Colorado Sports Betting 2020

Guide to Online Sportsbooks Colorado

Lawmakers in Colorado considered sports betting shortly after the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in May 2018. Too late in the state’s 2018 legislative session to pass the necessary state-level laws to accept bets, elected officials began working out the details of a bill to be ready for 2019.

A decision to use sports betting tax revenues for water projects helped unite a broad array of lawmakers to support the bill and, after working out key details like tax rates and purveyor access, the bill was overwhelmingly approved in spring 2019.

Still, since the bill would tax sports betting operators, it was subject to a statewide vote. Odd ballot language, and the state’s long-standing skepticism toward gambling, made the vote closer than supporters would have liked. But it still passed by a narrow majority, paving the way for the first significant Colorado gambling expansion in more than a decade.

All this means Colorado sports bettors will soon have legal betting options. The bill passed in 2019 allows the more than 30 casinos located in the state’s three historic gaming communities to open retail sportsbooks and, more significantly, each one is entitled one online sportsbook as well.

With online and mobile betting making the vast majority of revenues in other states with internet gaming, this could be a huge boost for the Colorado sports betting market. Combined with the state’s avid support for sports, it could be one of the larger per capita markets in the country.

Is Sports Betting Legal In Colorado?

Colorado sports betting is legal, though bettors aren’t eligible to place bets yet. Sports wagering in Colorado was narrowly approved by a voter referendum in November 2019, becoming just the second state to do so by a ballot measure after Arkansas.

Key regulations still need to be approved by Colorado state officials, but betting is expected to begin midway through 2020.

Once operational, eligible bettors will be able place a wager at in-person sportsbooks in the historic gaming towns as well as online from anywhere within state borders. This sets up what should be one of the more competitive, robust and well-rounded online sports betting markets in the country for both purveyors and bettors.

Colorado Sportsbooks and Their Partners

The following brick-and-mortar Colorado casinos are eligible to offer sports bets. Follow Bookies.com for details as new online and retail sportsbooks begin accepting bets.

What to Consider When Choosing Colorado Betting Sites

Colorado’s online sports betting market hasn’t yet started, but bettors can expect a full array of free bets and other bonus options that are common in other states with legal wagering.

With multiple online sites, or “skins,” expected to be available by the end of 2020, its highly likely the competing sites will create a variety of options to attract bettors.

Leading sports betting purveyors such as DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, William Hill and many others are all expected to enter the market. All have used promotions in other states, and there’s a good probability they give bonus options and free bets once live in Colorado.

Keep tabs on Bookies.com to find all the latest offers, promotions and other details.

The online and mobile sports betting user experience in Colorado is also undetermined, as none of the sites have gone live currently, but users should expect a similar, robust array of offerings available in other states.

Leading sports betting providers are continually working to update mobile apps and sites that make bets convenient, easy and straightforward for users of all experience levels.

The key for sports bettors is to find the interface that they enjoy most, especially when there could be more than 30 skins in Colorado.

Colorado also has few limitations on eligible betting options. All major professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB are available, meaning Centennial State bettors can wager on the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rockies.

Colorado can also wager on college sports, though high schools (like every other state) are not eligible.

There will also be a full variety of traditional betting options like totals, point spreads and money line, but also prop bets. As the market matures, expect even more options. Most sites will promote these options, so bettors should explore multiple sites and check reviews to see what is offered exclusively at certain sites.

Will mobile betting be offered in Colorado?

Full mobile and online sports betting options will be available for eligible Colorado residents and visitors wishing to wager. Final regulations are still being worked out, but in-person registration requirements don’t appear likely. That means bettors should be able to wager from anywhere within state lines with an internet-connected mobile device.

Gambling in Colorado Timeline

2019

Voters narrowly approve Proposition DD, which permits the state’s historic mining town casinos to offer in-person and online sportsbooks. Wagering is expected to begin by May 2020.

2014

Expanded casino gaming is rejected by 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.

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.

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.

1999

Charitable raffles and bingos are explicitly legalized by the state.

1991

Colorado approves the most significant gaming expansion in modern state history, allowing casino gambling at the historic mountain communities.

1983

The state adopts a government-sanctioned lottery.