The state of Colorado is looking to promote awareness and dissuade residents from illegal gambling operations with a brand new campaign.
Entitled “Play Legit. Gamble Only Where Legal,” the campaign emphasizes legal gambling options in the state, namely casinos and online sports books as well as “off-track betting.”
“With many certified and legal gambling sites available, it’s never worth it to put yourself in danger,” Chris Schroder, director of the Colorado Division of Gaming, said via release. “Together, let's play by the rules and ensure that Colorado remains a safe and responsible gaming destination. By recognizing and preventing illegal gambling, we all win.”
The campaign, launched this week, urges players to gamble safely to protect themselves and their communities by using regulated gaming outlets. Concerns surrounding the organized criminality of illegal gambling rings, and the potential individual harm bettors could leave themselves liable to are at the forefront of the campaign.
“Illegal gambling operations not only fail to protect players but can also serve as a breeding ground for serious crimes, including fraud, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and burglary, posing a threat to public safety and community well-being,” read the release from the Colorado Division of Gambling. “Participants in illegal gambling activities also compromise personal and financial information, putting individuals at risk of identity theft, unreliable payouts, and potential legal consequences, such as fines and imprisonment.”
The campaign also comes with the launch of a brand new website from the Colorado Department of Revenue aptly entitled playlegitco.com, which helps interested parties learn more about the campaign and the potential risks at play,
Timing comes as revenue dips
While Colorado’s message is certainly poignant and relevant, it does follow a reported period of revenue drop for Colorado sportsbooks.
The state saw a nearly $60 million drop in wagers between January and February, reportedly due in part to the absence of NFL games – with the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl the only two played in February.
The Colorado sports betting hold percentage also dipped nearly in half during the same stretch, with a roughly 9% hold in January dropping to less than 5%.
There’s also no word as of yet as to how the state fared in March, however, the beginning of March Madness, one of the most substantial dates on the sports betting calendar, is sure to affect numbers.
