The Colorado online gambling market is quite liberal. At the moment, there are quite a few legal operators offering sports betting, lottery, and daily fantasy sports. We have looked into their offers and listed the best ones below. We have also discussed all the relevant laws, regulations, and licensing aspects gambling sites have to comply with to be considered legal.

Matt Speakman, Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

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Matt Speakman is a Connecticut-born and raised betting expert with a soft spot for the Patriots. He is also a proud member of the online-gambling.com team. You can read his articles on a broad range of topics, including sports betting and DFS.

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Online Gambling in Colorado: Best Sites & Products

Our research shows that there is a decent array of options for Colorado gamblers. First, there’s the state lottery, which has been in operation since 1983, and anyone age 18 or older can participate in the games and draws. Another great opportunity is the CO sports betting and DFS sites.

As we already mentioned, online casinos are illegal, and the closest alternative you have are the social operators, where you can play slots and table games for free. Still, there are other online gambling sites in Colorado which are legal and safe for players from the state.

Social Casinos

You may be unable to play legal online casino games for real money in Colorado, but you can enjoy them for free. The state allows the option for the so-called social gambling. The best social casino site in CO provides access to popular online slots and table games, which you can play without actually placing any bets.

The recommended operator is the closest alternative to the best online casinos in Colorado. Social casinos give you a chance to get familiar with new games without the risk that comes with real money bets. We’ll monitor the situation closely and let you know in case of any changes to the laws regarding online gambling in CO.

Online Sportsbooks

Sports betting was officially legalized in Colorado in 2019 via a voter referendum. The first legal sportsbooks went live in the state in May 2020. Today, CO players get access to a range of reputable operators, and every one of them provides an excellent betting experience.

The best online gambling sites in Colorado are licensed to operate in more than one US state. They provide top-notch security via the latest 128 and 256-bit encryption technology. In addition, these operators provide in-play betting, interesting bonuses for newcomers, and more.

Every one of the best Colorado sports betting sites provides access to a plethora of sports and events to bet on. You can wager on football, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and more. In addition, you get exciting bonuses for new and long-term players, as well as access to attractive VIP programs.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports betting was legalized in 2016 with House Bill 16-1404. The Act was signed by Governor John W. Hickenlooper on October 6th and made the Centennial State a premier location for DFS fans with top-quality operators like DraftKings. The best Colorado online gambling sites provide plenty of exciting contests and potential rewards.

The best daily fantasy betting sites in Colorado are provided by operators holding a valid gambling license from the Director of the Division of Professions and Occupations. There are annual independent audits from third-party organizations to ensure safety and fairness. Please note that bets on college and lower-level sporting events are now allowed.

Online Poker

As per the latest Colorado online gambling laws, this activity remains illegal in the state. However, you get a few exceptions. First, you can play online poker games at one of the available social casinos. You won’t be able to bet or win real money, but you still get the opportunity to enjoy yourself and keep your skills fresh.

Another exception is the “social” gambling, which allows for incidental poker games for money or other prizes if they are practiced within established friendship groups in private residences. Of course, you can also try one of the commercial and tribal casinos in Colorado, located in Central City, Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, Ignacio, and Towaoc.

Online Lottery

Following its launch on January 24, 1983, the Colorado State Lottery was selling only scratch tickets. This was until a couple of months later, on April 23, 1983, when the first drawing took place. Today, you can participate in popular games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life.

These are luck-based games that don’t require any significant gambling skills, which makes them perfect for newbies. The best thing is that you can also play lotto games online and on mobile devices. The top Colorado gambling sites with lottery offer subscriptions, allowing you to test your luck regularly.

The online lottery in CO was the first legal form of gambling allowed in the state. It is run by the state government and is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association, which is why players have such a wide variety of games at their disposal.

Online Gambling Bonuses & Promo Codes in CO

The top Colorado online gambling sites provide generous promotions for new and long-term players. The welcome bonus, for example, is a highly effective method for attracting customers, and typically includes a deposit match amount or risk-free bets. It is available only upon your first deposit with a CO sportsbook.

The recommended promotions are player-oriented and have fair terms and conditions. They provide reasonable and attainable playthrough requirements and validity period, which is crucial if you want to be able to withdraw any potential bonus winnings. Keep an eye on the dedicated “Promotions” page and claim only bonuses suitable for you gaming preferences and style.

Deposit Bonuses

Deposit bonuses are the most popular type of promotions you’ll encounter at Colorado gambling sites. As suggested by their name, they require you to make an initial deposit to unlock them. Essentially, once you do that, you will recieve a percentage of the amount back as bonus money.

Let’s give you an example – say an operator offers 100% deposit up to $100. This means that if you decide to deposit $50, you will get $50 back in bonus money. Like any other promo, deposit bonuses come with specific playtrough requirements, so remember to check them out in the corresponding terms and conditions.

No Deposit Offers at the Top Colorado Online Gambling Sites

With these offers, all you need to do is make a registration at a site for online gambling in Colorado that has an active offer of this kind, and you will receive it instantly. Typically, such promotions include a lower amount, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it. They are especially suitable for new players who want to try a few slots or table games with limited potential risk.

Top Gambling Apps – Bet on the Go

According to data from Drive Research^[3], more than 75% of sports betting enthusiasts prefer to wager online or via a mobile app. This is why every reputable gambling site in Colorado is fully optimized for iOS and Android devices. You get access to fast loading times, seamless navigation, and user-friendly interfaces.

The best Colorado mobile betting operators are intuitive and well-organized, so you can quickly find exactly what you’re looking for. What’s more, you can choose between native apps that you can download from the Apple Store and Google Play, and web-based apps you can access directly via your mobile browser.

Mobile gambling sites in Colorado are, by far, the quickest and most efficient method to gain access to your favorite legal betting activities. Like their desktop counterparts, they also offer attractive promotions for players from the state, various markets and sports, safe payment methods, and helpful and polite customer service.

Live Gambling in Colorado

Live or in-play betting is one of the best and most advanced ways to enjoy online gambling in Colorado. Essentially, you get the chance to place wagers on a game already in progress. This gives you the added benefit of being able to watch the sporting event in real time when making your betting decisions.

The best online gambling sites in Colorado feature a “Live” section with a nice range of sporting activities that unfold before your eyes as you keep track of your bets, too. As you can imagine, the interactivity of in-play wagering is pretty much unmatched, which is why the activity is growing in popularity.

Since online casino games in Colorado are illegal, the same automatically applies to live dealer tables from leading software providers like Evolution and Playtech. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these games, social casinos are also unable to offer them to players from the state. We’ll let you know if there are any shifts in legislation and pending gambling amendments.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Once you’ve decided what’s the best Colorado sportsbook for you, it is time to make your first deposit. To do that, you have to review the available payment methods. CO gamblers get access to a range of alternatives, including debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and more.

Every payment method at the Colorado gambling sites is safe and secure. One highly favored option is PayPal. As an e-wallet with excellent security and a convenient interface, it offers instant deposits, fast withdrawals, and does not charge any extra fees. Play+, PayNearMe, and Apple Pay are also great choices.

The depositing process is quite simple regardless of the payment method you choose. Once you set up your account, head to the cashier page, and click on the “Deposit” button. Select your preferred option and amount, fill up the required details, and hit “Confirm”. Deposits are usually instant, so you should see the money reflected in your account momentarily.

In a similar fashion, the withdrawal process is equally effortless, but you have to consider a few key differences. First, there are internal verification processes that might take up to several business days before the funds are being released. Furthermore, the withdrawal speed varies depending on the payment provider. Cards take between 3-5 days, while e-wallets take up to 24 hours.

Odds & Payouts

Payout rates are extremely important when you’re gambling online in Colorado. As fas as online casino games are concerned, the the return-to-player rate (RTP) is the amount you should expect for a title to return to you in the long run. This is predetermined and verified by external auditors like eCOGRA.

Another term you might come across when playing online casino games is the house edge. This is the advantage that the gambling operator has over you. Let’s look at a quick example. If a game has an RTP rate of 95%, this means that you would potentially get back 95% from your bets back over time, while the casino will earn 5% – the value of the house edge.

Logically, players should opt for games with higher RTP rates. This will ensure more stable potential profitability. Still, you have to play responsibly and remember that gambling cannot be a source of income of any kind. This is merely a fun pastime activity you can enjoy every once in a while.

When it comes to sports betting payouts are not exact values. The odds of a sports event are set by the sportsbook and reveal the probability of a specific outcome. Many factors influence a specific game as it progresses. Therefore, the odds can vary significantly even if the opponents are the same across several different games. We encourage you to get familiar with your possibilities beforehand and always double-check where the best odds lie.

How to Gamble Online in Colorado – Step-by-Step Guide

Gambling online in Colorado is a relatively straightforward process. The procedure is a standard one, regardless of where and what you want to play. All you have to do is select one of the legal gambling sites in the state and set up an account. You should also get familiar with the small specificities of every game you want to play.

To make things easier for you, we will outline the main steps you need to go through before you are done and ready to test your luck and expertise skills. If we have to summarize the things you should check, then there they are – legitimacy and safety of the operator, available payment methods, bonuses, and gambling activities.

A few tips from us – know your game, have a fully verified account, and always go for licensed websites. The rest will naturally come into place, with some luck, that is. After all, gambling is predominantly based on luck, which is another thing you have to keep in mind.

Advantages of Online Gambling in Colorado

Like everything else, gambling in Colorado has its advantages and disadvantages. There are several differences between placing bets online and at brick-and-mortar venues in the state. The most important one comes down to one thing – convenience. Playing offline has its own benefits, but it’s much more obligating than its online counterpart.

When you draw the line, it all comes down to your personal preferences. Clearly, both online and offline gambling have advantages, so what you have to decide is which option is more suitable for you. Nevertheless, the convenience of the online gambling sites in Colorado is undeniable.

Land-based Casinos, Kiosks, and Racetracks in Colorado

Online gambling in Colorado might be a bit restrictive, but the same is not true for commercial and tribal casinos. According to the American Gaming Association^[1], the gross gaming revenue of all land-based venues in the state in 2022 was $1.14 billion. These operators are set up in three cities – Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek. Together with the two Indian tribe casino resorts in Ignacio and Towaoc, there are 35 brick-and-mortar casinos across CO.

These establishments allow access to a variety of slots, roulette, blackjack, and pokerM. Most of the casinos in the Centennial State work around the clock and have stable lodging and entertainment base. If you interest is in racetracks, Colorado has got your back. There is one excellent horse racing track – Arapahoe Park in Aurora.

Every year from late May until the end of August, the venue offers enough thrills on its mile-long and oval track. Furthermore, there are six locations hosting various car racing events, including Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, the Colorado National Speedway in Dacono, and the Grand Junction Motor Speedway. A popular event you can watch in the state is NASCAR.

Colorado Gambling Laws

As per the Colorado Constitution, there are several legal gambling activities in the state. These include land-based casinos, daily fantasy contests, the lottery, live and off-track betting on horse racing, and “social” gambling. Bingo, raffles, and charitable games are also legal with a license from the secretary of state’s office. Gambling laws are dealt with by the Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming and the Limited Gaming Control Commission.

Online gambling is very clearly illegal in Colorado. The federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 prohibits players from using cards, checks or electronic bank transfers to place or settle bets. The state’s government reminds players that casino sites may be legal or licensed where they are based, but it remains illegal to place bets from within the state.

A formal opinion on online gambling was requested from the Attorney General by the Division of Gaming in 2013. It concluded that an amendment to the constitution would be required should Colorado online gambling is to be recognized as legal across the state.

“Social” gambling is allowed between ‘bona fide’ friends in Colorado if the gambling has nothing to do with the relationship. No person who is not a player in the game may profit from the game either, which would constitute “professional gambling”. These two factors are required for a gambling activity to be considered “social” gambling under CO law.

As of writing this article, online poker games are also illegal and there are no changes expected in the near future. Of course, you can occasionally engage in “social” poker games or visit one of the land-based casinos in the state, offering several poker rooms with player vs player tournaments.

Gambling Guides for Other States

• NJ Online Gambling
• Online Gambling in PA
• DE Online Gambling
• Gambling in CT

History of Gambling in Colorado

Legal gambling in Colorado officially began in 1983 with the Colorado Lottery. Voters from the state approved limited stakes casino gambling on November 6th, 1990, in a constitutional amendment. This was (and still is) limited to Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek as a means of revitalizing these communities. The bets were limited to $5 on slots machines, blackjack, and poker.

Adding further legal gambling locations in Colorado would require a constitutional amendment, and while this has been attempted six times since 1992, each attempt has been defeated. Shortly after the first land-based casinos were opened, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe also decided to open casinos on reservation land.

A study conducted by Deloitte & Touche found that between $29 and $33.3 million circulated the economy from the operation of these two casinos from 1995-1999. The study considered negative social impacts in the local communities, including substance abuse and increased car accidents though employment rates were positively impacted.

State Facts & Statistics

Colorado is home to the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Rockies (the baseball team and the mountain range). Known as the Centennial State, Colorado was admitted to the Union by Ulysses S. Grant four weeks after the centennial of the United States in 1876. It was the 38th state to join the Union and is known for its rugged and beautiful landscapes, including great plains and mountain ranges, and the world-famous Aspen ski resort.

Legal Gambling Age in CO

The legal Colorado gambling age varies from 18 for daily fantasy, lottery and bingo, to 21 for casino games or betting on horse racing. It extends to watching others gambling, betting, or collecting winnings from any limited gaming game or slot machine. Make sure to always carry a personal ID to verify your age before entering a gambling establishment in the state.

Underage gambling is illegal in the state, and those caught are subject to a fine and can even be arrested, resulting in a conviction on your permanent record. You wouldn’t want to have such actions be a part of their resumes, so follow the laws and stick to what has been legalized only.

• Legal Gambling Age:
  The legal age ranges 18-21 depending on the online gambling activity.
• Legal Drinking Age
  21 is the legal drinking age in Colorado.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  If you are 21 years of age, you can legally smoke marijuana in Colorado.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

We advise you to always gamble responsibly and stick to your limits. If needed, Colorado provides many resources to those who may be at risk of gambling addiction or wish to stop gambling. In addition to the Limited Gaming Control Commission, the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) and the Colorado Gaming Association are also charged with protecting the player’s interest and can help arrange various self-exclusion programs.

Moreover, responsible gambling organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous have many established groups in ten cities throughout the state. There, you will get emotional support from other fellow gamblers in a similar situation or already on the path of recovery. Meanwhile, Gam-Anon helps supports family members.

Conclusion: Growing Sports Betting Market

The legal sports betting industry is thriving in Colorado and gamblers from the Centennial State can also get involved in DFS action and play the lottery. There are plenty of excellent legal CO sports betting sites to choose from and we have laid out the ones we consider to be the very best.

As of this moment, there are no plans to change the Colorado gambling laws^[2] or regulations. As mentioned earlier, the state laws are not easy to amend when it comes to gambling and would require additional amendments to the Colorado Constitution. History has proven that this is something that is perhaps easier said than done.

Every attempt to add further legal gambling locations in the state has been blocked, so we can assume that there won’t be any significant changes soon. However, we are monitoring the legal situation in Colorado and we’ll keep you posted on any updates. If you would like to learn more about the industry, check out our guide to the top gambling sites in the US.

References

1. Colorado – American Gaming Association, American Gaming Association, (Retrieved November 24, 2023)
2. Colorado Gambling Laws, FindLaw, (Retrieved November 24, 2023)
3. Rodgers, Emily, (August 2, 2023), Sports Betting Statistics, Trends, & Predictions, Drive Research, (Retrieved November 24, 2023)