the moneyline on the night’s games, form a parlay, or bet in-play on the Colorado Rockies. However, before you do, read the latest analysis and expert picks on MLB, as well as our complete guide to placing bets on baseball.
MLS Betting
Soccer is one of the largest betting markets in the world, and you can even bet on teams in the MLS. For example, bet on the Colorado Rapids in the Saturday match, or go Over/Under on the total number of goals in a game.
You can even bet first goalscorer, number of corners, or enjoy enhanced odds on soccer parlays involving the biggest teams.
Horse Racing Betting
Colorado has had some pari-mutuel betting on horse racing since the 1940s. Therefore, you can legally place wagers on races in the state or bet on simulcast races being held in other states.
The Centennial Race Track opened in 1950 but closed 30 years later. Arapahoe Park is still operating and remains the sole racetrack in Colorado. On-track horse racing betting is permitted, as well as off-track betting on horses and greyhounds.
Similar to other legalized sports betting states, horse racing wagers are not available at Colorado online sportsbooks.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Colorado
Daily Fantasy Sports was made legal in Colorado back in 2016. Law H 1404 makes it possible for Coloradans over 18 to enter online DFS contests for real money.
At the best DFS sites, you pay a fee to enter scheduled contests on sports, such as MLB, NFL, or NHL from the pool of players available and score points depending on their performance.
The more points you score, the bigger your share of the prizepool.
In Colorado, you can now play legally at DFS sites like FanDuel or DraftKings. Also, these major operators usually offer welcome bonuses to new sign-ups and regular offers.
The History of Colorado Sports Betting
Colorado has had a gambling presence way back since the 19th century. Gaming halls and poker dens appeared in the overcrowded towns as pioneers, travelers, and businessmen passed through the state.
But it wasn’t until the 1990s that Colorado rubber-stamped a law permitting brick and mortar casinos in the state. As a result, three gambling zones were set up in Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City, and the majority of the state’s casinos are centered around those three towns. Colorado now boasts around 30 land-based casinos and slots parlors.
Sports betting became a possibility in Colorado in 2016 when Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) was legalized. And three years later, following the Supreme Court overturning of PASPA, Colorado became the first US state to hold a referendum on the legalization of sports betting.
When did sports betting become legal in Colorado?
Colorado Proposition DD, the Legalize Sports Betting with Tax Revenue for Water Projects Measure, was passed in November 2019. In the end, the vote was close – 51.4% to 48.59% in favor of legalization.
The yes vote paved the way for HB19-1327 to pass into law. Thus, the new bill legalized sports betting operations in Colorado, with a 10% tax going toward state water projects.
In April 2020, sportsbook operators were issued licenses by the Colorado Gaming Control Commission. Then on May 1, 2020, the first Colorado sportsbooks finally went live.
The uptake has been good, even despite the coronavirus pandemic shutting down most major sports. In fact, total sports wagering in the state of Colorado in July 2020 was around $59m.
CO Sports Betting FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in Colorado?
Absolutely. Following a public referendum in 2019, Colorado sports betting was made legal. You can now place mobile or online bets through platforms operated by Colorado casinos. The first mobile apps were launched in May 2020.
What Is The Legal gambling Age In Colorado?
Sports betting is regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming. It oversees the issuing of licenses to betting operators and guarantees that providers are obeying their responsible gambling duties.
Is It Legal To Bet On College Sports In Colorado?
You can bet on sports like college football and college basketball as long as games don’t involve teams taking part in Colorado. However, prop bets on individual player performances are prohibited.
Do I Need To Be A Colorado Resident To Be Able To Bet On Sports Online?
No. You can register an account from anywhere in the US as long as you have a home address and SSN. However, you will have to be in Colorado when you log on and place wagers.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On Sports Betting Winnings?
Yes. You will have to pay 25 percent on any winnings you make from sports wagers. That increases to 28 percent if you don’t declare winnings to the IRS.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports Betting Allowed In Colorado?
Yes, DFS was legalized in Colorado in 2016 under Bill H-1404. Colorado became the fifth US state to allow Daily Fantasy Sports contests for real money. Contests are open to over-18s residing in Colorado.
What Help Is There For Those With Sports Betting Addition In CO?
The Colorado Gaming Association takes responsible gambling seriously. Anyone with a gambling problem can access a self-exclusion program, formed in conjunction with the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC).
Can You Bet On Sports in Black Hawk, Colorado?
Of course! There are around a dozen Black Hawk casinos that operate retail sportsbooks and have partnerships with online sports betting partners. You can use betting terminals to place wagers or bet on your mobile phone in the casino.