Colorado online sports betting is live and flourishing. The state has a long-standing history of being a hotbed for legalized gambling. So, it is no surprise to see online and mobile sports betting on the rise here. In fact, no other US state has as many active sportsbooks as Colorado.
Sports bettors in the Centennial state have a host of sportsbook apps and sites to choose from. The state’s liberal outlook on legalized gambling also means more verified sportsbooks enter the market each month.
Sports Betting in Colorado
Given how many professional and college sports teams are based in Colorado, it is no surprise state residents like placing wagers. The Centennial State is sports-mad. This, combined with a liberal approach to gambling, has opened the gates for legalized sports betting.
The legalization of sports betting in Colorado in May 2020 also created opportunities for in-person gambling in state casinos. All of the state’s 33 bricks and mortar casinos could apply for a master license. This license allowed casinos to partner with online operators to offer sports betting services online and in person.
Under the master license, Colorado land-based casinos can offer in-person, retail sports wagers. Most of these casinos are located in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. There are also two tribal casinos in Ignacio and Towaoc which have retail sportsbooks.
Online Sports Betting
Since Colorado online sports betting sites were legalized in 2020, the sportsbook business has boomed. State residents over the age of 21 can now choose from 26 sportsbook apps and websites. These are all accessible from mobile and desktop devices. Players can sign up and wager remotely without needing to visit a casino.
As one of the most expanding online sports betting markets in the US, it is likely more operators will launch in 2022.
Colorado online sports betting sites vary in quality, experience, and value for customers. Some of the big players in the online betting scene are well established in the Centennial State. The likes of FanDuel, PointsBet, and Caesar’s have entered the market in recent years. But up and coming operators, including Fox Bet, and global sportsbooks, like Betfred, have also joined the competition.
With plenty of choices, the quality of sportsbooks in Colorado is likely to improve due to growing competition. This is good news for CO bettors, who should benefit from the greater value and competitive odds provided by bookmakers.
Horse Betting in Colorado
Betting on horse racing is one of the oldest forms of gambling in Colorado. This form of betting has been legal in the Centennial State since the early 1990s.
However, only one horse racing facility remains open in the state, Arapahoe Park in the Denver suburb of Aurora. Years ago, there used to be a couple of greyhound tracks as well, but those have long since shut down.
In recent years, bettors have started placing wagers on races at off-track betting facilities rather than visiting the track. Below are some of the off-track facilities operating in Colorado.
- Off to the Races in Pueblo
- Bank 8 Billiards in Grand Junction
- Post Time at the Playing Field Sports Bar – Colorado Springs
- Fort Collins – Sundance Steakhouse & Saloon
- Colorado Springs – Elevated Stakes at Union Station
- Celtic on Market
- Softball Country
- Havana Park
Online Horse Betting
The rise and popularity of Colorado online sports betting sites mean players can wager on a host of the US and international horse races. Although, not every online sportsbook provides odds for horse racing presently.
For now, Colorado bettors are limited to some of the main online horse betting providers. These include the TwinSpires app and betting site, which is partnered with the Churchill Downs race track.
Casino Gambling in Colorado
With Colorado being one of the main areas of the gold rush in the 1800s, the state was booming economically. However, when that era died, so did some of the smaller towns in the region. A couple of towns essentially shut their doors, while others were doing everything they could to survive.
One of these towns, Cripple Creek, embraced legal gambling to help revitalize the area. Then, in 1991 approved the building of casinos. Since then, the small town has become a bit of a gambling hotbed. Today, there are 10 casinos offering slots, table games, and other electronic gambling machines.
There are also a few other towns that have gambling halls. These are not the Mirage by any stretch, giving Colorado residents almost two dozen options that are available to them. There are also two tribal casinos on native land that are open to the public.
Under new sports gambling laws, casinos partnered with online operators to run sportsbook platforms. The existing land-based casinos can also offer in-person sports wagers if they have a master license.
Online Casinos in Colorado
Online casino sites are still illegal, despite the growth of Colorado online sports betting sites in recent years. Under current state laws, players cannot play online casino games for real-money profit. For now, CO bettors are limited to free-to-play amusement games on selected betting sites.
Although the Centennial State has a progressive outlook for online gambling, there is no timeline for legalized online casino games. As a result, it is hard to judge which services the state would provide if and when casino games and apps become available.
For now, Colorado residents have to make do with online sportsbooks and Daily Fantasy Sports.
Lottery in Colorado
The lottery has been around in Colorado in its current form since 1983 when it was legalized. Like all the other lotteries in the US, lottery games are managed on the state level. Proceeds from lottery profits are put back into the system to assist with education and other causes.
The state also participates in joint jackpots such as Mega Millions and Powerball. It also offers loads of its own games, including dozens of different scratch tickets ranging in price from one dollar to 50 dollars.
At this time, there is no online lottery game to be accessed by residents of Colorado. As of 2022, there are no further plans to expand the lottery outside of retail sales.