Colorado Sports Betting: Best Colorado Sportsbooks in 2024
Colorado sports betting includes access to 13 of the best sports betting sites — more than any other state. Sifting through the bounty of Colorado sportsbook promos can be overwhelming, so keep reading to find out which Colorado sportsbooks are right for you.
Best Colorado sports betting sites
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- BetMGM Benefits
- User-friendly mobile app
- Over a dozen deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
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- bet365 Benefits
- Best prices
- Gold standard layout
- World-class live betting
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- Caesars Benefits
- Best customer support
- Top-tier rewards program
- NFL live streaming
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- DraftKings Benefits
- Best mobile app
- Supreme navigation
- Best for grading winners
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- FanDuel Benefits
- Best user experience
- World-class mobile app
- Best for live betting
- FanDuel Review
$1,500 in Bonus Bets
- Online and retail sports betting is now live
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 13 legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Top 5 Colorado sports betting sites
Skip the daunting task of stacking up Colorado's 13 online sportsbooks against one another. We've identified the top five Colorado betting sites in 2024:
1. BetMGM Colorado
$1,500 in Bonus Bets
CVRBONUS1500
BetMGM — also known as the 'King of Sportsbooks' — lives up to its name in Colorado, as the operator is our pick for the Centennial State's top sportsbook in 2024. Led by its amazing mobile sports betting app, deep collection of sports markets, and reliable banking options, it's easy to see why BetMGM sits on Colorado's sports betting throne.
Read our BetMGM Sportsbook review page for a detailed look at this great 2024 betting site.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.3 (Android)
- Best feature: Great range of sports
- Sign-up bonus: $1,500 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 2 days
2. FanDuel Colorado
Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
Among the first online sportsbooks to join the Colorado sports betting market, FanDuel Sportsbook opened its virtual doors to CO bettors in May 2020. Since then, it has established itself as a go-to option in the Centennial State thanks to an industry-best welcome bonus, an incredible football betting app, and a vast collection of unique bet types and promos. Get started with $150 in bonus bets from FanDuel Colorado.
Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more on FanDuel CO.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Best feature: Easy-to-navigate app
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
3. bet365 Colorado
Bet $5, Get $150 + Two Months of Altitude+
Code: CVSBONUS
bet365 is an internationally renowned online sportsbook that offers an array of betting markets for not only the popular North American leagues but also for niche European markets like greyhound racing and darts. bet365 also allows new Colorado bettors to receive a 'bet and get' welcome promo when they register with the exclusive bet365 bonus code 'CVSBONUS'.
Refer to our bet365 Review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 + two months of Altitude+
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
4. Caesars Colorado
Caesars Sportsbook Colorado stands out from a crowded, competitive Colorado sports betting scene with its generous welcome offer — a '$1,000 First Bet On Caesars' promotion. In addition to its sign-up bonus, Centennial State bettors also gain access one of the most revered rewards programs in the industry and best-in-class customer support.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
- Best feature: Live betting
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 First Bet On Caesars
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
5. DraftKings Colorado
Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Bonus
Ends: Jan. 5, 2025
Available in Colorado
Led by its amazing mobile sports betting app, DraftKings has carved out its spot among the best Colorado sportsbooks. The betting site and app both feature user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for users to navigate and lock in their desired sports wagers. With fast and reliable payouts, a long list of sports betting promos, and tons of sports to bet on, DraftKings Colorado is worth a look for experienced and beginner bettors.
Read our DraftKings Sportsbook Review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
- Best feature: Betting carousel
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Bonus
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Best Colorado sports betting offers and bonuses
Most of Colorado's legal sportsbooks offer new users attractive sign-up bonuses to help kick-start the betting action. Here are the best Colorado sports betting bonuses for 2024:
BetMGM - $1,500 in bonus bets: BetMGM CO allows new users a second chance at gambling glory. Sports bettors who lose their first wager can earn up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets — delivered by BetMGM as up to five $300 bonus bets (equal denominations of 20% of the total amount of the qualifying bet.) Use BetMGM bonus code COVERSBONUS to redeem this offer.
FanDuel - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass: First-time FanDuel Colorado customers can now secure $150 in bonus bets after making a $5 deposit and placing a $5 wager on any market. No FanDuel promo code is required to claim this offer, which is valid through Dec. 22, 2024.
bet365 - Bet $5, get $150 + Two Months of Altitude+: Use bet365 bonus code 'CVSBONUS' and turn a $5 bet into $150 in bonus bets. Make a minimum $10 initial deposit and place a qualifying wager on odds of -500 or greater that settles within 30 days of opening their account to activate this offer. You also secure a two month free trial to Altitude+ by claiming this offer, which is valid until Nov. 26, 2024, at 6:59 a.m. ET.
Caesars Sportsbook - $1,000 First Bet On Caesars: Use Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUS1000,' and receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets from Caesars CO after your initial real money wager is unsuccessful. New users must place an initial wager within 30 days of activation to qualify, and bonus credits expire after 14 days.
DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Bonus: New DraftKings users can make a $5 minimum deposit and $5 wager to claim $150 in bonus bets. No DraftKings promo code is required to claim this offer, which is issued regardless of the outcome of the initial wager. This bonus is available until Jan. 5, 2025 and the bonus bets must be used within seven days (168 hours).
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Colorado sports betting updates
Colorado became one of the states that allowed sports betting on May 1, 2020, but clearing the legislature was only the beginning. The path to legalization came less than six months after Colorado voters approved a ballot measure, by a slim margin, that would cover the regulation of sports betting through licensed casinos.
Both mobile and retail sports betting are permitted under Colorado law. The state will leverage tax revenue from sports betting to help fund various state water projects.
This timeline illustrates notable milestones in Colorado's sports gambling history:
Nov. 13, 2024: Colorado Buffaloes dual-threat WR/CB Travis Hunter has shortest -115 odds to win the Heisman Trophy, which is annually given to College Football's best player.
Oct. 30, 2024: The NFL's return vaults Colorado's handle in September, as football accounted for more than 30% of the state's total wagers.
Oct. 24, 2024: bet365 partners with Kroenke Sports to allow Colorado sports fans to watch local Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games through direct-to-consumer streaming options.
Oct. 2, 2024: Colorado's handle has a 22% year-over-year increase thanks to college football and table tennis betting.
Sept. 30, 2024: bet365 hires 1,000 new employees for their new Colorado-based U.S. headquarters.
Sept. 20, 2024: The Colorado Buffaloes still move the needle in terms of sports betting action thanks to star players and head coach.
Sept. 19, 2024: SI Sportsbook closes shop in Colorado, marking the third operator to exit the Centennial State this month. Colorado now is home to 14 online sports betting sites.
Sept. 6, 2024: The public is "all over" the underdog Colorado Buffaloes entering their primetime matchup against Nebraska this weekend.
Sept. 4, 2024: Colorado's sports betting revenue surges in July, bringing in $32.5 million for the month.
Sept. 2, 2024: BetSafe announces its exit from Colorado, marking the second sportsbook to leave the Centennial State in September.
Aug. 31, 2024: Australian-owned ClutchBet announces exit from all U.S. markets, including Colorado, on Sept. 16, 2024.
Aug. 22, 2024: Colorado regulators removed a 145 'negative' sports betting markets from local operators.
July 29, 2024: Baseball and basketball fuel Colorado's 206% year-over-year revenue increase for sports betting in June.
July 22, 2024: SuperBook Sports pulls out of eight post-PASPA states, including Colorado.
July 1, 2024: Colorado bettors wager heavily on the NBA Playoffs, helping the state to top $400 million in sports betting handle.
June 24, 2024: The Colorado tribes' sports betting plans continue to face resistance from local lawmakers.
June 3, 2024: bet365 is offering fixed odds for horse racing for users in New Jersey and Colorado.
June 3, 2024: Colorado's sports betting handle reaches over $500 million for the eighth consecutive month
May 6, 2024: Colorado propels to a $593 million handle in March thanks to basketball betting.
March 7, 2024: Colorado sports betting operators set a new revenue high in January, eclipsing $53.5 million in wagers — $2.2 million increase from the previous record.
Feb. 21, 2024: A partnership between bet365 and SIS sees fixed odds horse racing land in Colorado, marking the first time it has been made available in the U.S.
Feb. 2, 2024: Colorado sees a record-high handle and tax revenue in December, accepting $716.4 million in wagers and charging operators $3.6 million in taxes.
Jan. 26, 2024: bet365 launches a free-to-play fantasy contest in five states, including Colorado, ahead of NFL Championship Weekend, offering a $25,000 prize pool for each game.
Jan. 15, 2024: Colorado sees statewide record-high $608.4 million in sports betting handle for November.
Dec. 13, 2023: With an October Colorado betting handle of $554.8 million, CO sportsbooks see an 8% lift in total bets compared to September.
Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET goes live with online and mobile sports betting, launching in Colorado and 16 other states.
Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch on Nov. 14, 2023, with online sports betting going live in 17 U.S. states, including Colorado.
Oct. 31, 2023: Sports betting-like fantasy contests poised for Colorado crackdowns.
Sept. 12, 2023: Colorado's Department of Revenue reports $281.1 million in sports bets for the month of July.
Sept. 8, 2023: Bally Bet returns to Colorado as a Kambi sportsbook.
Aug. 31, 2023: FOX Bet officially shuts down operations in Colorado after a phased closure. Users who still have a balance in their account can play on PokerStars and PokerStars with the same login.
Aug. 29, 2023: Colorado welcomes a new online sportsbook — Sporttrade — to the state.
Aug. 11, 2023: WynnBET announces that it will be exiting the Colorado sports betting market as soon as possible.
Aug. 1, 2023: Colorado's Department of Revenue announces $310.6 in retail and online sportsbook wagers for June 2023.
July 24, 2023: PlayUp Colorado continues to accept bets, despite an appeal to place its site in "maintenance mode."
June 16, 2023: Colorado’s Gaming Commission voted 3-1 to postpone adopting new rules about sports betting exchanges.
May 4, 2023: Colorado sports betting revenue doubles in March thanks to a March Madness boom.
April 25, 2023: ClutchBet enters its second U.S. market, launching in Colorado. The BlueBet sportsbook went live in Iowa in August 2022.
April 5, 2023: The Colorado Rockies announce a three-year advertising partnership with bet365.
March 29, 2023: With the Kentucky Derby looming, DraftKings introduces its horse-racing app to the Colorado sports betting landscape.
March 3, 2023: A bump in Colorado's January sports betting handle stems from an uptick in wagering on basketball's return.
Additionally, Sen. Dylan Roberts and Rep. Cleave Simpson introduce Senate Bill 177, which would allocate $10.6 million in sports betting revenue to state water projects.
Feb. 17, 2023: The Colorado Limited Gaming Commission (CLGC) fines Monarch Casino $400,000 for proxy betting by three employees. The fine is the largest ever imposed on a casino operator in the state.
Feb. 10, 2023: Simulcast wagering on greyhound racing could be coming to an end, as HB 1041 moves forward in the state legislature. While Colorado banned live greyhound racing in 2014, the bill would see the termination of wagers on races that occur on out-of-state tracks.
Jan. 5, 2023: Colorado sports betting recorded its second largest monthly handle in November 2022.
Jan. 3, 2023: New Colorado sports betting bill could double tax revenues almost immediately.
Oct. 20, 2022: Underdog Sports secures a temporary license to operate in Colorado, setting the stage for the company to launch its sports betting product in its first two states come 2023.
Sept. 1, 2022: bet365 becomes the 26th online sportsbook to go live in Colorado.
Aug. 2, 2022: Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton joins the Denver Broncos ownership group.
June 30, 2022: Colorado becomes the seventh state to surpass $7 billion in total sports betting handle.
BetWildwood shuts down its Colorado sports betting app as it prepares to launch a new and improved app.
June 15, 2022: The state's director of gaming, Dan Hartman, reveals that hockey betting handle increased 145% from April 2021 ($10.6 million) to April 2022 ($26 million). The Avalanche currently sit in the Stanley Cup Final.
June 14, 2022: An audit conducted by the Colorado Office of the State Auditor reveals significant issues with the Colorado Division of Gaming's regulation of sports betting, including a failure to properly perform background checks for a multitude of licenses.
May 30, 2022: Colorado's sports betting handle slipped in April compared to March but was higher year over year.
May 10, 2022: The Senate-amended "Responsible Gaming Grant Program" bill is advanced by the House via a 50-15 vote. The legislation now heads to the desk of Gov. Polis to potentially be signed into law.
May 6, 2022: A bill that would fund problem gaming programs in Colorado is amended by the Senate to note that the $3 million dedicated to the issue would be provided "annually" rather than "continuously," upsetting advocates for gambling addiction treatment and prevention. The bill passes through the Senate, 25-8, and proceeds to the House.
April 28, 2022: Colorado's sports betting handle rebounded in March to $505.6 million, thanks largely to college basketball betting around March Madness.
April 27, 2022: BlueBet reveals that its U.S. brand, ClutchBet, will be used when it launches an online sportsbook in Colorado.
April 26, 2022: Alec Garnett, the state's Speaker of the House, introduces a bill that would fund responsible gambling programs in Colorado.
April 20, 2022: MaximBet and Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon announce a sports betting ambassador partnership. The deal is the first of its kind between a regulated sportsbook and an active MLB player.
April 5, 2022: Colorado sports betting slowed in February, with sportsbooks accounting for a total handle of $440.5 million —a 23% decrease from January’s handle.
March 17, 2022: The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approves an adjustment to the state’s sports betting rules that allows for fixed-odds wagering on horse and greyhound racing. The practice is set to receive an 18-month trial run.
March 4, 2022: Colorado Division of Gaming suspends all betting on Russian sports.
March 1, 2022: Colorado posts an all-time single-month sports betting handle record of $573.7 million in January 2022, crushing its previous best of $491.5 million in October 2021.
Feb. 10, 2022: Betsson, the Swedish gaming operator, reveals plans to launch its mobile sportsbook in Colorado later in 2022.
Jan. 26, 2022: BlueBet signs a skin agreement with the Wild Card Saloon & Casino in Blackhawk. The Australia-based BlueBet will look to launch an online sportsbook in CO, pending licensing and regulatory approval.
Jan. 24, 2022: Kambi becomes the new exclusive sportsbook provider of MaximBet.
Jan. 3, 2022: Colorado sportsbooks registered record revenue in November, returning nearly $2 million in taxes for the state.
Dec. 17, 2021: bet365 receives approval to offer online sports betting in Colorado.
Sept. 2021: SI Sportsbook, partnered with 888, goes live in Colorado.
Aug. 2021: Barstool Sportsbook, the Penn National Gaming-controlled property, launches in Colorado.
May 2020: The first online Colorado sportsbooks officially go live as BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, and FanDuel all launch in CO.
Nov. 2019: Colorado Proposition DD narrowly passes a voter referendum, allowing the state’s 33 casinos to apply for licenses to offer in-person and online sports betting.
May 2019: Governor Jared Polis signs the 37-page bill into law.
April 2019: House Bill 1327 is introduced by Rep. Alec Garnett. The bill would legalize sports betting in Colorado.
Is sports betting in Colorado legal?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Colorado. Regulated mobile sports betting arrived on May 1, 2020, while retail or land-based sports wagering began shortly after, launching on June 18, 2020.
What sportsbooks are legal in Colorado?
The first Colorado sports betting sites went live on May 1, 2020. Today, 13 online operators are accepting bets in the Centennial State.
The Colorado Division of Gaming has approved the following online operators to date:
- BetMGM - Best for banking
- FanDuel - Top sportsbook
- bet365 - Intuitive menus
- Caesars - Best welcome bonus
- Fanatics - NFL live streaming
- DraftKings - First-class app
- BetRivers - Best for new bettors
- SBK Sportsbook - Sharp odds
- Bally Bet - Nice odds boosts
- ESPN BET - Lots of markets
- BetMonarch - Locally-owned
- Circa Sports - High limits
- Sporttrade - Trade wagers
Legal sportsbooks in Colorado
Editor's Note (Sept. 3, 2024): BetSafe exited Colorado on Sept, 30, 2024 We will continue to share pertinent updates as the situation unfolds.
Legal sports bets may be placed online via a computer or mobile device. In-person sports wagers are permitted in Colorado at one of the state’s several retail locations.
Colorado's online and mobile sportsbooks
Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bally Bet | Yes | Kambi | No | Bally's Black Hawk |
bet365 | Yes | bet365 | No | Century Casino Cripple Creek |
BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | No | Midnight Rose Casino |
BetMonarch | Yes | Stadium | No | Monarch Casino |
BetRivers | Yes | Kambi | No | McGills Hotel and Casino |
Caesars | Yes | Caesars | No | Lady Luck Casino |
Circa Sports | Yes | Circa | No | Century Casinos |
DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | No | Bally's Black Hawk |
ESPN BET | Yes | PENN | No | N/A |
Fanatics Sportsbook | Yes | Amelco | No | Double Eagle Casino |
FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | No | Bally's Black Hawk |
SBK | Yes | Smarkets | No | Bronco Billy's Casino |
Sporttrade | Yes | Sporttrade | No | TBD |
Land-based Colorado sportsbooks
Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
---|---|---|---|---|
BetFred Sportsbook | Saratoga Casino Black Hawk | 101 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-6100 | Playtech |
BetMonarch | Monarch Casino Resort Spa | 488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-1000 | Stadium |
BetRivers Sportsbook | McGills Hotel and Casino | 232 Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | (719) 689-2446 | Kambi |
Bronco Sportsbook | Bronco Billy's Casino | 233 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | (719) 689-2142 | Kambi |
Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk | 401 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (800) 843-4753 | Caesars |
Caesars Sportsbook | Lady Luck Casino | 340 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 998-7777 | Caesars |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Bally's Black Hawk | 300 Main Street Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-5600 | SBTech |
Elite Sportsbook | Red Dolly Casino | 530 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | (303) 582-1100 | Bet.Works |
Play Maverick Sports | Grand Z Casino | 321 Gregory St, Central City, CO 80427 | (303) 582-0800 | IGT |
Woody's Sportsbook | Wildwood Casino | 119 Carbonate Street Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | (719) 244-9700 | ISI |
Latest Colorado sports betting news
Who can bet on sports in Colorado?
Anyone 21-years of age and over and located in the state may place a sports bet in Colorado. Players can visit a physical sportsbook or use a computer or mobile device to wager online.
Here’s everything you need to know before placing your first sports bet in Colorado.
Legal age
You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Colorado.
Mobile betting
Wagers can be placed with legal Colorado sports betting sites or mobile sports betting apps via a computer or mobile device. The Colorado Division of Gaming oversees all sports betting in the Centennial State.
Remote registration
Remote registration allows both Colorado’s residents and visitors to sign up and start betting online without having to verify their identity at a retail sportsbook. This is of major significance in Colorado as players would otherwise be required to visit a licensed casino — none of which are located in the more populous areas of Colorado.
Within state borders
Online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm the exact locations of their users. So as long as you can prove you’re in Colorado, you’ll be able to partake in all legal sports betting activity online.
Retail sportsbooks
Several Colorado casinos house retail sportsbooks or self-serve betting kiosks. Any of the state’s 40 casinos can apply for a Master Sports Betting License. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Black Hawk, Century City, and Cripple Creek comprise the available locations.
Taxable winnings
Colorado sports bet winnings are taxed at both the federal and state level. All gambling profits are subject to a state income tax of 4.63% in Colorado.
The pros and cons of Colorado sports betting
Fully remote registration is a massive win for Colorado sports bettors. With nearly all of the state’s casinos situated in three sparsely populated rural areas, accessibility could have been a significant hurdle otherwise.
There’s not much to gripe about when comparing Colorado sports betting laws to those of other states. The absence of college prop bets is the only real significant betting opportunity omitted from Colorado law.
How to start betting in Colorado
With remote registration and online betting, it’s easy to get started with sports wagering in the Centennial State. Alternatively, Coloradans may visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook in a state-licensed casino if physical bets are preferred.
Select a sportsbook
Colorado sports bettors should always take their time when choosing which sports betting platform best suits their needs. Consider betting odds, bettor reviews, bonus offers, and customer support of each sportsbook.
Register online
Colorado sports betting law has made registration quick and straightforward. Once you’ve chosen a CO sportsbook, simply fill in your personal details via a mobile device or computer. Some Colorado sports betting sites may also ask for your driver’s license or SSN to verify your identity.
Claim a bonus
Always be sure to claim your bonus when completing the registration process with a new sportsbook in Colorado. These promotions are driven by competition in the state and provide new sports bettors with several great offerings.
- Bonus bets: If you lose your first bet, some Colorado sportsbooks will refund the exact amount to your account — up to a specified amount. This is usually in the form of bonus bets.
- Deposit match: A sportsbook may also match your initial deposit, giving you more money to bet with. Playthrough requirements accompany this type of bonus.
- No-deposit bonus: This promotion gives you the ability to place what equates to a bonus bet. Playthrough requirements are typically attached here as well.
Choose your bet
All of the popular bets are available for sports bettors in Colorado.
These include moneylines, player prop bets (excluding college sports), point spreads, parlays, Over/Unders (totals), teasers, live bets, and futures.
Deposit
There are many ways to make deposits into your sports betting account. Every Colorado sportsbook is different, but a combination of the following should be available: Play+, PayPal, credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, or PayNearMe. Cash can also be used at retail sportsbooks in the Centennial State.
Take a look at the transaction fees associated with each method before choosing the one that works for you.
Start betting
Familiarize yourself with the various betting opportunities available with each sportsbook you’re considering. Not all Colorado sportsbooks offer the same betting lines, so a little bit of research could uncover more favorable betting scenarios than you may have anticipated.
Withdraw
Some sportsbooks may ask players to verify their identity via a driver’s license before processing a withdrawal. Withdrawals may be immediate but could also take a day or two, depending on how you choose to pull out funds from your account.
Odds explained
Colorado sportsbooks use American Odds — also known as moneyline odds — as the default option when displaying betting odds. For favorites, the number listed indicates the amount bettors need to wager to win $100. So, for example, -150 odds tell you that $150 needs to be put on this line if you’d like to take home $100 in profit.
Conversely, the number found next to an underdog specifies the profit up for grabs when placing a $100 bet. For example, +155 odds represent the $155 in profit you would receive following a winning $100 bet. As underdogs are not expected to win, you’ll stand to gain more when placing a wager on these teams.
Colorado betting sites may also allow you to view odds as decimals and fractions. Check out our odds converter to easily switch between American, Decimal, and Fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in Colorado
Colorado may have the least restrictive sports betting law in the country. Flush with betting opportunities, Coloradans and visitors of the Centennial State can lay a sports bet on just about any event imaginable.
However, there are a few exceptions highlighted here:
NFL Draft
Football fans in Colorado are fortunate enough to be one of the states where you can legally wager on the 2024 NFL Draft.
College sports
Sports bettors are free to place bets on any college team in the country. Player props are not offered, however.
esports
While esports betting is legal in Colorado, all esports events must be approved individually by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).
Politics
Colorado sports betting does not include wagers on political events.
Awards ceremonies
While popular with offshore sites, celebrity and pop-culture events such as the Academy Awards are off-limits at Colorado sports betting sites
Colorado sports betting handle
Colorado has quickly become a significant market for sports betting in the United States. The state has registered over $3 billion in sports bets in the year following the legalization of sports wagering.
Colorado's monthly betting handle has surpassed $400 million on eight occasions, and in January 2022, it broke the $500 million mark for the first time. The state's 6.4 hold percentage was second-lowest among all states with legalized sports betting in 2020.
We're tracking sports betting revenue for all legal U.S. jurisdictions, including reporting on the monthly handle and hold.
Here's a look at Colorado's sports betting earnings to date:
Yearly breakdown
Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
2024 | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $5.56B | $391.8M | 7% | - |
2022 | $5.17B | $351.9M | 6.79% | $19.7M |
2021 | $3.83B | $250.1M | 6.6% | $11.7M |
2020 | $1.19B | $75.8M | 6.4% | $2.96M |
Monthly handle
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
2024 | $596.7M | $536.9M | $593.1M | $508.5M | $447.6M | $350.4M | $320.4M | $372.4M | - | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $547.1M | $425.1M | $494.4M | $417.8M | $385.2M | $310.6M | $281.1M | $306M | $512.7M | 554.8M | $608.5M | $716.4M | $5,56B |
2022 | $573.7M | $440.5M | $505.6M | $392.3M | $360M | $313.2M | $258.4M | $290.1M | $450.2M | $526.6M | $552.6M | $518M | $5.17B |
2021 | $326M | $266M | $301M | $244M | $249M | $229M | $181M | $211.9M | $408.3M | $491.5M | $475.4M | $461.4M | $3.83B |
2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $25M | $38M | $59M | $128M | $207M | $210M | $231M | $284M | $1.19B |
Home team advantage: Colorado sports
It's a great time to be a Colorado sports fan. Between the Denver Nuggets winning their first NBA Championship in 2023 and the Colorado Avalanche lifting the Stanley Cup in 2022, the hometown teams have given their fans plenty to cheer about lately.
But even with the recent success, Coloradans must put their local biases aside and conduct research before placing any wager. Be sure to review our how to bet guides before blindly betting on any of your favorite teams.
Although no scheduled fights or Formula One races are coming to the Centennial State anytime soon, the best UFC betting sites, boxing betting sites, and F1 betting sites easily allow you to back fighters and drivers you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
Colorado sports betting law
Legal Colorado sports betting arrived courtesy of House Bill 1327, which authorized the state’s 33 licensed casinos to obtain a primary license to offer sports betting at their respective casinos via an online website or mobile application.
We've highlighted pertinent Colorado sports betting milestones:
- The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and Colorado Division of Gaming regulate online and retail sportsbooks.
- Commercial and tribal casinos can legally operate sportsbooks within their casinos.
- Only individuals 21 or older can bet on sports in Colorado.
- 13 online sportsbooks operate in Colorado.
- Colorado allows for college sports betting, including wagering on in-state teams.
- esports regulations permit wagering on competitions sanctioned by a sports governing body or equivalent.
- Gambling winnings are treated as taxable income at a rate of 4.6% for Colorado residents.
Other types of gambling
Colorado is home to 40 casinos, five poker rooms, and one racetrack.
Beyond sports betting, state lawmakers have remained hesitant to usher in any other forms of online gambling.
Casino
Most of Colorado’s casinos are located in Cripple Creek and Blackhawk. Each casino offers an exhaustive list of table games, including craps and roulette, which were added when the Colorado Limited Gaming Act was altered in 2009.
Real money online casinos are illegal in the Centennial State. Sweepstakes casino sites are permitted, however, as these sites use “sweeps coins” instead of dollars and are legal in 49 of 50 states.
Poker
Poker enthusiasts can visit five poker rooms in Colorado. Ameristar Casino Blackhawk, Isle Casino Blackhawk, and Golden Gates Casino are home to the most popular poker tournaments in the state.
Like online casinos, there are no legal options for playing online poker in Colorado.
Horse racing
Colorado is home to a single-horse racetrack — Arapahoe Park Horse Track. Coloradans can place live or simulcast wagers at Arapahoe Park or at one of twelve off-track betting sites.
Pari-mutuel bets can be placed online with FanDuel Racing and other horse racing betting sites.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports have been legal in Colorado since 2016. Players must be 18 or older to enter DFS contests in the Centennial State.
DraftKings, FanDuel, YahooSports, Monkey Knife Fight, and Prize Picks are among the DFS operators in Colorado.
Quick facts: Colorado sports betting
Here’s the deal: Coloradans have adopted mobile sports at a high clip, with more than 90% of sports bets in Colorado placed via a mobile device.
Favorable conditions for operators and an engaged fanbase contribute to Colorado's early sports betting success.
Here are critical takeaways from Colorado's sports betting structure:
Launch date | May 1, 2020 |
Legal age for betting | 21 |
Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
Number of betting licenses | 33 |
Number of betting sites | 13 |
Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
Online casino sites | No ❌ |
Online poker | No ❌ |
Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
Betting on esports | Yes ✅ |
State population | 5.8 million |
Total handle (2023) | $5.56 billion |
Tax rate | 10% (online revenue) |
State regulator | Colorado Division of Gaming |
Last Verified | Nov. 21, 2024 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Colorado
With legal sports betting taking off in Colorado, the Colorado Gaming Associated (CGA) has implemented several programs to educate casino employees and support problem gamblers.
The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) provides support in the form of a self-exclusion program. Individuals who fear having a gambling addiction may voluntarily prohibit themselves from all betting activity in the state.
Legal Colorado betting sites also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. For example, players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.
Denver betting resources
Denver sports betting has catapulted in popularity and is available to anyone at least 21 years of age.
We have prepared multiple guides to help provide the best Denver sports betting resource.
Interested in the full Denver sports betting city guide? Check it out here.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
Colorado formally legalized sports betting following the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn the long-standing federal ban on sports gambling. Sports gambling is also legal in these U.S. jurisdictions:
Legal U.S. sports betting launches
Tar Heel State bettors can now register with several industry leaders, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars Sportsbook. North Carolina sports betting officially launched its online wagering market on March 11, 2024.
To kick off the new year, legal Vermont sports betting went live on Jan. 11, 2024. Three operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — have operating licenses and were available on launch day.
Maine sports betting became legal on Nov. 3, 2023, with the arrival of DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook. Both operators partnered with local state tribes, as the state's tribes hold exclusive rights regarding mobile apps and retail sports betting at local casinos.
Legal Kentucky sports betting kicked off on Sept. 7, 2023, with the arrival of retail betting. Meanwhile, online sports betting launched on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
The number of states moving toward legal sports betting continues to grow, but there are still many that have yet to take the plunge.
Here are the untapped markets which could potentially open up soon:
Colorado sports betting history
On May 2020, Colorado legalized sports betting after a ballot measure was approved by voters, allowing licensed casinos to regulate the operation. Colorado sports betting law permits mobile and retail sports betting and will generate tax revenue to support state water projects, among other initiatives.
- 2023: A yet-to-be-named online sports betting operator stands to benefit from a multimillion-dollar tax break in Colorado.
- 2022: Globally-renowned sports betting site bet365 comes online in September within the Colorado sports betting ecosystem.
- 2021: At the midway point of the year, more than 20 online Colorado sportsbooks establish a presence.
- 2020: The country's most prominent sports betting brands, including BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, and FanDuel, come online in Colorado.
- 2019: Voters approve legal Colorado sports betting via a ballot referendum by a slim margin.
Colorado sports betting resources
Leverage these resources for more information about legal Colorado sports betting:
Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and Colorado Division of Gaming: Regulator of Colorado sports betting
Colorado General Assembly: Legislative branch for approving laws
Colorado Gaming Association: Facilitates prevention and treatment for problem gambling.
Sports betting Catalog: Repository of all approved bets authorized by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission
Division of Gaming: List of Colorado sports betting rules
Colorado sports betting conclusion
The ability to register an account with 13 legal and regulated Colorado sportsbooks underscores its significance in the U.S. sports betting industry. The Colorado Division of Gaming oversees and regulates the legal market and has implemented rigid standards to assure player safety and security.
Each of the 40 casinos found in Colorado’s three mountain gambling towns is legally permitted to offer sports betting, as online and in-person sports betting are permitted under Colorado law. Competition from neighboring states is minimal, which benefits Colorado residents and visitors alike.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Colorado
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Offshore betting sites do exist in Colorado, but bettors are advised to avoid them. The following sites have been added to our blacklist because they are unregulated, unreliable and there is no guarantee players will be able to access funds placed in unsecured accounts.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Colorado sports betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in Colorado. Proposition DD, the Legalize Sports Betting With Tax Revenue for Water Projects Measure, was approved in November 2019.
Yes. Colorado online sports betting was legalized in November 2019. Today, you can register with 13 licensed and regulated online sportsbooks.
You can bet on sports online at legal Colorado betting sites. In-person wagers may be placed at retail Colorado sportsbooks.
Yes. Any of Colorado's casinos can apply for a sports betting license. Check our guide above for a full list of retail sportsbooks located in CO casinos.
No, bettors do not need to be residents of Colorado in order to place a wager. Still, players must be physically located in Colorado to partake in sports betting activities.
Visit a Colorado sports betting website, download a sports betting app, or head on over to a retail sportsbook to place a sports wager in Colorado.
Yes, wagering on Colorado teams at the professional and college level is permitted. College prop bets are not allowed, however.
Colorado took in over $391 million in sports betting revenue in 2023.
Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek are home to Colorado’s retail sportsbooks. Online wagers can be placed state-wide.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming provide oversight over the regulation of legalized sports betting in Colorado.
No, theScore Bet is no longer available in Colorado. The Canadian-owned operator discontinued all U.S. operations on July 1, 2022.
Yes, DraftKings has partnered with Mardi Gras Casino and was among the first sportsbooks to go live in May 2020.
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