Colorado sports betting has been legal since May 2020, when the Centennial State became one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to offer both retail and online wagering. Voters approved Proposition DD in November 2019, and since launch, the market has grown into one of the most competitive sports betting colorado environments in the country.
More than a dozen licensed operators and multiple retail venues now operate across three historic gaming towns. Mobile wagering accounts for over 95% of all wagers placed in the state, and the total handle exceeded $6 billion during fiscal year 2024-25.
The regulatory framework established by the state has created a stable and transparent marketplace, with tax revenue from sports wagering directing more than $100 million toward the Colorado Water Plan.
With legal sports betting colorado options expanding each year, both state-regulated platforms and overseas-licensed sportsbooks are accessible to residents and visitors. Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located within state borders. The following guide covers every essential aspect of the Colorado sports betting landscape, from legality and regulation to available platforms, bonuses, tax obligations, and responsible gambling resources. \
| Detail | Information |
| Is Colorado Sports Betting Legal? | Yes (Online and In-Person) |
| Legalization Date | November 2019 (Proposition DD) |
| Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
| Licensed Online Sportsbooks | 13+ |
| State Tax on Winnings | 4.4% (flat rate) |
| Federal Tax on Winnings | 24% |
| Regulatory Authority | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC) |
| Launch Date | May 1, 2020 |
| Retail Sportsbook Locations | 10 |
| Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER |
Colorado Sportsbooks At A Glance
Colorado currently hosts 13 licensed online sportsbooks regulated by the Division of Gaming. The operators include bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, BetRivers, theScore Bet, Circa Sports, Bally Bet, Sporttrade, Hard Rock Bet, and BetMonarch. Each holds a master license through a partnership with a Colorado casino.
In addition to regulated domestic platforms, some Colorado bettors also use internationally licensed sportsbooks that accept registrations from the state. The table below compares a selection of both licensed Colorado operators and international sportsbooks.
Platforms designated as “International” are not regulated by Colorado’s gaming authority and do not carry the same consumer protections as domestic operators.
International sportsbooks listed above are licensed in their respective overseas jurisdictions but are not regulated by Colorado’s gaming authority.
State-Licensed vs. International Platforms
When comparing platforms, several factors warrant consideration.
Regulated domestic operators offer:
- Oversight by the Colorado Division of Gaming
- State-backed dispute resolution for bettor complaints
- Automatic tax withholding and reporting on winnings
International platforms may appeal to bettors who prioritise:
- Wider prop bet availability, including entertainment and novelty markets
- The ability to wager using digital currency
- The absence of geolocation restrictions
- A lower minimum age requirement at some platforms, though Colorado state law still requires bettors to be 21 or older regardless of which platform they use
Is Sports Betting Legal In Colorado?
Sports betting became legal in Colorado on May 1, 2020, after voters approved Proposition DD in November 2019 with a narrow 60% majority. The state currently has 13 licensed online sportsbooks and 10 retail locations. All are regulated by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, and bettors must be 21 or older and physically located within state borders to place a wager.
The path to legalization began in May 2018. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), effectively allowing states to authorize sports wagering. Colorado legislators introduced House Bill 19-1327 to establish the regulatory framework. Proposition DD was then placed on the November 2019 ballot, and its passage authorized the Colorado Division of Gaming to begin licensing operators.
The first retail and online sportsbooks launched simultaneously on May 1, 2020, coinciding with the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the disruption to live sports, the market grew rapidly. By mid-2021, more than 20 commercial sportsbooks and one tribal operator were active in the state.
Since then, the question of whether is sports betting legal in colorado has been answered definitively. The state offers one of the most mature and well-regulated markets in the country.
Key Legislative Milestones
Several milestones have shaped the current landscape:
- 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA, opening the door for state-level legalization.
- 2019: Colorado voters approved Proposition DD.
- 2020: The first sportsbooks launched in May. Amendment 77 passed later that year, removing the $100 maximum bet limit for casinos and expanding local control over game types.
- 2024: Certain college wagering restrictions were introduced following a request from the NCAA.
- 2026: Senate Bill 26-131 was introduced, proposing significant restrictions on advertising, prop bets, and deposit methods.
The state’s full roster of colorado sportsbooks includes nationally recognized operators as well as smaller regional platforms. All must partner with a licensed Colorado casino to operate under the master license structure. This competition has been a benefit to bettors, as operators continuously improve their odds, features, and promotional offerings.
What Sports Can You Bet On In Colorado?
Colorado maintains one of the least restrictive sports betting frameworks in the country. Bettors can wager on all major professional and international sporting events across a wide range of markets.
Permitted Sports And Markets
Permitted sports include:
- NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS
- PGA Tour golf, ATP and WTA tennis
- NASCAR and Formula 1 motorsports
- UFC and boxing
- Rugby, cricket, darts, and table tennis
- College sports (standard game lines, point spreads, totals, and championship futures)
The Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche consistently generate the highest wagering volumes, with NFL game days producing particularly strong handle numbers throughout the season.
Restricted And Prohibited Wagering
Several categories of wagering are restricted or prohibited:
- Player proposition bets on college sports events have been banned since 2024 following a recommendation from the NCAA. Standard game lines, spreads, totals, and futures for college events remain available.
- Betting on political elections is not permitted through regulated platforms.
- Wagering on entertainment events such as award shows, reality television outcomes, and celebrity-related markets is prohibited at licensed sportsbooks, though some offshore platforms do offer these categories.
- Esports betting is legal in Colorado, but all esports events must receive individual approval from the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) before wagers can be accepted.
Types Of Sports Bets Available In Colorado
Colorado sportsbooks offer a full range of wager types across all permitted sports. Understanding these options helps bettors select the right market for each event.
Standard Wager Types
Moneyline: The simplest form of sports wagering, requiring the bettor to pick which team or competitor will win.
Point Spread: Introduces a margin of victory, where the favored team must win by more than the set number of points for the bet to pay out.
Totals (Over/Under): Involves wagering on whether the combined score of both teams will finish above or below a number set by the sportsbook.
Parlays, Teasers, And Same-Game Parlays
Parlay: Combines two or more selections into a single wager, with all legs needing to win for the bet to pay out. The potential return increases with each added selection, but so does the difficulty.
Teaser: Allows bettors to adjust the point spread in their favor across multiple selections. This reduces the potential payout in exchange for more favorable lines.
Same-Game Parlay: Combines multiple outcomes from a single event into one wager. This format has become one of the most popular bet types in the Colorado market.
Props, Futures, And Live Betting
Proposition Bets (Props): Focus on individual player or team performances rather than the final outcome. Props on professional leagues are available statewide, though college-level restrictions apply.
Futures: Placed on long-term outcomes such as championship winners or season awards.
Live Betting (In-Play): Allows bettors to place wagers after an event has started, with odds updating in real time based on the action.
How To Start Betting On Sports In Colorado?
Getting started with sports wagering in Colorado is a straightforward process. Most bettors can move from account creation to first wager in less than ten minutes.
- Choose a platform by visiting its website or downloading its mobile application. Regulated platforms are available through both the App Store and Google Play. International operators typically work through mobile-optimized browser interfaces.
- Register and verify identity by providing a legal name, date of birth, residential address, the last four digits of a Social Security number, and a valid government-issued ID. Colorado permits full remote registration, so residency is not required. The bettor must be physically present within state borders when placing any wager.
- Fund the account through one of the available deposit methods. Most regulated platforms support debit cards, e-wallets, and online banking. International operators additionally accept digital currency.
- Place a wager by browsing available markets, selecting the wager type, entering the stake amount, and confirming the bet.
Mobile Sports Betting In Colorado
Mobile wagering dominates the Colorado market, with more than 95% of all sports bets placed through smartphones and tablets. The availability of colorado sports betting apps across iOS and Android devices has made it possible for anyone within state borders to place wagers from virtually any location.
Licensed Mobile Apps
Regulated platforms operate through dedicated apps available for download via the App Store and Google Play. Key features include:
- Geolocation technology that verifies the bettor is physically present within Colorado before accepting any wager
- Automatic disabling of betting functions once a bettor crosses state lines
- Modern Know Your Customer (KYC) tools that confirm both age and identity
International Platform Access
Offshore platforms accessible from Colorado do not require app downloads from an application store. Instead, these operators work through mobile-optimized browser interfaces that function across all devices without geographic restrictions. However, they do not carry the same consumer protections or regulatory oversight as licensed domestic apps.
Responsible Gambling Tools
Responsible gambling tools are increasingly standard features across available sports wagering apps in the state. Common features include:
- Voluntary deposit limits
- Loss limits
- Session time reminders
- Self-exclusion options
Retail Sportsbooks In Colorado
While online wagering dominates the market, Colorado also offers in-person betting at 10 retail sportsbook locations. Nearly all are concentrated in Black Hawk, with additional locations in Cripple Creek and Central City.
Retail venues offer self-service betting kiosks, full-service wagering windows, and viewing areas with large-screen televisions. Some include dedicated sports bars and dining options alongside the betting facilities. Popular retail locations include the Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk and the Golden Mardi Gras Casino, which hosts a prominent retail wagering venue.
Two tribal gaming facilities also offer sports betting outside the three traditional casino towns. The Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and Resort in Towaoc and the Sky Ute Lodge and Casino in Ignacio both provide retail wagering options under separate tribal compacts.
The same 21-plus age requirement applies at retail locations, and bettors must present valid government-issued identification before placing any wager.
Online Sports Betting In Colorado
The online sports betting colorado market offers one of the widest selections of wagering platforms in the United States. Since launching in May 2020, the online market has consistently captured more than 90% of the state’s total handle.
Proposition DD and HB 19-1327 allow for both internet and mobile wagering. This makes Colorado one of the most accessible states for digital sports betting. Full remote sign-up is permitted without in-person registration.
Available Features And Markets
Among the various Colorado sports betting sites available, bettors will find features including:
- Live in-play wagering with real-time odds updates
- Same-game parlays across all major sports
- Futures markets for championship and season-long outcomes
- Prop bets on professional player and team performances
- Coverage of international sports, including soccer, tennis, golf, motorsports, and combat sports
Deposit, Withdrawal, And Security
Deposit methods for online accounts mirror those available through mobile apps:
- Regulated platforms support debit cards, ACH transfers, PayPal, and Play+ prepaid cards. Payouts typically process within one to three business days via e-wallets or Play+ cards.
- International operators additionally accept digital currency deposits, which often carry no processing fees. Withdrawals through digital currency are often completed within the same day.
All regulated platforms comply with the Division of Gaming’s security standards, including 256-bit SSL encryption and PCI-compliant payment processing.
Colorado Sports Betting Bonuses And Promos
Welcome promotions and ongoing bonuses are a significant part of the Colorado sports betting landscape. Colorado sportsbook promos fall into several categories depending on the platform type.
Bonuses At Regulated Platforms
Licensed domestic operators typically offer welcome bonuses structured as bonus bets with minimal playthrough requirements, often just 1x. Common formats include:
- Bet and Get offers: A small qualifying wager unlocks bonus bets worth several hundred dollars.
- Safety Net promotions: The first wager is reimbursed as bonus bets if it does not win.
The combined value of currently available welcome promotions across all regulated platforms in Colorado exceeds $6,000, though no single bettor would realistically claim every offer.
Bonuses At International Platforms
Offshore operators tend to offer deposit-match bonuses, where the platform matches a percentage of the initial deposit. Key details include:
- Welcome bonuses of 50% to 100% match are common, with maximum values ranging from $750 to $1,000.
- These bonuses carry higher rollover requirements, typically between 5x and 14x. The combined bonus and deposit amount must be wagered multiple times before a withdrawal is permitted.
Ongoing Promotions And What To Look For
Beyond welcome offers, ongoing promotions available across the Colorado market include:
- Daily odds boosts on specific events
- Same-game parlay insurance
- Reload bonuses for returning players
- Referral bonuses
- Structured loyalty reward programs
When evaluating promotions, bettors should pay attention to the minimum qualifying wager, the odds requirements, the expiration window for bonus bets (commonly 7 to 14 days), and whether bonus bet stakes are included in the payout or excluded.
Colorado Sports Betting Laws And Regulations
The legal framework governing sports wagering in the Centennial State is built on Proposition DD, passed by voters in November 2019, and House Bill 19-1327. The Colorado Division of Gaming administers the regulatory process under the oversight of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC).
Licensing And Tax Structure
Only entities holding a “master license” are permitted to offer colorado sports betting. These licenses are limited to casinos authorized to conduct limited gaming in the state. Operators seeking to launch retail or online platforms must contract with a master license holder. There are currently 33 available licenses, one per eligible casino. Of those, 13 online platforms and 10 retail locations are currently active.
The state imposes a 10% tax on net sports betting proceeds, with revenue directed primarily toward the Colorado Water Plan. Since 2019, the industry has generated more than $100 million for water conservation projects statewide.
The broader landscape of colorado betting also falls under state regulatory oversight. This includes casino operations in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, as well as lottery games, bingo, and charitable gaming. Amendment 77, passed in November 2020, removed the previous $100 maximum bet limit at casinos. It also expanded local control over permissible game types.
Senate Bill 26-131 (2026)
Senate Bill 26-131 (SB26-131) passed the Senate Finance Committee by a 5-4 vote on March 17, 2026. If enacted, the bill would introduce the following restrictions:
- Prohibit player proposition bets on individual athlete performance
- Ban the use of credit cards for sports betting account deposits
- Limit account holders to no more than five deposits in a 24-hour period
- Prohibit mobile push notifications and text messages soliciting bets
- Restrict sports betting advertising on television between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and during live broadcasts of athletic competitions
The bill has advanced to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Gambling In Colorado
The Centennial State has a gambling history that predates statehood, rooted in the gold-mining era. Today, Colorado hosts nearly 40 commercial and tribal casino venues across three designated gaming towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
Other Legal Gambling Options
Outside the casino towns, legal gambling options include:
- Colorado Lottery (Powerball, Mega Millions, Colorado Lotto+, scratch games)
- Bingo, raffles, and charitable gaming
- Online horse race wagering through licensed advance deposit wagering platforms (Arapahoe Park, the state’s sole live racing facility, has ceased operations)
The lottery and bingo are accessible to individuals 18 and older, while casino gambling and sports betting require a minimum age of 21.
Online Casino Status
Online casino gambling is not currently legal in Colorado. While sports wagering can be conducted from any location within state borders via licensed mobile apps, casino-style games such as slots, blackjack, and roulette are only available at physical casino venues.
Colorado Sports Betting Tax Information
All sports betting winnings in Colorado are considered taxable income at both the state and federal levels. The state imposes a flat colorado sports betting tax rate of 4.4% on all winnings, regardless of the amount. Federal tax applies at a rate of 24% on winnings that meet the $600 reporting threshold. At that point, the operator issues a Form W-2G.
Reporting Obligations
Tax reporting differs by platform type:
- Regulated platforms: Tax withholding and reporting are handled directly by the operator.
- International operators: Winnings are not automatically reported to tax authorities. Bettors are responsible for self-reporting all gambling income on both state and federal tax filings.
State Revenue From Sports Betting
The state’s sports betting industry has proven to be a significant revenue source. Key figures include:
- Total betting handle exceeded $6 billion during fiscal year 2024-25, an increase of approximately $287 million over the prior year.
- More than $100 million has been allocated to water conservation projects since sports betting launched in 2020.
- Fiscal year 2024-25 set a record with $33 million distributed to the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
- January 2026 produced a single-month record of more than $5 million in tax revenue.
Colorado Sports Teams
Colorado is home to professional franchises in all four major North American sports leagues, providing year-round wagering opportunities.
Professional Teams
- Denver Broncos (NFL): Compete at Empower Field at Mile High. Three-time Super Bowl champions. Consistently generate significant wagering volume.
- Denver Nuggets (NBA): Play at Ball Arena. Captured the NBA Championship in 2023.
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL): Share Ball Arena. Three-time Stanley Cup champions (most recently 2022). Among the favorites for the 2026 title.
- Colorado Rockies (MLB): Compete at Coors Field. The high-altitude environment produces higher-scoring games, making totals bets particularly popular.
- Colorado Rapids (MLS): Offer additional wagering options at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
College Teams
- Colorado Buffaloes: Elevated national interest following the University of Colorado’s move to the Big 12 Conference.
- Colorado State Rams: Draw significant fan interest and betting volume.
- Air Force Falcons and Northern Colorado Bears: Also contribute to the collegiate wagering landscape.
Standard game lines and futures are available for college sports, though college-level prop restrictions apply as noted above.
Tips For Sports Betting In Colorado
No Colorado sports betting guide is complete without practical advice for making informed wagering decisions. The following tips apply to bettors of all experience levels, though they are especially relevant as sports betting tips for beginners entering the Colorado market for the first time.
Compare Odds Across Multiple Platforms
Colorado’s 13 licensed sportsbooks each set their own lines independently. Odds on the same event can vary meaningfully between platforms, and even a small difference in price compounds over dozens of wagers. Maintaining active accounts at three or more sportsbooks allows bettors to place each wager where the return is highest.
Claim Welcome Bonuses Strategically
The combined value of welcome promotions across all regulated Colorado sportsbooks exceeds $6,000. Signing up at multiple platforms and claiming each offer provides additional wagering funds without additional risk. Bettors should review the playthrough requirements and expiration windows attached to each bonus before opting in.
Avoid Chasing Losses
Increasing wager sizes after a losing streak in an attempt to recover quickly is one of the most common and damaging mistakes in sports wagering. Each bet should be evaluated independently based on its own merits, not influenced by the outcome of previous wagers.
Set A Bankroll And Stick To It
A bankroll is the total amount of money a bettor has designated specifically for wagering. A common approach is to risk no more than 1% to 3% of the total bankroll on any single bet. This limits exposure during losing streaks and extends the ability to wager over a full season.
Use Data Over Instinct
Successful sports bettors rely on statistics, injury reports, historical matchup data, and situational factors rather than gut feeling. Most licensed sportsbook apps in Colorado provide built-in research tools, including team performance metrics, head-to-head records, and real-time lineup updates.
Understand How American Odds Work
American odds are displayed as positive or negative numbers. A negative number such as -150 indicates the amount that must be wagered to win $100. A positive number such as +130 indicates the profit returned on a $100 stake. Converting odds to implied probability helps bettors evaluate whether a line offers genuine value.
Responsible Gambling In Colorado
Colorado has invested in a growing framework of responsible gambling resources aimed at addressing the risks associated with expanded sports wagering. The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) and BetSmart Colorado serve as the primary support organizations.
Helplines And Self-Exclusion
- The 1-800-GAMBLER hotline, accessible by both phone call and text message, provides 24/7 confidential support for individuals experiencing gambling-related difficulties.
- Self-exclusion programs administered by state regulators allow individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all licensed gambling platforms for a specified period.
In-App Tools And Legislative Developments
Most licensed sportsbooks in the state offer in-app responsible gambling tools, including:
- Voluntary deposit limits
- Loss limits
- Session time restrictions
- Cool-off periods
The effectiveness of these tools has become a central topic in the ongoing legislative debate surrounding SB26-131. That bill would mandate additional restrictions on advertising, push notifications, and deposit frequency.
Testimony during the SB26-131 committee hearings cited data from comparable state markets. In those states, approximately 5.7% of the population experience some level of gambling-related harm. The convenience of mobile wagering, described by one state senator as equivalent to “having a casino in your pocket,” has been identified as a contributing factor.
Colorado’s regulatory approach continues to evolve in response to these concerns. State regulators have allocated additional resources to support prevention initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and expanded helpline availability. Bettors who suspect they or someone they know may be experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact the following resources:
- 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gam-Anon
- Gambling Therapy
- National Council on Problem Gambling, NCPG
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Sports Wagering Permitted in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado sports betting was legalized through Proposition DD in November 2019, with the market launching on May 1, 2020. Both retail and online wagering are fully operational. The state has 13 licensed online sportsbooks and 10 retail locations, and bettors must be physically present within state borders.
2. What Is the Legal Sports Betting Age in Colorado?
The minimum age is 21 for all forms of sports wagering within the state. This applies at both retail venues and online platforms. Some offshore operators set their own minimum at 18, but this does not override Colorado law for anyone physically located in the state.
3. What Types of Sports Betting Apps Are Available in Colorado?
There are 13 licensed sportsbook apps available for iOS and Android, each offering live betting, parlays, futures, and standard game lines. Several international operators are also accessible through mobile browsers. All licensed apps require geolocation verification within state borders.
4. How Are Sports Betting Winnings Taxed in Colorado?
A flat 4.4% state tax applies to all winnings, alongside a 24% federal tax on amounts exceeding $600. Regulated operators handle withholding automatically. Winnings from offshore platforms must be self-reported by the bettor on both state and federal filings.
5. Can Internationally Licensed Sportsbooks Be Used in Colorado?
Several offshore sportsbooks accept Colorado registrations. These platforms operate under overseas licenses and lack the consumer protections offered by state-regulated operators. Bettors should review each platform’s licensing jurisdiction, withdrawal policies, and terms of service before signing up.
6. What Sports Can Be Wagered On in Colorado?
All major professional and international sports are available, including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, golf, tennis, motorsports, and combat sports. College wagering is permitted for standard markets, though restrictions on certain college-level bet types apply. Political and entertainment wagering is not available through licensed platforms.
7. Are College Player Prop Bets Allowed in Colorado?
No. Since 2024, Colorado has prohibited player proposition bets on college sports events following a request from the NCAA. Standard game lines, point spreads, totals, and championship futures for college sports remain fully available.
8. Are All Offshore Sportsbooks Accessible From Colorado?
Not necessarily. Enforcement actions by Colorado regulators have resulted in some offshore platforms withdrawing from the state. Access varies by operator. Bettors should verify availability directly on each platform’s website before attempting to register. The Division of Gaming maintains an active list of licensed operators on its official site.
Cole Rush is a freelance writer with a player’s perspective. After spending six years at a slot machine and lottery provider, Cole went freelance to cover all the nooks and crannies of the gambling world, with a particular proclivity for covering the weird and wacky whenever he can. Cole specializes in player-focused reviews that provide an honest perspective on what it’s actually like to play at any given gambling site.