Colorado Gambling Laws

Colorado gambling laws are permissive, providing many opportunities to gamble within the state’s borders. However, the state is still undecided on the matter of Daily Fantasy Sports.

Colorado gambling laws

Colorado gambling laws are among the most relaxed of US gambling laws, offering many legal opportunities to gamble. Besides being permissive, the laws are clear-cut and extremely informative, which is the base for a well-regulated gambling market. Gambling is described as risking anything of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon chance. Gambling in Colorado is legal until it happens at licensed venues.
In 1991, three towns, Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek were allowed to open card rooms and casinos, with a USD 5 bet limit on all games. The bet limit was raised in the 2000’s to USD 100 and the towns were allowed to decide on the games’ rules. 

Currently there are more than 40 casinos in Colorado, from which only 2 are on Native American land. These casinos offer Vegas-style gambling on slots, and table games like roulette, blackjack, and poker.
Pari-mutuel betting is also allowed on greyhounds and horses. As in many other states, charity bingo and raffle-type games are legal if licensed by the Gaming Commission. It’s important to note that all of the listed games have to be conducted at licensed casinos. Colorado gambling laws might be permitting but that does not mean that all forms of gaming are widely allowed.

Online Gambling in Colorado

Online gambling is illegal in Colorado. The state’s authorities warn against online casinos and sites that promote internet gambling to players from Colorado. “They may be legal or licensed where the bets are received, but it remains illegal to place bets from Colorado with these businesses,” puts the official Colorado website.

Lotteries in Colorado

Colorado Lottery was established in 1983. It started off with a single scratch game but today they offer multiple games, including Powerball and Mega Millions. The lottery’s proceeds go to social programs and education. Currently there’s no option to buy Colorado Lottery tickets online.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Colorado

The official opinion on Daily Fantasy Sports in Colorado is not yet released, so check US gambling news for details. However, Attorney General Cynthia Coffman confirmed that she’s actively examining the legality of the games. One of the most famous Daily Fantasy Sports players, Peter Jennings, is from Colorado. At one time he won USD 1 million at a fantasy baseball tourney. “I’m doing research all day. I have models and programs,” said Jennings, supporting the idea that Daily Fantasy Sports involve more skill than chance.