Today Colorado casinos offer such traditional tables games as poker, blackjack, let it ride, three-card poker, craps, and roulette. They also offer electronic games including slots, video poker, video.

Colorado sports betting is legal and live as of 2020.

There are a variety of legal sportsbook sites and apps where Coloradans can bet on sports already. The competitive market is creating explosive growth and a wealth of choices for bettors in the state.

Colorado sports gambling hits record-setting $326.9 million wagered in January NBA betting led the state with $88 million, followed by the NFL ($74M), NCAA basketball ($39M) and table tennis ($11M). Colorado’s three mountain gambling towns are easy to get to and even fun for the whole family. Central City and Black Hawk are located within a mile of each other, just 34 miles west of Denver. A Colorado state gambling bill passed in 1991 that permits casinos to operate legally in three historic gold mining towns: Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. The idea was to preserve the historic.

Legal Colorado online sports betting

State regulators made legal Colorado sports betting available May 1, 2020.

There are already more than a dozen online betting sites and apps in Colorado, and more are on the way.

The May 1 launch allowed the new CO sports betting market an opportunity to get up to speed before the coveted start of NFL football and NCAA football wagering in September.

Top Colorado sportsbooks

There are a variety of sports betting sites already available for anyone wanting to bet in Colorado. Some are run by large companies with a presence in multiple states, while others are tied more to a local casino and exist only in Colorado.

Here is a look at what currently know about sports betting sites that are both live and on their way in the state, including the relationships between casinos and sportsbooks.

Best Colorado sports betting apps

Apps are available throughout the state for betting on sports in Colorado. That means you can bet directly from your smartphone or tablet as long as you are physically located within Colorado. You do not need to be a state resident to bet on CO sportsbook apps.

The CO sports betting apps live today include:

• Betfred
• BetMonarch
• BetWildwood
• SportsBetting.com (Carousel Group)
• Circa Sports
• ELITE Sportsbook
• PointsBet
• SBK Sportsbook (Smarkets)
• Sky Ute
• theScore Bet
• William Hill

These apps are next in line to launch in Colorado:

• BetAmerica
• Bet365
• Digital Gaming Corporation
• Internet Sports International
• Penn Sports Interactive (likely to become Barstool Sportsbook)
• SuperBook USA
• Wynn Resorts

Your device will use geolocation technology to verify that you are within Colorado before allowing you to wager on any of these sportsbook apps.

Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest players in the market:

FanDuel Sportsbook

The current market leader in the US sports betting market, FanDuel is a popular choice with bettors in many states with legal online betting. That includes Colorado, where FanDuel is one of the top operators.

FanDuel leveraged its popular brand for daily fantasy sports and its acquisition by international gambling giant Flutter into a dominant position in the US.

New bettors at FanDuel get up to a $1,000 risk-free bet with a first deposit.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Generally the No. 2 operator throughout the US, DraftKings is another company that leveraged success in daily fantasy sports into a solid position in US sports betting.

New bettors at DraftKings get $25 free with no deposit, and up to a $1,000 deposit bonus with an initial deposit.

BetMGM

The betting option from MGM Resorts International, BetMGM has started getting serious about gaining marketshare in the US, including in states like Colorado where it doesn’t have a physical casino.

With a long-established presence in Las Vegas, a well-known brand and with a partnership with a longtime partner in European online gambling, MGM believes it has the recipe for success in the US.

New bettors at BetMGM get a 100% deposit match up to $500.

PointsBet

An upstart company from Australia, PointsBet has aggressively tried to establish its brand in the US. It’s even put its US headquarters in Colorado and partnered with Colorado teams, showing how important the state is to its overall plans.

New bettors get up to $250 in free bets on a first deposit.

William Hill

A European bookmaker with a huge presence in Nevada for years, William Hill is attempting to make in-roads across the US. After being taken over by Caesars Entertainment, that dream could become more of a reality.

New bettors get up to a $500 free bet with a first deposit.

Fox Bet

Another brand under the Flutter umbrella alongside FanDuel, Fox Bet tries to leverage the brand recognition of the eponymous Fox Sports, which has a major presence in American sports media. So far, that hasn’t translated into major marketshare, but it’s among the second tier of operators behind DraftKings and FanDuel.

Latest CO sports betting news

Colorado casinos update:As of Nov. 16, table games in Gilpin County (Central City & Black Hawk) have closed down again. This was due to the county’s two-week coronavirus case total exceeding the threshold set by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. The casinos are open with slot machines operating and a reduction in capacity. We will be closely monitoring the situation on the ground and will update this spot with news as more develops.

Colorado Casinos

Colorado now offers several options for betting in state. Although online sports betting launched in Colorado in 2020, the state still does not permit online casino gaming for real money. For players who love casino games, there are a few options available. The gaming landscape includes more than 30 Colorado casinos located in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City. Many of these casinos now also offer retail sportsbook locations as well.

Colorado players also have access to sweepstakes casino sites. This means that players can access online casino games and play any time for cash prizes.

Looking to stay home but want to play casino games? We recommend Sweepstakes online casinos where you can play your favorite casino games for cash prizes. Our #1 recommended site is Chumba Casino.

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Chumba Casino is a great option for Colorado players who want to play online casino games without heading to a retail casino. Colorado has one of the strongest networks of retail casinos in the US, with plenty of options in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. But, Chumba offers casino fun from the comfort of home.

Play online casino games for cash prizes, including slots, progressive jackpot slots, and table games.

Colorado Casino Locations

The Centennial State has 31 land casinos and two more on tribal lands to the south. The state-sanctioned casinos can be found in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, all of which have walkable central downtowns offering multiple casino options within close proximity, as well as plentiful dining and lodging options in all price ranges.

Colorado gamblers have no shortage of options when it comes to finding a venue to play their favorite casino games, no matter the time of day. Poker fans have dozens of tables offering live-action seven nights a week. Fans of table games like blackjack, three-card poker, roulette, and craps can always find a dealer ready. And of course, there are thousands of slot and video poker machines in the state waiting to be taken for a spin at any given time.

Colorado sports betting is a relative newcomer, but with almost two dozen active or upcoming online sportsbook apps in the state, and more than 30 master gambling licenses granted so far, Colorado is well on its way to claiming its place as a Mecca for sports bettors. Kiosks and retail sports betting windows will also be popping up all over the state, for those who prefer the in-person casino action to the app experience.

Black Hawk Casinos

Gambling In Colorado Cripple Creek

Best Black Hawk Sportsbook – William Hill

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
William Hill Review

Although Cripple Creek is the most historic Colorado casino town, Black Hawk, also landed on the Colorado map when gold was discovered along the north fork of Clear Creek in 1859. The small mountain town was soon beset by thousands of miners and prospectors looking for a big strike of their own.

Today the population has dwindled from mining boom highs, but Black Hawk still sees up to 20,000 visitors a day looking to strike gold in a totally different way: at one of the city’s 15 casinos.

Located about 35 miles outside of Denver, Black Hawk has the most casinos out of any of Colorado’s three main gambling areas, including Ameristar, the biggest casino in the state.

Sports Betting In Black Hawk

Colorado sports betting launched on May 1. Multiple Black Hawk casinos will offer betting windows on-site or self-service kiosks like at William Hill, in addition to their sportsbook apps.

In-person sportsbooks in Black Hawk were slow to open due to the pandemic. As of right now, several Black Hawk casinos have retail sportsbook locations or sports betting kiosks. Many Colorado sportsbooks offer bonuses to new bettors, but only on their app or website.

Black Hawk Retail Sportsbook Locations:

• William Hill at Lady Luck Casino & Isle Casino >> Join William Hill and get a $500 Risk-Free Bet by depositing $250
• DraftKings Sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino >> Join Draftkings Sportsbook and get up to a $1000 deposit bonus
• BetMonarch at Monarch Casino
• Betfred at Saratoga Casino
• ELITE Sportsbook at Red Dolly Casino
• Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino
• PlaySports powered by IGT at Sasquatch Casino & The Wild Card Saloon
• PlaySports powered by IGT at Z Casino (Coming soon)

Other casinos in town have formed partnerships to offer online sports betting but do not offer retail sportsbook kiosks, including:

• Bull Durham (Coming soon)
• The Lodge (Coming soon)
• The Gilpin (Coming soon)

Casino Games

Most casinos in Black Hawk have at least a few table games, many of them running 24/7. You can find classic casino games like blackjack, craps, and roulette, along with a few other, more niche games like Mississippi Stud and three-card poker. There are thousands of slot machines in Black Hawk as well, so whether you prefer the tables or trying your luck at the slots, Black Hawk has you covered.

You’ll find these table games in Black Hawk casinos:

• Blackjack (live dealer and video)
• Craps (live dealer and video)
• Roulette (live dealer and video)
• Mississippi Stud
• Three-Card Poker
• High Card Flush
• Pai Gow Poker
• Head’s Up Hold’em
• Baccarat (video only)

Blackjack Variants In Black Hawk

Blackjack comes in many different varieties these days. In addition to standard 6- or 8-deck shoe games, Black Hawk casinos offer several variants, including:

• Buffalo Bonus Blackjack
• STREAK Blackjack
• Buffalo Blackjack Extreme
• Blackjack Pair Square Bonus
• Double-Deck Pitch

Poker Rooms

Poker rooms or house-banked tables are available at the following properties:

Cripple Creek Casinos

Best Cripple Creek Sportsbook – PointsBet

Licensed in Colorado

Sportsbook Rating Excellent
PointsBet Review

Located about an hour south of Colorado Springs and two hours south of Denver, Cripple Creek is a former gold mining town turned gambling resort. Historic East Bennett Avenue traverses much of the downtown, where most of the city’s nine casinos can be found.

Visiting Cripple Creek is a bit like stepping back in time, with the building facades, many original, resembling that Old West style of architecture. But you’ll find the latest slots and table games at just about every casino in town, with locals and out-of-towners alike hoping to hit the jackpot.

Sports Betting In Cripple Creek

New to Colorado in 2020 is sports betting, both in-person and online through sportsbook apps. Multiple Cripple Creek casinos have partnered with global sports betting brands and will offer betting windows on-site or self-service kiosks.

Cripple Creek Retail Sportsbook Locations:

• BetWildwood at Wildwood Casino
• BetAmerica at Bronco Billy’s
• PointsBet at Double Eagle Hotel & Casino (app available and retail coming soon) >> Claim up to $1,500 in risk-free bets using bonus code BIGBONUS
• ISI-powered Kiosks (app in partnership with Sportsbetting.com coming soon) at Johnny Nolon’s
• ISI-powered Kiosks at Colorado Grande

Other casinos in town have formed partnerships to offer online sports betting but do not offer retail sportsbook kiosks, including:

• Midnight Rose/McGills/Brass Ass
• Sir William’s Casino formerly known as Christmas Casino & Inn (Coming soon)

Casino Games

Cripple Creek casinos offer all of the table games you would expect, from blackjack and three-card poker to roulette and craps. Not all casinos have table games, but if slots are your game of choice you will find plenty of one-armed bandits at any casino you find yourself in.

You’ll find these table games in Cripple Creek casinos:

• Blackjack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Ultimate Texas Hold’Em
• Three-Card Poker
• Wild Six Card Draw Poker

Blackjack Variants In Cripple Creek

Blackjack comes in many different varieties these days. In addition to standard 6- or 8-deck shoe games, Cripple Creek casinos offer several variants, including:

• Buffalo Bonus Blackjack
• Buffalo Bonus Blackjack 2
• Double-Up Blackjack
• Double-Deck Pitch

The minimum bet is usually $5, but some casinos in town have special days where the minimum bet is $2 or $3. Colorado’s maximum allowable bet is $100.

Poker Rooms

Poker rooms or house-banked tables are available at the following properties:

• Bronco Billy’s
• Wildwood Casino
• Century Casino
• Double Eagle Casino
• Midnight Rose Hotel & casino
• Brass Ass Casino
• Johnny Nolon’s Casino

Central City Casinos

Just up the street from Black Hawk is Central City, which saw the very same rush of prospectors invading the city during the mining boom. In its heyday, Central City had a larger population than Black Hawk. Today, it’s the smaller of the two casino towns, featuring about a third of the number of casinos. Central City is a slot lover’s paradise and a perfect gambling spot for people who value the personal service offered by smaller casinos.

Sports Betting In Central City

For the moment, there are no operational sports betting windows in Central City. However, there have been some prominent partnerships made between global sportsbook brands and casinos in town:

• Dostal Alley (Betsson)
• Century Casino (Circa Sports)

In late November 2020, Grand Z Casino and Johnny Z’s announced a partnership with IGT and Maverick Gaming. Both casinos, along with Z Casino in Black are expected to launch the PlaySports online sports betting platform and retail kiosks sometime in the next few months.

Casino Games

Not all casinos in Central City have table games, it’s a more slot-focused casino town. Table games are still closed at casinos statewide until further notice, but the town does offer several table game options.

You’ll find these table games in Central City casinos:

• Blackjack
• Roulette

Poker Rooms

Poker rooms or house-banked tables are available at the following Central City properties:

Colorado Casinos COVID Closures

Have Colorado Casinos Opened?

Colorado casinos are open for business, thanks to a pair of variance approvals exempting Teller and Gilpin Counties from provisions of Colorado Governor Jared Polis ‘safer-at-home’ order. Teller county is home to Cripple Creek casinos. Gilpin county is home to Black Hawk and Central City casinos.

For now, all guests and employees must wear masks at all times, and you’ll find mandatory temperature screenings at the entrance of every casino. Only slots are open for now, with table games slated to be revisited by health officials at a later date.

Are Cripple Creek Casinos Open?

Cripple Creek casinos initially reopened on June 15, 2020 after receiving a variance from Teller County health officials. The casinos were limited to 50% occupancy and all visitors required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

In mid-November 2020, Cripple Creek casinos again faced the prospect of complete closure due to the county entering the “Orange Zone” laid out by its COVID-19 action plan. After appealing to the county, casinos were allowed to remain open at 25% capacity.

The opening was restricted to slot machines only, with table games set to reopen later as long as there isn’t a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county.

Are Black Hawk and Central City Casinos Open?

Gilpin County, home of Black Hawk and Central City, reopened casinos on June 17, 2020 without table games. Tables games were reintroduced in September 2020, and they closed again in mid-November 2020.

Tribal casinos in the southern part of the state are holding off on reopening for now, however. Read our report for more information on the state of casino reopenings in La Plata and Montezuma County here.

Further Reading

We’ve been extensively covering the reopening. Here’s some of our additional coverage in case you missed it:

• What changes you can expect to see at Colorado’s newly reopened casinos
• An account of our visit to newly reopened Central City and Black Hawk casinos
• We talked to Colorado physicians to get their take about the reopening plans

What About Tribal Casinos In Colorado? Are They Open?

The two tribal casinos in Colorado remain closed. La Plata and Montezuma counties, home of Sky Ute and Ute Mountain casinos, will not be allowed to open until the trajectory of their Covid-19 cases starts trending downwards.

When Did Online Sports Betting Launch In Colorado?

As of May 1, online sports betting is officially live! Colorado sports bettors can join the action right now with big-name players like DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM, and many more.

Colorado’s retail casinos have yet to open in-person sports betting windows or kiosks, with Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk the first of two exceptions. DraftKings has opened a temporary sportsbook window at the Mardi Gras Casino, also in Black Hawk, on Friday, July 10.

Learn everything you need to know about legal sports betting in Colorado.

Colorado Casino FAQ

Colorado’s 33 casinos are chiefly located in Black Hawk/Central City and Cripple Creek. Black Hawk and Central City share a main thoroughfare, and are about 45 minutes from downtown Denver. Cripple Creek is about a two hour and 15 minute drive from Denver.

Gambling In Colorado Age

The state’s tribal casinos are located in Montezuma and La Plata counties, and are located about a 6-7 hour drive from Denver.

When Colorado casinos first opened in 1990, the maximum bet allowed by law was just $5. In 2008, the maximum wager was raised to $100. These caps do not apply to sports betting, however.

There are initiatives in the works that would remove the cap on the max bet, including Proposition 257, but so far none have materialized.

Are Casinos Open In Colorado

Nearly all casinos in Colorado offer beverage service to players, most for free. What will change casino to casino is whether the free drinks for players are limited to certain items (just beer, for instance.) Other casinos provide free top-shelf alcoholic drinks to all players. If drink service is important to you, check with the casino to see what they offer.

Many of the casinos in Colorado offer lodging, especially the larger ones. Check the casino website to find out if they have rooms available and make reservations if you plan an overnight stay.