Colorado Sports Betting
Colorado officially opened for sports wagering on May 1, 2020, following a vote by Colorado voters to approve sports betting in November of the previous year. Colorado had several online betting options to choose from on Day 1, and the list is expected to grow as more sportsbook operators enter the state. Bookies.com, established as the trusted, go-to source for the best legal sports betting sites, utilizes an extensive rating system to rank the best Colorado sports betting apps, recommending only legal and U.S.-based online casinos and sportsbooks.
Best CO Sports Betting Sites
Colorado has several safe, legal online sportsbooks available to choose from. Every site researched and listed by Bookies.com offers safety and security, some offer better options and payment methods to suit your needs.
Licensed and Regulated in the United States
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How We Pick the Best CO Sports Betting Sites
Bookies.com uses a variety of criteria to determine the highest quality legal online betting sites in Colorado. Among the factors we consider in each sportsbook review:
Safety & Security: You want to be sure your money is going to be deposited into a safe and secure account. Bookies.com exclusively recommends online sports betting sites licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming. If you wager with a licensed Colorado sportsbook on our list, your account and balance are secure.
Payment options: All licensed sportsbooks in Colorado offer a variety of banking options to open and fund your account, including Play+, credit/debit cards; bank transfer/electronic check; PayPal; PayNearMe; or cash at the Colorado casino cage that is partnered with your online sportsbook. Withdrawal methods are often similar but can vary by site.
Signup bonuses: Just about every Colorado online sportsbook offers online bonuses and promotions, especially for new customers. Examples of these promotions include welcome bonuses, a free bet or deposit match up to a specific amount – sometimes as much as $500 or more. We check out all the terms and conditions to make sure they are fair.
Site navigation: No two sports betting sites look the same. Two sites may offer the same bets, but a good user interface lessens confusion and possible accidental bets. Sports bettors have several Colorado sports betting apps to choose from, but no two are the same. Each has its own software, layout and graphics. Find a site and sportsbook app you’re comfortable with.
Odds and wagering options: Odds fluctuate from site to site depending on betting action. Every Colorado online sportsbook site offers NBA game lines. But not all of them have player props and live betting. You may not want to pick a side against the spread when the Denver Nuggets play host to the Los Angeles Lakers, but it might be enticing to take the Under on total points for LeBron James. Be certain the site you’re looking to sign up for has the options you want. Some sites also have more offerings of in-game (live betting) wagering opportunities. For now, prop bets and live betting on college sports are prohibited in Colorado.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Colorado?
Yes, sports betting is legal and available in Colorado as of May 1, 2020, with all operations licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming. For now, a master license holder may have one “skin” – online casino partners – per gaming license. Of the 33 physical casinos in the state, 31 reside within the city limits of Black Hawk, Century City and Cripple Creek, with the exception being the two tribal casinos in the southwest corner of the state.
Action began on May 1 with four sportsbook operators, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and BetRivers. BetMonarch opened its own, independent online sportsbook on May 11. Up to a dozen more could be added by the end of the year.
Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in CO
The list of reasons to bet at legal, online sportsbooks in Colorado is long. It begins with safety and security. All legal sportsbooks in the state are licensed and regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming. It monitors each online sports betting site to ensure legality, safety, security and fairness, from odds to promotions to new customer bonuses.
If you are betting with a risky, unregulated offshore site and can’t withdraw your funds, there is nobody to turn to, as they are not regulated or licensed in the United States. Have an issue with a CO sportsbook? Call the CLGC.
Staying local and legal with a Colorado sportsbooks also adds convenience. You can place a sports bet from anywhere in the state, even if you’re a non-resident, thanks to geolocation technology. CO sportsbook apps are available for iOS and Android phones. You simply need to register your account online then your favorite sportsbook app.
Colorado Land-Based Sportsbooks
Currently, there are no land-based sportsbooks in Colorado, but that’s expected to change in the second half of 2020.
Monarch Casino Resort Spa plans to open its own retail sportsbook by fall, while DraftKings expects to open a retail sportsbook at one of its partner casinos in the near future.
The Colorado casinos and racetracks which may offer land-based sportsbooks in the near future:
Black Hawk
- Ameristar Casino Black Hawk
- Bull Durham Saloon and Casino
- BullWhackers Casino
- Canyon Casino
- Fitzgeralds Casino
- Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel
- Lady Luck Casino and Hotel
- Lodge Casino
- Monarch Casino Resort & Spa
- Red Dolly Casino
- Riviera Black Hawk Casino
- Sasquatch Casino
- Silver Hawk Saloon & Casino
- Red Dolly Casino
- Riviera Black Hawk Casino
- Sasquatch Casino
- Silver Hawk Saloon & Casino
- The Wild Card Saloon & Casino
- Z Casino – Black Hawk
Cripple Creek
- Black Diamond Casino and Salon
- Brass Ass Casino of Cripple Creek
- Colorado Grande Casino
- Creeker’s Gaming Hall
- Gold Rush Hotel
- Imperial Casino
- J.P. McGills Hotel & Casino
- Johnny Nolon’s Casino
- Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino
- Uncle Sam’s Casino
- Wildwood Casino
Central City
- Century Casino
- Famous Bonanza
- Teller House
Elsewhere
- Ignacio: Sky Ute Lodge and Casino
- Towaoc: Ute Mountain Casino Hotel & Resort
Complete List of CO Online Sportsbooks
Every casino in Colorado have been granted a Master Sports Betting License, which means they have the ability to find an online partner to open their own online sportsbook. There were only a handful of operational online sportsbooks in May 2020, but that number is expected to grow rapidly over the next year.
A total of 20 partnerships have been created.
Live Partnerships
| Skin | License Partner | Tech Company | Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Golden Gates Casino | IGT/GAN | May 1, 2020 |
| DraftKings | Golden Mardi Gras | Kambi | May 1, 2020 |
| BetMGM | Midnight Rose Casino | GVC | May 1, 2020 |
| BetRivers | JP McGills Hotel & Casino | Kambi | May 1, 2020 |
| BetMonarch | Monarch Casino Black Hawk | Stadium | May 11, 2020 |
Parnterships Expected To Debut In 2020-21
| Skin | License Partner | Tech Company | Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PointsBet | Double Eagle Hotel & Casino | PointsBet | Q2 2020 |
| SBK | Bronco Billy’s Casino | Smarkets | Q2 2020 |
| FOX Bet | NA | Stars Group | Q2 2020 |
| BetWildwood | Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek | ISI Race & Sports (ISI) | Q2 2020 |
| SportsBetting.com | NA | NA | Sept. 2020 |
| SuperBook USA | The Lodge Casino at BH | Stadium tech | Sept. 2020 |
| Penn Natl/Barstool | Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk | Kambi | Q3 2020 |
| Betfred | Saratoga Casino | Playtech | Q4 2020 |
| Wynn Sports | Bronco Billy's Casino | Betbull | TBD |
| BetAmerica | Bronco Billy’s Casino | SBTech | TBD |
| theScore Bet | The Lodge Casino at BH | Bet.Works | TBD |
| William Hill | Lodge Casino Black Hawk | William Hill | TBD |
| Circa Sports | Century Casino | IGT PlaySports | TBD |
| Carousel Group | NA | NA | TBD |
| Digital Gaming | NA | NA | TBD |
A Closer Look at Each Colorado Sportsbook
There are no retail sportsbooks operating in Colorado as of late May 2020.
DraftKings will sponsor a sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino, Bet America will operate at book at Bronco Billy’s and BetMonarch will have its own, independent book at Monarch Casino. There are no set dates for when they will open. Check back here for more details as they get closer to opening.
Mobile Sports Betting Apps in Colorado
Colorado mobile sports betting is available through several of the top online sportsbooks, including household names like DraftKings and FanDuel, with a list expected to grow many times over in the next 12 months. CO sports bettors can expect not just industry leaders, but new and local sportsbooks.
FanDuel: Expected to be one of Colorado’s most-popular sports betting apps, the FanDuel sports betting app can be accessed from the FanDuel website or downloaded on mobile apps. FanDuel, the most-popular online sportsbook app in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, offers betting options on major national sports with many international options. Users can also toggle to its daily fantasy sports side.
DraftKings: DraftKings has labeled Colorado as one of its top priorities as it looks to establish a leading foothold in the state. It’s been regarded as a favorite due to its ease of use, speed and bonuses, and its vast array of betting options. Sign up on a browser or app and receive a risk-free bet up to $200.
BetMGM: The mobile app has been aggressively expanding and has drawn praise for bring easy to use and navigate. It offers lines on all major sports and features include an early cash-out option that allows players to settle bets before a game ends, plus odds boosts and overtime insurance.
BetRivers: A flagship Pennsylvania entity, BetRivers has become a major player in the national scene with and daily promotions.
BetMonarch: A locally owned and operated sportsbook at the Monarch Casino Resort Spa, BetMonarch is promoting the lowest juice of any available online sportsbook, in addition to comps and tier points that can be used at a Monarch casino in Colorado.
To see partnerships, here is a breakdown of Colorado online/mobile sportsbooks, their licensing partners, and the date each online sportsbook launched.
| Licensing Partner | App | Date Launched |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Rose Casino | BetMGM | May 1, 2020 |
| JP McGills Hotel & Casino | BetRivers | May 1, 2020 |
| Golden Mardi Gras | DraftKings | May 1, 2020 |
| Golden Gates Casino | FanDuel | May 1, 2020 |
| Monach Casino Blackhawk | BetMonarch | May 11, 2020 |
Bonuses & Promotions Offered at CO Sports Betting Sites
With several online sports betting Colorado apps available and many more to come, there is plenty of competition for your sports betting business. Nearly all CO online sportsbooks offer some form of bonus or promotion, especially to first-time customers.
Below are common types of bonuses offered:
First-time deposit offer: The most-popular bonus for new customers. After you make an initial deposit, the operator will add a full or partial amount of your deposit, immediately adding to your bankroll. Bonus amount often must be wagered within a certain timeframe. Some CO sportsbooks may offer reload bonuses for existing accounts. Check the terms and conditions.
Loyalty programs: Rewards programs are mainstream at this point, offering perks for regular bettors. That can include anything from cash bonuses to travel and hotel perks, and more.
Risk-free bet: Also a popular bonus for new accounts. After signing up, the first bet you make is a no-risk proposition – if you lose, the sportsbook reimburses your account.
Odds boost: Odds boosts are growing in popularity among the biggest sports betting sites, offering bigger odds than usual on specific teams. If the Colorado Rockies are at +200 in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, for example, a sportsbook may boost the odds to +250 for Rockies bettors.
Parlay insurance: If you play a four-team parlay, you can place insurance on it that will get your bet refunded if it fails to hit. Typically, three of your teams must hit and big favorites are excluded.
Types of Sports Bets Offered in Colorado
Point spread: Teams are favored to win by a certain a number of points or goals. Bettors can choose the favorite or underdog with their respective odds. The spread evens the odds so both teams offer the same risk. This is the most-popular type of bet for football and basketball games.
Moneyline: Betting on a team to win a game, straight up, based on odds set by the sportsbook. There is no point spread, and odds are skewed based on which team is favored. If the Nuggets at -150 favorites against the Suns, it would take a $150 wager to win $100 in profit on a Denver win. Phoenix, the underdog at +130, would require a $100 risk to win $130 in profit. This is the most-common wager type for MLB and NHL betting.
Over/Unders: Also known as the total, this involves wagering on the amount of points or goals scored in a game. You pick either Over or Under the line provided by a sportsbook.
Parlay: Parlay bets involve one wager on multiple games picked. All selections must win to cash the bet. The more teams in the parlay, the higher the odds and potential payout. A three-team parlay with odds at -110 typically will pay close to +600, a four-teamer offers odds closer to +1200 (a $100 winning bet would net $1,200 in profit).
Futures: A wager on a team or player, with the results to be determined at a later date. Examples of futures bets are wagering on a team to win the Super Bowl before or during the NFL season, or a golfer to win the Masters before the tournament starts.
Teasers: Teaser wagers allow the bettor to adjust the point spread in a game in exchange for reduced odds. Teaser bets are often used in parlays. For example, the Denver Broncos are 7-point favorites over the Los Angeles Chargers. In a 6-point teaser, the bettor could select the Broncos -1 or the Chargers +13. The reduced odds depend on how many points are teased.
Round Robin: Similar to a parlay bet, but not all your selections have to win. For example, if you pick three MLB teams to win on a given night, you create three separate two-team parlays. The round robin offers less risk and less reward than traditional parlays.
In-game: Wagers placed as a game is happening. Live betting, as it’s also referred, offers a wide range of options, from real time prop bets on players to point spread changes, to how many runs will be scored in an inning of an MLB game. Online sportsbooks use computer algorithms to set in-game wagering odds and the action moves quickly.
Prop Bet: A prop bet is wagering on something occurring during a game that is not tied to the result of the contest itself. An example of a player prop that a sports betting operator might offer is: Over/Under on LeBron James points in a game. A team prop bet could be something as simple as which team scores first in Sunday’s game between the Chiefs and Broncos.
What Sports Leagues Can I Bet on in Colorado?
Sports betting is allowed for every major professional and college sport in the country and beyond, meaning there is plenty for sports fans to wager on. That includes:
- Football (NFL, CFL, NCAA)
- Basketball (NBA, WNBA, NCAA, EuroLeague)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Soccer (MLS, English Premier League, English Championship League, others)
- Golf (PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, others)
- Tennis (ATP, WTA)
- Auto Racing (NASCAR, Formula 1, others)
- Boxing
- Mixed Martial Arts (UFC)
Live betting and prop bets are prohibited on college sports in Colorado. Bettors, however, may place game wagers on the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams games. All the pro teams in the state – the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies and Colorado Avalanche – offer no betting limitations.
Signing Up Process for CO Online Sportsbooks
Once you’ve decided which Colorado online sports betting site you’d like to access, creating an account is simple.
The first step is registration. You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, address, email, phone number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. That is required to verify that you are at least 21, the minimum age to wager in Colorado. Some players may be asked for their entire SSN.
All CO online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine where you are betting from. You don’t have to be a resident of Colorado to bet on sports, but you do have to be within the state borders.
Once you’ve created an account, choose a funding option. Once funds are deposited, you are ready for action. You can also download the CO online sportsbook app for mobile betting, either from the site of the App Store.
If you experience any sign-up issues or have questions, CO online sportsbooks offer customer support information on their apps with phone, email or chat options widely available.
Payment Options for CO Online Sports Betting
Play+: was created for accounts at online casinos and sportsbooks. It’s a virtual prepaid card that can be funded online by credit card or bank account to make instant deposits and cash out while playing online. Most CO online sportsbooks allow you to apply from the account page. You can withdraw winnings from participating ATMs.
PayPal: The most popular e-wallet in the U.S., PayPal allows you to transfer funds from your PayPal account to an online sportsbook account. Setting up a PayPal account is simple and can be funded with a credit/debit card.
Credit cards/Debit cards: Nearly all Colorado online sportsbooks say they accept debit and credit cards, but not all cards will allow transactions with online casinos and sportsbooks. Even if legal in your jurisdiction, some banks and financial institutions incorrectly flag the payments. When they do work, funds immediately transfer to quick play. Some credit and debit cards may also add fees, treating the transaction as a cash advance.
Bank transfer/ACH: Transfers allow the CO online sportsbook to establish a direct connection with a player’s checking account, creating an immediate transaction. This practice is widely accepted and allows for an easy reload of your account if necessary.
E-wallets: Online accounts that secure bank or credit card information, allowing easy deposits at CO online sportsbooks. Several e-wallet options are available – PayPal and Neteller are popular examples of an e-wallet.
PayNearMe: A deposit action in which no bank account is needed. Players can fund their account with cash at 7-Elevens, CVS pharmacies and Family Dollar stores.
How to Deposit and Withdraw at Online Sportsbooks in Colorado
Colorado online sportsbooks don’t all have the same options. Nearly all of them accept Play+, credit and debit cards, e-checks and prepaid cards. PayPal, Neteller and other e-wallets are often accepted and avoid bank fees that some credit and debit cards are saddled with.
Withdrawals are sometimes less immediate, depending on your method. Casino cards and PayPal offer immediate withdrawal, while e-checks could take 1-5 days or more.
Some Colorado online sportsbooks may require verification (such as a driver’s license) before processing withdrawals. Some will not process withdrawals back to credit/debit cards. Whichever withdrawal method you end up going with, the funds are secure in your CO online sportsbook if you wagered on a site licensed by the state’s Colorado Division of Gaming.
CO Sports Betting History
1983: Colorado adopts a government-sanctioned lottery.
1991: Colorado approves the most significant gaming expansion in modern state history, allowing casino gambling at the historic mountain communities.
1999: Charitable raffles and bingos are explicitly legalized by the state.
2005: Real money online casino gaming is deemed illegal. Colorado is one of the earlier jurisdictions to rule against online gaming authorization, years before a federal crackdown begins following passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act.
2008: A resolution to expand offerings at the casinos in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek and Central City is approved by voters, extending casino hours and wagering limits.
2014: Expanded casino gaming is rejected by Colorado voters in one of the costliest proposition battles in state history. It reaffirms residents’ general aversion to most forms of gambling outside the historic gaming communities.
2019: Voters narrowly approve Proposition DD, which legalizes sports gambling and permits the state’s historic mining town casinos to offer in-person and online sportsbooks.
2020: The first online sportsbooks open on May 1. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and BetRivers offer the first apps to accept bets locally.
Latest Colorado Sports Betting Numbers
COLORADO SPORTS BETTING HANDLE, JULY vs. JUNE
| July | June | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Handle | $59.184M | $38.137M | +55% |
| Net Proceeds | $2.417M | $2.170M | +11.4% |
Updated Aug. 28
LATEST NEWS: Colorado July Sports Betting Handle Increases By 55%
Colorado Sports Betting FAQ
What are the requirements to bet on sports in Colorado?
Sports bettors must be at least 21 years of age and be physically within Colorado’s state borders.
How do online sportsbooks know my location?
Geolocation technology can pinpoint your location from your iOS or Android phones or computer.
Which casino can get a sports betting license in Colorado?
The law restricts sports betting to the 30-plus casinos already licensed in Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek, but allows them to offer mobile and online sports betting.
How many online sportsbooks are in Colorado?
Five online sportsbooks are active as of mid-May, with up to a dozen more expected to go live in the next year.
Which Colorado sports teams can I bet on in CO?
Colorado’s four major professional sports teams – the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies and Colorado Avalanche – have no limitations in terms of betting on them. You can also bet on the two major college teams in the state, the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams. But live betting and prop bets are prohibited for all college events.
How is sports betting regulated in Colorado?
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming are the governmental authorities over legalized sports betting in Colorado.
Should I bet on legal CO sports betting sites over offshore?
No. Going with a legal sportsbook as opposed to an offshore entity protects you and provides reliable payment and withdrawal options. Bettors in the U.S. have no legal recourse in the US if something goes wrong at an unregulated offshore site.
What sports can you bet on in CO?
Betting is allowed on all major U.S. pro and college sports, including NFL and college football, NBA and college basketball, MLB and NHL. It also includes a large number of international sports and non-team sports such golf, tennis, auto racing, boxing and mixed martial arts.
What sports can’t I bet on in CO?
Colorado residents cannot bet on high school events or eSports not sanctioned by a governing body.
Are there any other betting restrictions in CO?
Proposition bets and in-game (live) betting is not allowed on college games.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports betting allowed in Colorado?
Yes. In 2016, Colorado became the fifth state to regulate Daily Fantasy Sports gaming.
Is eSports betting legal in CO?
Colorado law allows eSports betting as long as the events are sanctioned by a governing body and the participants are at least 18 years of age.
Where can I bet on sports in Colorado?
You can bet anywhere within state lines through one of the several active online Colorado sportsbooks.
What are the tax rates on CO sports bets?
On operators, Colorado has installed a 10% tax on all gaming revenue, more than the 6.75% take of Nevada but far under the 36% clip in Pennsylvania and 51% rate of Rhode Island. For sports bettors, in addition to owing the IRS federal tax on gambling winnings at a rate determined by your tax bracket, you are also subject to the state income tax (4.63%).
Is sports betting legal in all states?
Not yet. So far, 17 states offer full-scale, legalized sports betting, including nine that have full online sports betting offerings, including Colorado. All but three other states have taken steps to begin legalizing sports betting.
What help is there for those with sports betting addiction in CO?
There are several options for those who may need help for sports betting addiction. The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (303-662-0772) increases awareness, advocates treatment and promotes research and education on problem gambling. Gamblers Anonymous(303-754-7119) has many established groups in Colorado, and Gam-Anon is a help and support group for family members of those with gambling problems.
References
- Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2020, from https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/limited-gaming-control-commission
- Colorado Division of Gaming (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2020, from https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/gaming/
- US Department of Justice (January 24,2020). Retrieved January 28, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/
- American Gaming Association (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2020, from https://www.americangaming.org//a>
- International Association of Gaming Regulators (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2020, from https://www.iagr.org/
About the Author
Adam Thompson
NFL writer and expert Adam Thompson joined Gambling.com in 2019 after a successful run as senior handicapper for SportsLine and CBSSports.com. He has consistently produced profitable seasons in NFL and college football and established himself as an elite MLB expert in 2018, hitting 61 percent of his money line picks for a profit of $4,062 to $100 players, ending the season on a 22-4 run including 100 percent on World Series games. Previously the award-winning sports editor of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Adam spent nearly 20 years covering the NFL, MLB and college football. Now he shares the insight he gained at Bookies.com through well-reasoned picks and thought-provoking articles and on Twitter at @_Adam_Thompson_.
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