Colorado sports betting at a glance
- Online and retail sports betting are legal in CO
- Persons aged 21+ can legally bet online and in person
- 20 online sportsbooks are live as of December 2024
- Discover the best welcome offers in this article
Online sports betting Colorado – History and updates
The wheels for legal sports betting in Colorado were first put in motion in Spring 2019, with online sportsbooks officially going live a year later in May 2020.
You can see the full history and the most recent updates in the list I’ve created here:
- 26 January 2024:
Bet365 launches its free entry fantasy sports content in Colorado and four other states.
- 14 November 2023:
ESPN Bet becomes the 20th online sportsbook to launch in CO.
- 31 August 2023:
Fox Bet closes down all of its online and retail operations in Colorado.
- 5 April 2023:
Bet365 announces a three-year advertising deal with the Colorado Rockies (MLB franchise).
- 29 March 2023:
DraftKings launches its horse racing betting app in Colorado.
- 1 September 2022:
Bet365 launches its sportsbook app in CO, becoming the 26th operator to do so (six others have since closed).
- 10 May 2022:
The amended “Responsible Gaming Grant Program” passes in the House vote.
- 4 March 2022:
Betting on all Russian sports is banned by the Colorado Division of Gaming following the invasion of Ukraine.
- 18 June 2020:
The first Colorado retail sportsbooks opened their doors.
- May 2020:
The first four online sportsbooks go live in Colorado – BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and BetRivers.
- November 2019:
Colorado Proposition DD passes in the voter referendum, effectively legalizing online and in-person sports wagering.
- April 2019:
House Bill 1327 is introduced, proposing to legalize sports betting in CO.
Is sports betting legal in Colorado?
Yes, if you are 21 or older and physically within CO state borders – resident or not – you can legally place a mobile or in-person sports bet. Curiously, Colorado is one of the few states where online wagering went live before retail sportsbooks (online launch: May 2020, retail launch: June 2020).
Top CO sportsbooks
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Looking for a sportsbook that will make sure your next Nuggets bet is a slam dunk? While I can’t guarantee you a win, I have found some top
Colorado sportsbook promos
for you to check out.
Let’s take a look at my top five:
- BetMGM – Bet $5 Get $158:
As a new account holder at BetMGM in CO, you can get 2 x $50 bonus bets and 1 x $58 bonus bet when you register, deposit at least $10, and wager at least $5.
- DraftKings – Bet $5 Get $200:
At DraftKings, you just need to deposit and wager at least $5 as a single stake to get 8 x $25 bonus bets instantly ($200 in total).
- FanDuel – Bet $5 Get $200:
With a minimum deposit of $10 and a first wager of $5 or more, you will get $200 in bonus bets regardless of the qualifying wager’s outcome (win or lose).
- Bet365 – Bet $5 Get $150:
If you sign up to bet365 CO and bet $5 at odds of -500 or greater, you can get $150 in bonus bets. Alternatively, you can claim a no-sweat bet up to $2,000 if your first wager loses.
- Caesars – get Your First Bet back up to $1,000:
If your initial wager at Caesars loses, they will give you your stake back as a bonus bet up to $1,000.
Top five Colorado betting sites
There are 20
live betting sites
in Colorado, and while a diverse selection is good, that’s almost too many to choose from, right?
Don’t worry, you can skip this laborious task as I have tested them all out for you and have selected these five Colorado sportsbooks as the best overall. Take a look:
BetMGM Sportsbook Colorado
- Unique welcome offer
- High iOS app rating
- Great selection of US and international betting markets
- Features for new and experienced bettors
- Android app not on par with the iOS version
BetMGM was one of the inaugural online sportsbooks in the Centennial State and remains one of the best and most popular. What you’ll find here is a user-friendly app with a simple layout and handy features that you can make use of regardless of your experience level.
While its selection of bet types and markets for US pro and college sports has always been notable, BetMGM has recently impressed me with its international markets. If you’re a serious basketball fan like me, I highly recommend taking a look at the markets for European leagues, such as the EuroLeague and Liga ACB.
- App Store Rating:
4.8
- Google Play:
4.1
- Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5 and get $158 in bonus bets
- Withdrawal Speed:
3 – 5 business days
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
- Amazing welcome promo
- Unique betting carousel feature
- VIP and loyalty program with real rewards
- Personalized sportsbook interface
- Low bet limits on odds-boosted markets
The first thing that I must tell you about here is the betting carousel, which is a feature that I haven’t found on other Colorado sportsbooks. When you log into your account or the website, a rolling carousel of betting markets will appear in the sportsbook lobby.
This is a bespoke feature that’s created based on your betting history and preferences. As a result, you can find the sports events and markets that interest you quickly and conveniently.
- App Store Rating:
4.7
- Google Play:
4.16
- Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5 and get $200 (8 x $25 bonus bets)
- Withdrawal Speed:
1 – 7 business days
Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins
FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado
- Large welcome offer
- User-friendly app
- Trusted US DFS and sportsbook brand
- Official NFL betting partner in CO
- No sportsbook loyalty program (casino only)
Alongside the sportsbook that I mentioned above, FanDuel is probably the biggest name brand in Colorado sports betting. First known as a DFS platform, FanDuel is now a giant in the sports betting game and is the official partner of the NFL.
While the app is packed with features designed for experienced bettors, I also found it to be neatly laid out and easy to use. As a result, if you’re new to sports wagering online I can recommend this as a solid option.
- App Store Rating:
4.8
- Google Play:
4.7
- Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets
- Withdrawal Speed:
1 – 5 business days
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
Bet365 Sportsbook Colorado
- Choice of two signup offers
- International betting brand
- Free-to-play fantasy sports contests
- High-level security and privacy features
- Very stringent geo-blockers
You’ve probably already heard of this colossal betting brand that started life in the UK back in 2000, where its HQ is still based to this day. Don’t be fooled by its origins though, Bet365 is a great option for us fans of the NBA and other US sports leagues.
Additionally, the odds are always among the most competitive and there are free-to-play fantasy sports contests available through your account. On top of all that, it is the only Colorado sports betting site that gives you the choice between two signup offers.
- App Store Rating:
4.8
- Google Play:
4.6
- Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5 and get $150 or Up to $2,000 back if your first bet loses
- Withdrawal Speed:
1 – 5 business days
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Caesars Sportsbook Colorado
- Large no-sweat bet welcome promo
- Caesars Rewards can be used at casino resorts
- Web sportsbook and mobile app
- Excellent customer service
- Limited bet types for some sports
Are you a casino player as well as a basketball and sports fan? If so, Caesars Sportsbook is probably your ideal option. The points that you earn by betting in the sportsbook app can be used to get Caesars Rewards at one of their land-based casino resorts.
When it comes to the actual sports betting product, you have great apps and web platforms with competitive odds and decent markets. If you encounter any issues, you should find that the customer service trumps that of all other Colorado sportsbooks.
- App Store Rating:
4.6
- Google Play:
4.2
- Welcome Bonus:
Up to $1,000 of your first bet back (losing bets only)
- Withdrawal Speed:
2 – 3 business days
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
What Colorado sportsbooks are legal?
I’ve given you my top five sportsbooks, but as we know, there are 20
legal sports betting sites
in Colorado right now. I’m not going to go into as much detail for the other 15 as I did for the five above, but here is a quick look:
- BetMGM
– Best overall CO sportsbook
- DraftKings
– Personalized betting interface
- FanDuel
– Official NFL betting partner
- Bet365
– Choice of two welcome offers
- Caesars Sportsbook
– Excellent customer service
- BetRivers
– Beginner-friendly
- Betfred
– Subsidiary of a UK brand
- SBK
Sportsbook
– best odds consistently
- Betway
– High levels of security & privacy
- ClutchBet
– fastest signup process
- Fanatics
– NFL live streaming available
- Bally Bet
– 24-hours withdrawal processing
- SuperBook
– Good choice of betting lines
- Tipico
– Fan-driven betting experience
- ESPN
BET
– Massive market selection
- SI Sportsbook
– Daily offers for existing players
- Betsafe
– Best for collegiate sports betting
- BetMonarch
– Colorado-based sportsbook
- Circa Sports
– Highest maximum bet limits
- Sporttrade
– Unique sports bet trading app
Legal Colorado sportsbooks
Whether you want to place a mobile or in-person bet, I’ve got you covered. Below, I have created two tables that show you all of the essential information for every online and land-based Colorado sports betting option in 2024.
Mobile and online betting in Colorado
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Retail partner |
| Bally Bet | ✅ | Bally’s Black Hawk |
| Bet365 | ✅ | Century Casino Cripple Creek |
| Betfred | ✅ | Saratoga Casino Black Hawk |
| BetMGM | ✅ | Midnight Rose Casino |
| BetMonarch | ✅ | Monarch Casino |
| BetRivers | ✅ | McGills Hotel and Casino |
| Betsafe | ✅ | Dostal Alley Casino |
| Betway | ✅ | Famous Bonanza Casino |
| Caesars Sportsbook | ✅ | Lucky Lady Casino |
| Circa Sports | ✅ | Century Casinos |
| ClutchBet | ✅ | Wild Card Saloon Casino |
| DraftKings | ✅ | Bally’s Black Hawk |
| ESPN Bet | ✅ | Ameristar Black Hawk |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | ✅ | Double Eagle Casino |
| FanDuel | ✅ | Bally’s Black Hawk |
| SBK | ✅ | Bronco Billy’s Casino |
| SI Sportsbook | ✅ | Colorado Grande |
| Sporttrade | ✅ | Easy Street Casino |
| SuperBook | ✅ | The Lodge Casino |
| Tipico | ✅ | Century Casinos |
Retail Colorado sportsbooks
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address |
| BetFred Sportsbook | Saratoga Casino Black Hawk | 101 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| BetMonarch | Monarch Casino Resort Spa | 488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | McGills Hotel and Casino | 232 Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Bronco Sportsbook | Bronco Billy’s Casino | 233 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk | 401 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Lady Luck Casino | 340 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Bally’s Black Hawk | 300 Main Street Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Elite Sportsbook | Red Dolly Casino | 530 Gregory Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Play Maverick Sports | Grand Z Casino | 321 Gregory St, Central City, CO 80427 |
| SuperBook | Lodge Casino | 240 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 |
| Woody’s Sportsbook | Wildwood Casino | 119 Carbonate Street Cripple Creek, CO 80813 |
Who is Colorado sports betting legal for?
To be able to visit a retail sportsbook or to remotely register and wager online at a Colorado sports betting site, you need to be aged 21 or older.
Here’s some more important info that you should know:
- Legal age
– You must be 21+ to legally wager on sports in the Centennial State.
- Mobile betting
– Remote wagers can be placed on any of the 20 apps/websites that have been approved by the Colorado Division of Gaming.
- Remote registration
– You can create your account online with your SSN and personal info, meaning you don’t have to physically visit a land-based retail unit first.
- State borders
– Colorado sportsbooks use geolocation technology to ensure that you are within state borders when betting online.
- Tax on winnings
– Sports betting and gambling winnings are taxed at 4.6% in Colorado. Additionally, federal taxes on winnings also apply.
The pros and cons of betting in Colorado
To summarize the main points in my CO
betting guide
for you, here are the main pros and cons:
- Mobile and retail sports betting are legal
- 33 licenses available in total
- Currently 20 live online sportsbooks
- Remote registration
- High wagering limits
- No player prop bets permitted on college sports
How to start sports betting in Colorado
If you are 21 or older you can register at a Colorado sportsbook from the comfort of your own home. You just need your cell phone or laptop, SSN number and a photo ID handy.
Got that? Just follow my step-by-step guide to get started:
- Select a sportsbook
– Choose one of the top five Colorado sportsbooks that I recommended above.
- Register
– Download the app or head to the website and complete the signup form to create your account.
- Verification
– Most sites have auto verification enabled, but you may be asked to verify your account manually by providing your SSN and/or photo ID.
- Get your bonus
– You may have to enter a promo code or opt-in to claim your welcome offer before you make your first deposit.
- Deposit funds
– You can now make your first deposit using your preferred payment method, such as credit/debit card, e-wallet, online banking, or prepaid card.
- Place your first bet
– Take a look at the available sports markets and bet types then place your first wager.
- Withdraw
– Once you have some winnings, you can withdraw them to the same payment account that you used to make your last deposit. However, be aware that you may have to verify your ID the first time that you withdraw funds from your betting account.
What can you not bet on in Colorado?
So far, I have focused on what you
can
do when it comes to Colorado sports betting. However, there are also a few
restrictions
that I should tell you about:
- Politics – You cannot bet on presidential elections or other political events in Colorado.
- Awards ceremonies
– Betting on the Oscars and other entertainment ceremonies is prohibited in CO.
What about college sports betting in CO?
You can bet on any collegiate team, even those based in Colorado. However, individual player prop betting for college sports is currently prohibited.
What about the NFL Draft?
Like most other US states with legal sports betting, Colorado allows sportsbooks to accept bets on the NFL Draft. This is ideal, as we need something to keep us going during the long NFL closed season, don’t we?
And esports betting?
Colorado is one of the few states with clear and solid legislation surrounding esports betting. Sportsbooks are allowed to accept esports bets, however, each event must be approved by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) on a case-by-case basis. This is a small hurdle but it has meant that not many Colorado sportsbooks offer esports markets currently.
Colorado sports betting handle
I know it’s not for everyone, but I guess there are some of you out there who are interested in the financial and tax side of things. Not being the type to leave any stone unturned, I provide the sports betting handle and tax-related stats for you in the table below:
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold | Tax |
| 2023 | $5,515,206,802 | $260,628,181 | 4.73% | $27,269,273 |
| 2022 | $5,132,389,802 | $188,931,904 | 3.68% | $19,634,717 |
| 2021 | $3,785,680,255 | $103,580,560 | 2.74% | $11,705,264 |
| 2020 | $1,166,665,798 | $28,314,761 | 2.43% | $2,931,489 |
Home team advantage: CO sports franchises
Colorado has one sports team for each franchise and has had plenty of success recently. The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in 2023, with the Colorado Avalanche winning the NHL Stanley Cup just a year prior.
However, while we are all fans of the Nuggets and other CO sports teams, it’s important to put our allegiances to one side when it comes to betting. You need to think pragmatically and not let passion cloud your judgment.
Colorado sports betting law
The House Bill 1327 that legalized sports betting in The Centennial State allows the 33 licensed bricks and mortar casinos to apply for retail and/or online sports betting licenses. While there were 26 at its height, there are currently 20, meaning that there is scope for 13 more online sportsbooks to go live.
If you want, you can read through the whole bill, but that’s a bit of a drag right? I’ve got you covered – here are the essential points:
- Legal age is 21+ for all sports betting
- Retail sportsbooks are allowed in all CO tribal and commercial casinos
- There is scope for 33 licenses in total
- There are 20 licensed online Colorado sportsbooks as of December 2024
- Esports betting is legal but each individual event must be approved by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC)
- Your gambling winnings are taxed at 4.6%
Other types of gambling in Colorado
We’ve established that sports betting is legal in Colorado, but what about other types of gambling? Let’s take a look:
- Casinos
– There are 33 tribal and retail land-based casinos in Colorado, however, online casinos remain illegal.
- Poker
– There are five legal in-person poker rooms located throughout Colorado, but online poker is still prohibited.
- Horse racing
– Colorado is home to a single race track where betting is permitted and 12 off-track betting locations, as well as a handful of online pari mutuel horse betting sites.
- Daily fantasy sports
– Online DFS has been legal for CO residents and state visitors aged 18+ since 2016.
Quick facts for Colorado sports betting
We’re nearing the end of your CO betting guide, but before I go here is a table where you can find all of the essential facts:
| Launch date: | 1 March 2020 |
| Legal age: | 21 |
| Online sports betting: | ✅ |
| Max number of licenses: | 33 |
| Current no. of live sportsbooks: | 20 |
| Remote registration: | ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks: | ✅ |
| Current no. of retail sportsbooks: | 11 |
| College sports betting: | ✅ |
| Esports betting: | ✅ |
| Online casinos: | ❌ |
| Online poker: | ❌ |
| Retail casinos: | ✅ |
| In-person poker: | ✅ |
| Population: | 5.8 million |
| Total handle (2023: | $5.515 billion |
| Tax rate (online revenue): | 10% |
| State tax on winnings: | 4.6% |
| Regulator: | Colorado Division of Gaming |
Responsible gaming in Colorado
Colorado sportsbooks all have tools to help you control your betting and to help problem gamblers. Most notably, you can set your own limits for deposits, wagers, and losses.
Additionally, there are two responsible gaming bodies that you can contact if you or someone you know has gambling-related issues:
- Colorado Gaming Associated (CGA)
– As well as providing support for people with gambling problems, the CGA also has programs to educate Colorado casino staff.
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC)
– This organization is responsible for the self-exclusion program, whereby you can voluntarily ban yourself from online betting platforms and land-based casinos and sportsbooks in the state.
Colorado sportsbooks to avoid
Before we finally part company, I must stress that you should only bet at one of the 20 legal Colorado betting sites. Not only are overseas sportsbooks strictly illegal, many of them are also unregulated and unsafe.
Online Betting Colorado – Conclusion
It’s almost time for us to blow the final whistle, so let’s finish with a quick roundup, shall we? In-person and mobile sports wagering is legal in Colorado for anyone aged 21 and older who is physically located in the state.
There are currently 20 legal online betting platforms, with the possibility for 33 licenses in total. If you want to give it a go today, I strongly recommend picking one of my top five sportsbooks. And finally, when signing up, don’t forget to claim your welcome offer.
Top CO bonus offers
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Colorado Sports Betting FAQ
🏀Can I bet on sports in Colorado?
If you are 21 or older and physically located within state borders, you can legally place a sports bet in Colorado. You don’t have to be a CO resident, but you will need to provide your SSN and details as they appear on your ID. Both online and in-person wagering are permitted.
🎯Is DraftKings Sportsbook legal in Colorado?
Yes, DraftKings is one of 20 online sportsbooks that are legal in the Centennial State. If you sign up today and deposit and bet $5, you can get $200 as 8 x $25 in bonus bets. Discover more here at Dunkorthree.com.
⚖Is online gambling legal in Colorado?
Online sports betting is legal and has been since it launched in March 2020. However, online casinos and poker are illegal. To keep up to date with any future changes, bookmark my Colorado gambling guide here at Dunkorthree.com.
