Sports betting has been legal in Colorado since 2020, with the first sportsbooks launching on May 1st of that year. It's a thriving market for sports wagering that's currently served by 13 online and 10 retail operators.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Colorado?
Following the Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that opened the door for legal sports betting in individual states, it took some time for things to get moving in Colorado. The launch finally happened in 2020, with the market quickly becoming competitive. The Colorado sports betting market is legal and regulated for both operators and consumers.
Learn More About Legal Sportsbooks
Are Online Casinos Legal in Colorado?
Online casinos are not legal in Colorado. Any change would require new legislation and likely voter approval through a statewide referendum. There have been no recent formal bills introduced to authorize online casino gaming.
However, there is potential interest in its expansion. The Colorado Department of Revenue has acknowledged that discussions about online casino legalization are ongoing. In-person casino gambling is available at numerous legal casinos across the state.
Learn More About Online Casinos
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Colorado?
Sweepstakes and social casinos are widely accessible in Colorado, providing a compliant alternative to traditional online casinos. These platforms allow players to participate in casino-style games using virtual currencies, with the chance to redeem real prizes.
These platforms do not involve direct real-money wagering and offer alternate methods of entry to stay in compliance with federal sweepstakes laws. There are no pending enforcement actions or inquiries in progress, and many top sweepstakes casino brands are available to play.
Learn More About Sweepstakes Sites
Are Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Legal In Colorado?
Yes, daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Colorado, and have been legal in the Mile High state since 2016 after HB16-1404 was passed in the state house. Major traditional operators like DraftKings Fantasy and FanDuel Fantasy are authorized and regulated by the state's gaming commission.
Learn More About Daily Fantasy Sports
Are Prediction Markets Legal In Colorado?
Yes, some prediction markets do operate in Colorado under federal oversight, but the legal status is contested. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are regulated at the federal level by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as derivatives markets, not gambling operators, and therefore offer event contracts nationwide.
Some stats have pushed back on the legality of prediction markets with cease-and-desist letters and lawsuits. No such action has been taken by Colorado yet. As a result, prediction markets may still be accessible under federal rules, but their status remains legally contested.
Learn More About Prediction Markets
Colorado Sportsbooks
Where to Bet in Virginia
#1
Terms and Conditions
New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $100 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in VA.
#2
Terms and Conditions
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US)
877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR)
21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
#3
Terms and Conditions
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369)
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in VA.
Colorado Promotions & Bonuses
Terms and Conditions
New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $100 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in VA.
Terms and Conditions
Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in VA.
There are several betting apps and promos for Colorado bettors to choose from. New customers can land sports betting sign-up offers, while new sportsbook promos are available for existing players. Examples of common offers include:
- Welcome Bonus: New players can get offers like deposit matches.
- Odds Boosts: Claim boosts for chances at even more winnings.
- Bonus Bets: Grab credits and place bets without laying out the cash.
- Loyalty Programs: Earn points, climb tiers, and reap the rewards.
To secure the best possible value from bonuses and promos, remember the following:
- Read the Terms: Understand the terms fully before claiming offers.
- Consider Options: Shop and compare offers before choosing the best deals.
- Grab Promo Codes: Get access to better deals with codes from trusted sources.
- Gameplan: The goal is the best possible use of your bonuses and promos.
How to start betting in Colorado
You can start betting in Colorado quickly and easily from your computer or phone. If you’re 21 or older, physically located in the state, and ready to begin, do the following.
Choose a book
Review the best legal sportsbooks here on this page. Decide which one is for you, click the links to claim your offer, and begin the simple registration process.
account registration
You’ll follow the prompts, use any applicable promo codes, and enter the requested info. Verify your age and location, accept the terms, and create your account.
deposit funds
You need funds to play with and to activate the offer. Go to the cashier section and choose your preferred banking method. Follow the instructions to make a deposit.
place your bets
Check out the latest lines and pick what you want to wager on. Click the odds to add your choice to the slip, enter your stake, confirm, and proceed to place your bet.
withdraw
Winning wagers are credited once the bet settles. If you want to make a withdrawal, head back to the cashier section and follow the instructions to process.
Legal Framework
Regulation and legalization efforts kicked into gear in 2019. Gov. Polis signed off and put the matter before voters, who narrowly approved the measure. Legal sports betting went live in Nov. 2020.
Regulatory Body
- The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Gaming is the regulatory and overseeing body for sports betting in the state. They handle licensing, enforce compliance, and more.
Key Restrictions & Limitations
- You must be 21 or older and physically present in the state to use Colorado sportsbooks. Betting on college sports is permitted, but no wagering is allowed on college player props.
History of Sports Betting Legislation in Colorado
The path towards legalizing sports betting in Colorado began in 2019 and steadily picked up steam from there. Naturally, there was plenty of red tape for lawmakers to sort through before the practice was officially legalized in the state. Here's how it all played out:
May 14, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), clearing the way for individual states to legalize sports betting.
November 5, 2019
Colorado voters pass Proposition DD to authorize the state to regulate, tax, and legalize retail and online sports betting. Prop DD narrowly passed with 51.41% of the votes.
May 1, 2020
Retail and online sports betting are legalized statewide.
Colorado Sportsbook Partnerships
Colorado is an outstanding sports market with local favorites to root for across the major leagues. The Broncos, winners of three Super Bowl crowns and losers in five other big games, have an incredibly passionate fanbase.
The Nuggets, Avalanche, and Rockies cover the bases for the other major sports. On the collegiate side of the ledger, Colorado, Colorado State, and Air Force lead the way. Other sports that capture more than their fair share of attention include the UFC and Soccer.
There are sportsbook partnership deals in place for several clubs, including:
- bet365: Colorado Rockies
- BetMGM: Denver Broncos
- DraftKings: Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche
- Fanatics: Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets
- FanDuel: Denver Broncos
Comparison with Other States
In the western half of the US, Colorado has emerged as one of the top sports betting markets and holds its own on a national level. For comparison, let’s take a closer look at how Colorado stacks up against two other nearby legal sports betting states.
Revenue, Market Size, and Handle
The population of Colorado is a shade under 6 million, placing it behind Arizona (7.5 million) and well ahead of Wyoming (587k). Here’s what the three markets delivered in handle from January to September 2025:
- Colorado: $4.5 billion
- Arizona: $6.3 billion
- Wyoming: $119 million
- The three states are in line with a 10% tax rate. Naturally, the population differences translate into differences in the handle and benefits from tax revenue. For Nov. 2024, that translated into:
- Colorado: $3.9 million
- Arizona: $5.7 million
- Wyoming: $241k
Potential Legislative Changes & Market Growth in Colorado Sports Betting
Changes to the Tax Rate?
Colorado is pretty tax-friendly for sportsbooks, while other states haven’t been shy about hiking rates. Something to watch for in the future?
Wagering changes?
College player props are already prohibited. Any additional changes to watch for in amateur athletics, such as team props or alternate totals? Specifically, in the wake os recent sports betting scandals in the NBA and MLB.
Responsible Gambling in Colorado
Colorado is committed to promoting responsible gambling practices across its commercial gaming operations. The state provides extensive resources to support individuals and families affected by gambling-related problems.
Gambling Addiction Support
- Problem gambling hotline - 1-800-GAMBLER
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado website
- Bet Smart Colorado website
Responsible Gaming Initiatives
The Colorado government has set up a responsible gaming resource center for players to access. There, residents can find all of the resources they need to gamble healthily.
Operator Tools And Safety Features
- Leading sportsbooks in Colorado implement features like deposit limits, wagering limits, and self-exclusion options to help bettors manage their betting activities effectively.
- These tools are designed to empower users to make informed decisions and protect themselves from potential financial strain, or those who feel they may be developing unhealthy betting habits.
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