Online Gambling in Colorado (2026)
Colorado legalized sports betting via Proposition DD in November 2019, with online and retail wagering going live on May 1, 2020. The state is home to 33 licensed land-based casinos and two tribal gaming facilities. Online casino gaming (iGaming) is not legal in Colorado — any future legalization would require voter approval of a new tax under Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). As of May 2026, no iGaming legislation has passed.
This guide covers Colorado gambling law as of May 2026: what’s legal, who regulates it, which operators are licensed, and where Colorado players can access offshore casino platforms.
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Quick Legal Status
| Gambling Type | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Online Casino (iGaming) | ❌ Not legal | — |
| Online Sports Betting | ✅ Legal | May 1, 2020 |
| Online Poker | ❌ Not legal | — |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | ✅ Legal | Regulated by Division of Gaming |
| Land-Based Casinos | ✅ Legal | 1991 (Limited Gaming Act) |
| Sweepstakes Casinos | ✅ Legal — 18+ to redeem | — |
| Horse Racing / Pari-Mutuel | ✅ Legal | — |
| Colorado Lottery | ✅ Legal | 1983 |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 (casino / sports betting) | — |
Legal Overview
What’s Legal
- Online sports betting: Legal statewide since May 1, 2020. Seven-plus licensed operators active. Minimum age: 21.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS): Legal and regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming. DraftKings and FanDuel are both active in the Colorado DFS market. Minimum age: verify — likely 18 for DFS contests (confirm with Division of Gaming).
- Land-based casino gaming: 33 state-licensed casinos in three mountain gaming districts (Black Hawk, Central City, Cripple Creek) plus two tribal casinos. Maximum wager: $100 per bet. Minimum age: 21.
- Sweepstakes casinos: Legal in Colorado; no ban enacted. Sweepstakes-model platforms are accessible to CO players at age 18+.
- State lottery: Colorado Lottery has operated since 1983, offering Powerball, Mega Millions, scratch tickets, and in-store draw games. Minimum age: verify (likely 18).
- Horse racing / pari-mutuel wagering: Legal; regulated by the Colorado Racing Commission.
What’s Not Legal
- Online casino gaming (iGaming): No legislation has authorized licensed online slots, table games, or live dealer games in Colorado. Any future iGaming legalization would require voter approval of a new tax via ballot initiative under TABOR. No such ballot measure has been approved as of May 2026.
- Online poker: Colorado has no licensed online poker market. Falls under the general iGaming prohibition. Colorado is not a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
- Unlicensed online sportsbooks: Colorado residents may not use sportsbook platforms not licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Colorado Limited Gaming Act | Authorized limited gaming in three mountain towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek; established the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and Division of Gaming |
| May 2019 | Senate Bill 30 (SB 30), signed by Governor Jared Polis | Legalization framework for sports betting pending voter approval; directed tax revenue toward the Colorado Water Plan |
| November 2019 | Proposition DD — approved by Colorado voters | Authorized a 10% tax on net sports betting revenue to fund the Colorado Water Plan; voter approval satisfied TABOR requirement; sports betting legalized statewide |
| May 1, 2020 | Sports betting market launches | BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars (as William Hill) go live on Day 1; Colorado becomes one of the first states with competitive mobile launch |
| August 2021 | Caesars acquires William Hill; rebrands CO operations | William Hill Colorado becomes Caesars Sportsbook in Colorado market |
| September 6, 2022 | bet365 launches in Colorado | bet365 becomes the 27th operator to enter the Colorado market |
| July 2023 | CO Dept. of Revenue Executive Director Mark Ferrandino states iGaming talks underway | First senior state official to publicly acknowledge online casino legalization discussions; no legislation followed |
| 2024–2026 | No iGaming legislation passed | Colorado remains a sports-betting-only licensed online market; any iGaming bill would still require a voter-approved tax |
Regulatory Structure
| Body | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Division of Gaming | Primary regulator: licenses and oversees all land-based casinos, online sports betting, DFS, and pari-mutuel wagering | gaming.colorado.gov |
| Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission | Five-member commission that sets policy and rules for the Division of Gaming; operates under the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) | revenue.colorado.gov/limited-gaming-division |
| Colorado Racing Commission | Regulates horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering; operates within the same CDOR Division | revenue.colorado.gov |
| Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) | Statewide problem gambling coalition; operates BetSmart Colorado self-exclusion program; NCPG state affiliate | problemgamblingcoalitioncolorado.org |
Licensed Sports Betting Operators
Colorado does not have a licensed iGaming (online casino) market. For Colorado residents seeking online casino-style games, the options are sweepstakes casinos (legal, free-to-play with prize redemption) or offshore platforms that accept CO players.
Colorado requires each online sports betting operator to partner with a Colorado-licensed casino. The state has one of the largest operator counts in the US, with more than 25 operators licensed since launch.
Major Active Online Sportsbooks (as of May 2026)
| Operator | Launch | Casino Partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook | May 1, 2020 | Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino (Cripple Creek) | Active since launch day |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | May 1, 2020 | Bally’s Black Hawk | Active since launch day |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | May 2020 | — (no retail location) | Active since launch; Denver Broncos betting partner |
| Caesars Sportsbook | May 1, 2020 (as William Hill; rebranded Aug 2021) | Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk / Lady Luck Casino | William Hill acquired by Caesars; rebranded August 2021 |
| bet365 Sportsbook | September 6, 2022 | — (no retail location) | 27th operator to enter CO market |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Active | Double Eagle Casino | Denver Nuggets and Avalanche betting partner |
| theScore Bet | Active | — | Listed as active CO operator; verify current status |
Additional licensed operators include TwinSpires Sports (Billy’s Casino), PlayUp (Bull Durham Casino), Circa Sports (Century Casino), and SBK (Christmas Casino). Colorado has one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the US.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of licensed operators | 25+ (including smaller/niche operators); 7 major brands confirmed active |
| Legal since (online/retail) | May 1, 2020 |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Sports betting tax rate | 10% of net sports betting revenue (per Proposition DD) |
| Tax revenue directed to | Colorado Water Plan |
| Regulator | Colorado Division of Gaming |
Land-Based Casinos
Colorado has 33 state-licensed casinos and two tribal gaming facilities. The 33 state-licensed casinos are clustered in three mountain gaming districts, all operating under Colorado’s Limited Gaming Act with a maximum wager of $100 per bet.
State-Licensed Casino Districts
| District | Location | Notable Casinos | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Hawk | Gilpin County (40 mi west of Denver) | Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk, Lady Luck Casino, Bally’s Black Hawk, Century Casino Black Hawk, The Grand Z Casino | Largest concentration of CO casinos; most major operators are based here |
| Central City | Adjacent to Black Hawk, Gilpin County | Isle Casino Central City, various smaller properties | Historic gaming town; smaller casino cluster than Black Hawk |
| Cripple Creek | Teller County (50 mi west of Colorado Springs) | Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino, Double Eagle Casino, Bronco Billy’s Hotel and Casino | Third gaming district; anchor for BetMGM’s CO sportsbook partnership |
Tribal Casinos
| Casino | Tribe | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ute Mountain Casino Hotel | Ute Mountain Ute Tribe | Towaoc, CO (near Cortez, Four Corners region) | Operates under tribal-state gaming compact; not in the three limited gaming districts |
| Sky Ute Casino Resort | Southern Ute Indian Tribe | Ignacio, CO (near Durango) | Operates under tribal-state gaming compact; not in the three limited gaming districts |
Note: All 33 state-licensed Colorado casinos are subject to the $100 maximum wager limit per bet under the Limited Gaming Act. Games offered: slots, blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. Tribal casinos operate under separate federal IGRA compacts and are not subject to the $100 limit.
Offshore Online Casinos
Colorado has no licensed iGaming market. For Colorado residents seeking online casino games — slots, blackjack, roulette, live dealer — no state-licensed platform currently exists. Colorado players may access offshore online casinos licensed in international jurisdictions, though these operate outside Colorado regulatory oversight.
We strongly recommend sweepstakes casinos as the safest legal alternative for Colorado residents. Sweepstakes platforms operate under a promotional model, are free to use, and allow prize redemption — no deposit required. They are accessible to CO players at age 18+. Active sweepstakes operators in Colorado include Crown Coins Casino and others.
If you choose to use an offshore platform, MobileCasinoParty reviews several operators that accept Colorado players. These platforms are not licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming and do not offer Colorado consumer protections, state-backed game fairness audits, or access to Colorado’s BetSmart self-exclusion program.
| Operator | CO Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Likely accepts CO players | Not CO Division of Gaming-licensed; Curaçao-licensed. No CO-specific enforcement action documented. Verify current restricted states list at bovada.lv before use. |
| Wild Casino | Likely accepts CO players | Not CO-licensed; Panama Gaming Commission. Restricted in NJ; CO not confirmed as restricted. Verify before use. |
| Ignition Casino | Accepts CO players | Restricted states: DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only. Colorado is not restricted. |
| Cafe Casino | Accepts CO players | Restricted states: DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only. Colorado is not restricted. |
| Slots.LV | Accepts CO players | Restricted states: DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only (plus Quebec, Nova Scotia). Colorado is not restricted. |
Offshore platforms operate outside Colorado law. Use at your own discretion. MobileCasinoParty recommends using licensed platforms wherever available.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports are legal in Colorado and regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming under the same division that oversees sports betting. DraftKings and FanDuel are both active in the Colorado DFS market.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | ✅ Legal |
| Regulator | Colorado Division of Gaming |
| Active Operators | DraftKings, FanDuel |
| Minimum Age | Verify — likely 18 for DFS contests (confirm with Division of Gaming; sports betting minimum is 21) |
| Regulatory Reference | gaming.colorado.gov (Division of Gaming) |
Colorado regulates DFS under the same division as sports betting, providing a clear licensing pathway for fantasy sports operators. Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer DFS contests alongside their licensed sportsbook products in the state.
Recent Legal Changes 2024–2026
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| September 2022 | bet365 launches in Colorado: bet365 became the 27th operator to enter the Colorado market, one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the US by operator count. |
| July 2023 | iGaming discussions acknowledged: Colorado Department of Revenue Executive Director Mark Ferrandino publicly stated that talks were underway regarding online casino legalization in Colorado — the first senior state official to do so. No legislation followed. |
| 2024–2026 | No iGaming legislation passed: Colorado has not advanced any online casino legalization bill. Under Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), any new tax associated with iGaming would require a voter-approved ballot measure. No such measure has been placed on the ballot as of May 2026. |
| Ongoing 2025–2026 | Market consolidation continues: Colorado’s large operator pool has seen some consolidation, with smaller operators exiting and major brands (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics) dominating market share. |
MobileCasinoParty does not predict whether or when pending legislation will pass. The information above reflects verified events as of May 2026.
Responsible Gambling
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, help is available. Colorado offers problem gambling resources through the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC), a state-affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), and the BetSmart Colorado voluntary self-exclusion program.
Colorado Problem Gambling Resources
| Resource | Phone / Contact | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7 |
| Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado | — | problemgamblingcoalitioncolorado.org | Support resources, self-assessment, treatment referrals |
| Problem Gambling Center (Lakewood) | — | problemgamblingcoalitioncolorado.org | Hosts Gamblers Anonymous, Smart Recovery, financial planning services |
Colorado Voluntary Self-Exclusion — BetSmart Colorado
Colorado’s BetSmart Colorado program allows residents to voluntarily exclude themselves from licensed sports betting platforms and gaming facilities. The program is administered through the Colorado Division of Gaming.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program URL | betsmart.colorado.gov/self-exclusion |
| Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) |
| National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program | nvsep.org — Additional multi-state self-exclusion option |
| Scope | Covers all Colorado Division of Gaming-licensed sports betting operators and casino facilities |
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | — | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 (office) | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Colorado?
Online sports betting is legal in Colorado, regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Seven-plus major operators are licensed and active as of May 2026. Online casino gaming (iGaming) is not legal — no legislation has authorized licensed online slots or table games, and any future iGaming bill would require voter approval of a new tax under TABOR.
Can I play online casino games in Colorado?
There are no state-licensed online casino platforms in Colorado. Colorado residents can access sweepstakes casino sites (legal, free-to-play, 18+) or offshore online casinos that accept CO players. Offshore platforms operate outside Colorado regulatory oversight. Sweepstakes casinos are the safest legal alternative.
Which sports betting apps are legal in Colorado?
Major licensed operators as of May 2026 include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, and theScore Bet. Colorado has one of the largest licensed operator markets in the US, with more than 25 operators licensed since the May 2020 launch.
What is the minimum gambling age in Colorado?
The minimum age is 21 for online sports betting and land-based casino gambling in Colorado. Sweepstakes casinos are accessible at age 18+. Daily fantasy sports likely have an 18 minimum (confirm with Colorado Division of Gaming). The Colorado Lottery likely requires age 18 (verify before publishing).
Does Colorado have legal online poker?
No. Colorado has no licensed online poker market as of May 2026. Online poker falls under the general iGaming prohibition. Colorado is not a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), and no poker legislation has passed.
How many casinos are in Colorado?
Colorado has 33 state-licensed casinos, all located in three mountain gaming districts: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. The state also has two tribal casinos — Ute Mountain Casino Hotel (Towaoc) and Sky Ute Casino Resort (Ignacio). All state-licensed casinos have a $100 maximum wager limit per bet.
When did sports betting start in Colorado?
Colorado sports betting launched on May 1, 2020, following voter approval of Proposition DD in November 2019. Prop DD authorized a 10% tax on net sports betting revenue to fund the Colorado Water Plan. BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars (as William Hill) all launched on Day 1.
How do I self-exclude from gambling in Colorado?
Colorado’s BetSmart Colorado program provides voluntary self-exclusion from all Division of Gaming-licensed sports betting operators and gaming facilities. Enroll at betsmart.colorado.gov/self-exclusion. For support, call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or contact the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado at problemgamblingcoalitioncolorado.org.
Related Guides
- Responsible Gambling Policy — Support resources and helplines
- Casino Review Process — How we evaluate and rate casinos
- USA Online Casinos — Full state-by-state guide hub
- New Jersey Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2013; MSIGA member; online poker available
- Michigan Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2021; MSIGA member; online poker available
- Pennsylvania Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2019; MSIGA member
- Connecticut Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2021; 2-operator market
- West Virginia Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2020; MSIGA member
- Nevada Gambling Guide — Nation’s gaming capital; online poker available
- Arizona Gambling Guide — Sports betting legal since 2021; no iGaming
- Ohio Gambling Guide — Sports betting legal; online casino not yet legal
- Massachusetts Gambling Guide — Sports betting legal since March 2023; no iGaming
- Bovada Casino Review — Accepts CO players; not Division of Gaming-licensed
- Ignition Casino Review — Accepts CO players; not Division of Gaming-licensed
- DraftKings Review — Licensed CO sportsbook; DFS also available
Last verified: 2026-05-19 | Responsible Gambling Policy | How We Review
