Welcome to Colorado Betting Hub, your go-to place for learning more about Colorado sports betting. The state has had legal online wagering since May 1, 2020, after voters backed the affirming law in the November 2019 election.
This page walks you through how sports betting in Colorado works – you’ll learn which state bodies make the rules, how casinos and operators get their licenses, what kinds of bets are allowed, and what safeguards are in place for players.
Overview of Colorado Gambling Laws
The path to legal sports betting in Colorado began with House Bill 19-1327. Lawmakers wanted the public to decide, so they put the measure on the ballot as Proposition DD in November 2019.
A slim majority of voters said yes, setting the stage for a regulated market that opened in May 2020. From day one, the framework allowed two main ways to place bets:
- Retail sportsbooks run inside licensed casinos. These are found only in three historic towns – Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
- Online sportsbooks that link directly to a casino’s license. Each casino can host one “skin,” meaning one branded online partner.
In short, the law tied digital betting to brick-and-mortar casinos, which already faced strict oversight. That way, the state kept a clear chain of accountability while giving bettors the ease of mobile play.
Regulators & Oversight
Two state bodies handle oversight of sports betting in the state:
- First is the Colorado Division of Gaming, which sits inside the Department of Revenue. They manage the daily work: checking operator reports, reviewing software, and making sure sportsbooks follow the rules.
- Above them is the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission. Think of the Commission as the rule-setter and judge. They draft and adopt new rules, approve licenses, set operating fees, and deal with discipline when an operator breaks the law.
All of this is spelled out in the Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR). This code is the official rulebook that both casinos and bettors can read.
The latest full update took effect on June 14, 2024. It pulled together prior amendments into one place and added changes tied to new laws, such as adjustments to promotion rules and responsible gambling standards.
Updates happen through public hearings, so operators, lawmakers, and the public can weigh in before changes are set in stone.
For bettors, this setup means you can check an official site and see the exact same rules that operators must follow. That helps keep the Colorado betting market open and accountable.
Licensing Model
Colorado uses a tiered license system. At the top sits the master license, which only casinos can hold. A casino with a master license can run a retail sportsbook on-site and also team up with one online partner.
That online partner must hold what’s called an internet sports betting operator license. There are also sports betting operator licenses, which cover those who run retail books for the casino.
Getting a license is not a quick box-ticking exercise. The Division of Gaming digs deep, meaning applicants face financial checks, background screenings, and a review of their business structure. The goal is to weed out anyone with unreliable books, criminal ties, or poor track records.
Holding a license also brings ongoing duties. Operators must:
- Renew their license each year, with fresh checks as needed.
- Keep precise accounting records.
- Use approved software with secure geolocation tools.
- Offer responsible gambling features, like deposit and time limits.
- Cooperate with audits and league investigations.
Failure to meet these duties can cost an operator its license. For example, if a casino failed to report revenue accurately or ignored rules on self-exclusion, the Commission could impose fines, suspend operations, or revoke the license altogether.
Practical example: A casino in Black Hawk may run one sportsbook on its floor and partner with a national brand like FanDuel for online bets. Both the retail and online arms are tied to the casino’s master license. If FanDuel slipped up on reporting or failed an audit, the casino could be held accountable as well, giving both parties strong reason to keep operations clean.
Who Can Bet in Colorado?
To place a legal sports bet in Colorado, you need to be 21 years or older and physically inside state lines at the time of your wager.
Online apps confirm this through geolocation tools, which check your device’s signal against multiple data sources. If the system senses you’re in Wyoming or Utah, it blocks the bet. At retail sportsbooks, the age check happens face-to-face with a government-issued ID.
The law also carves out strict exclusions – high school sports are completely off the table, meaning no markets, no props, and no exceptions. The reason is straightforward: protecting young athletes from gambling pressure and match-fixing risks.
In addition, some insiders can’t bet on their own sports – players, coaches, referees, and other officials are barred from wagering on contests where they hold influence. This ban helps keep the field fair and protects the integrity of the games.
Example: A 23-year-old Denver resident can walk into a casino in Black Hawk and wager on an NFL game. However, that same bettor cannot place money on a high school playoff, nor could a college basketball coach wager on NCAA games.
Where Betting is Allowed?
Sports betting in Colorado runs through two channels: licensed retail books and mobile apps linked to a casino license.
- Retail sportsbooks operate inside casinos in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
- Online betting works anywhere in Colorado, as long as you’re within state borders when placing the bet.
To protect players and the system, operators must verify each account through KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. This means you provide personal details, like your name, address, and the last digits of your Social Security number, which the operator cross-checks with official databases. KYC stops underage gambling, prevents identity theft, and helps catch attempts at fraud.
Beyond KYC, sportsbooks also:
- Enforce geolocation tracking for online bets.
- Require secure payment verification.
- Log and store betting activity for audits.
Example: If you download a licensed sportsbook app in Denver, the system won’t let you deposit or place a bet until your ID is verified. Once verified, your phone’s GPS and Wi-Fi data confirm that you’re inside Colorado before every wager. At a casino window, the teller scans your ID to ensure the same compliance.
Allowed and Prohibited Markets
Colorado law allows wagers on professional and collegiate sports, but not all bets make the cut. The main restrictions are:
- No high school events under any circumstances.
- No collegiate prop bets tied to individual athlete performance.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission has the power to expand or cut markets at any time.
They may ban a market if they see a risk to integrity, or they may open a new one if a sport gains popularity. When this happens, operators must update their platforms right away and inform players of the change.
Example: During March Madness, you can bet on which team wins a game or covers the spread, but you cannot bet on whether a single Colorado guard scores over 15 points. If the Commission later decided to restrict all in-state college bets, operators would have to pull those lines overnight and notify users.
Advertising & Promotions
Colorado keeps sportsbook ads under close watch. By law, every promotion must be truthful and clear. That means no vague promises, no hidden fine print, and no “risk-free” claims if conditions apply – just clear and concise information about sportsbook promos.
All key terms, such as wagering rules, deadlines, and withdrawal limits – must be stated upfront. Every ad must also carry a responsible gambling message, pointing players to help and limit-setting tools.
The tax side of promos is shifting as well. For years, sportsbooks could deduct bonus bets from taxable proceeds, shrinking what they owed the state. Lawmakers argued this gave operators too much of a break and chose to phase it out, so under HB 25-1311, all free bet deductions end on July 1, 2026.
This change forces sportsbooks to rethink bonus credits. Some may cut back on giveaways or tighten terms, since taxes will apply as if those bonuses were real cash bets. Future laws could narrow promo rules further, so operators must adapt both marketing and tax planning.
Example: A “Bet $50, Get $50” offer must show upfront expiry and terms. In terms of bonus bets, deductions may apply today, but after 2026, they won’t.
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Taxes & Revenue Use
Colorado taxes net sports betting proceeds at 10%. Most of this revenue goes to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund, with smaller shares for problem gambling programs and regulatory costs.
For years, sportsbooks could deduct bonus bets to shrink their tax bill. Lawmakers began phasing that out, arguing it drained too much revenue, which is why HB 25-1311 comes into life on July 1, 2026, marking the end of an era.
Example: If a sportsbook nets $40,000 after payouts, it pays $4,000 in tax. Today, bonus bets can lower that base, but after July 2026, operators must pay full tax, making bonus credits a straight expense rather than a tax break.
Player Protections & Responsible Gambling
Colorado responsible gambling policies make sure players have ways to keep their gambling in check through self-exclusion programs, deposit and time limits, and easy access to help, all spelled out in Rule 9.
These tools help bettors avoid overspending and get help before things get out of hand. Also, operators are obliged to present them with clear support options and links on websites, mobile apps, and retail locations.
Integrity, Data, & Privacy
Sportsbooks watch for unusual betting patterns and possible fraud. They also work with leagues and regulators under Rule 8, making sure games stay fair by cooperating in every investigation.
Each player is allowed only one account per sportsbook, which is why ID verification is mandatory during registration. To make sure your financial and personal data are safe, online sportsbooks in Colorado are obliged to use the latest cybersecurity protocols and the highest safety standards.
Reporting, Audits, & Enforcement
Online sportsbooks in Colorado have a responsibility of sending regular reports on betting activity, revenue, and promotions – this way, the regulatory bodies are up to date with whether there are any issues in the market.
Example: If a sportsbook lets a self-excluded player bet or skips deposit limits, an audit can bring fines and force system fixes. Always check the CCR and Division of Gaming sites to make sure you’re safeguarded by customer protection policies.
How to Verify a Sportsbook is Licensed
You can check the Colorado Division of Gaming’s official site to see a list of licensed operators, as they keep an up-to-date roster of casinos and online partners that are fully approved.
Look for key signs that an operator follows state rules – licensed sportsbooks will typically show legal age requirements, display responsible gambling policies, and use geolocation tools to make sure you’re inside Colorado. These elements are usually right on the homepage or login screen.
Another simple step is to check out the casino behind the app. Each online sportsbook must tie back to a master casino license, which you can cross-check on the Division’s list.
Recent Updates & Rule Changes
The last big change came with the June 14, 2024 consolidated rules update. It pulled together all prior amendments and added new guidance on promos, responsible gambling tools, and operational standards.
Colorado sports betting rulemaking is ongoing, as The Commission can tweak standards at any time, changing what operators can offer or how they handle bets. Players and operators alike need to stay aware of this, because what’s allowed today could easily shift tomorrow.
One key law to watch is HB 25-1311, which ends free bet deductions for tax purposes starting July 1, 2026. That means operators will pay full tax on net proceeds, even for bonus bets. It’s a big deal for sportsbooks and for players who use promotions.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Colorado and since when?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal since May 1, 2020.
What is the minimum age to place a bet?
You must be 21 or older to bet in Colorado.
Can visitors bet while in Colorado?
Absolutely. You don’t have to be a resident – just be physically inside the state when placing a bet.
Are college bets allowed?
Yes, but you cannot bet on an individual player’s stats.
What markets are prohibited?
High school sports and some in-state college prop bets are off-limits.
How are promotions taxed and what terms apply?
Starting July 1, 2026, bonus bet deductions are gone, so taxes apply to full net revenue.
How do I file a complaint with the regulator?
For disputes, complaints, and license checks, you can reach out to the Colorado Division of Gaming through their official website.