In Colorado, sports betting online has evolved thanks to advancemenšts in legislation. Our below guide will list the best sites available to bettors in the state, explain the most popular type of bets, and give you a breakdown of how the state's current gambling laws came to be.
- 1 Best Sportsbooks in Colorado
- 2 Is Sports Betting Legal in Colorado?
- 3 Colorado Sports Betting Timeline
- 4 Sports Betting Revenue and Taxation in Colorado
- 5 Top Sportsbooks in Colorado
- 6 Best Sports Betting Apps in Colorado
- 7 Colorado Sports Betting Promotions
- 8 Popular Types of Bets
- 9 Best Local Team Sports To Bet on
- 10 Legal Sportsbooks in Colorado – A Quick Roundup
- 11 Colorado Sports Betting Facts
- 12 Došes Colorado Offer Responsible ā¤Gambling Resources?
- 13 States Where It Is Legal To Bet on Sports
- 14 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 15 colorado sports betting FAQs
- 16 Colorado Sports Betting Resources
Best Sportsbooks in Colorado
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Colorado?
Voters approved sports betting in Colorado in November 2019, when it passed Proposition DD by a small margin of just 43,000 votes. Online platforms as well as physical retail outlets were launched in May 2020.
The market in Colorado has matured to become one of the biggest and most diverse in the country. 26 sportsbooks now operate in theš» state, with each operator required to partner with a land-based casino to launch. Ultimately, this gives bettors a wide variešty of choice.
These include established brands like BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings, alongside new operators like SI Sportsbook, which first launched its platform in Colorado. Some brands have also put down deep roots in the state, like PointsBet, which opened its national headquarters in Denver.
Not only is sports betting legal in Colorado, but it is also one of the most bettor-friendly markets in the country. With a wide choice of sportsbooks, an operator-friendly regulatory agency (the Colorado Division of Gaming), and a low tax rate, Colorado has become one of the largest betting markets in the country. The state even topped a total of $12 billion in May 2023 (three years since becoming legal).
The main š¹question remains, what can, and canāt yoš§øu bet on? Hereās a quick breakdown.
- Sports betting on all regulated leagues
- College sports
- Fixed-odds betting on horse and greyhound racing
- In-person casino games
- Lottery
- High school sports
- All other forms of horse and greyhound racing
- College player propositions
- Online casinos
Colorado Sports Betting Timeline
May 6, 2016: Governor John Hickenšlooper signs HB1404 iānto law, which legalizes Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests in Colorado.
May 14, 2018: US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sportš¹s Protection Act 1992 (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting.
April 18, 2019: Representative Alex Garnett, the House majority leader, introduces HB1327, decriminalizing sports betting in the state.ź¦¬ It passes both houses of the Colorado Legislature.
May 29, 2019: Governor Jared Polis signed HB1327 into law, but thanks to the Taxpayers Bill of Righšts (TABOR), the issue must be put to a referendum: Proposition DD.
November 7, 2019: Proposition DD is approved by a small margin of 43,000 votes, legalizing sports betting in Cš°olorado.
May 1, 2020:ź¦ Retaišl and online sportsbooks launch in the state, with FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, and DraftKings accepting wagers.
December 5, 2022: Coloradoās total betting handle since launch topš½s $9 billion.
January 27, 2023: Two of the stateās tribes, the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute, tells lawmakers they were left out of the sports betting discussions in 2019. These tribes claim that they have lost ouš³t on millions due to not being allowed to offer online sports betting like other casinos in Colorado.
February 17, 2023: Monarch Casino in Colorado agrees to pay a $400,000 fine for multiple Colorado sports betting laws violations. An investigation fišnds that employees had been placing proxy bets at in-person and mobile sportsbooks.
February 24, 2023: HB23-1041, the legislationš aimed at changing the legality of greyhound gambling in Colorado, unanimously passes the House Finance Committee.
September 13. 2023: The Colorado Division ofź¦ Gaming launches the first statewide self-exclusion program.
November 16, 2023: The 12-month trial period allowing fixed odds on horse betting is re-extended for a further 24 montšÆhs.
Sports Betting Revenue and Taxation in Colorado
Colorado has become one of the biggest betting markets in thše US by handle, bringing in over $10 billion in total. The state charges operators a 10% tax on gross revenue, which has raised nearly $715 million. Since May 2020, āalmost $36 million has been collected.
In addition, the Federal Reveź§nue Code indicates that 0.25% of all sportsbook handles must be taxed, with each sportsbook charged a $50 fee per employee involved in taking betšs.
As in most states, youāll have to pay income tax on gambling winnings in Colorado. The state's income tax is a flat rate of 4.4%, but you can offset your losses against the tax you pay on your winnings, so ensure you keep a record of your payouts to send to the Revenue Department.
You must declare all your gambling winnings to the IRS. You will also have to complete a W-2G form if you win over $600 in a year ā your sportsbook will be able to help with this by providing information on your winnings. Sportsbooks can hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.
Top Sportsbooks in Colorado
Since May 2020, bettors in Colorado have been spoilt for choice, with nearly 30 sportsbooks having launched in the state. This has resulted in a good mix of the biggest operators in the country, innovative newcomers, and local sportsbooks. Choosing š„between them can be tricky, so weāve selected some of our favorite sites so you can find the perfect one!
DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook debuted in Colorado in May 2020, obtaining a license with the Colorado Division of Gaming through Baź¦llyās Black Hawk North to operate in the state. It also hosts a retail sportsbook at the Ballyās site, featuring a full-service sportsbook cashier, cocktail bar, and betting kiosks. The sportsbook also partnered with the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rockies of the NHL and MLB, respectively.
The award-winning DraftKings offers mšarkets on variošus popular US sports, including competitive odds on major professional and collegiate events.
As esports are available for wagering in the Centennial State, DraftKings also gives Colorado bettors a great range of markets, such as CS:GO, Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Rocket League. Overall, the choice of markets and leagues is enougšÆh to satšisfy most bettors in the state.
DraftKings also boasts a user-friendly native app for iOS and Android, alongside a mobile and desktop site. Customer service is available 24/7 through live chat and email, while all the most popular payment methods are accepted. Withdrawals usually take 3-5 business days, however, which is slower than other competitors.
- 24/7 customer service via live chat and email
- Impressive range of esports markets
- Easy-to-use app
- Slower payment times
BetMGM
BetMGM launched on the opening day of sports bettināg in the Centennial State, becoming available to bettors in May 2020. It holds a license obtained with the Colorado Division of Gaming through its land-based partner, JP McGillās Hotel & Casino. On top of this, the brand has also partnered with the NFLās Denver Broncos, including opening a BetMGM Lounge at Mile High Stadium.
The platform has an excellent selection of sports, ranging from professional and collegiate, as well as in-depth lines on MMA, NASCAR Cup Series, and European soccer.
A significant plus here is the MGM Rewards program, where you can redeem pointsź¦ earned while betting on real-life prizes. These include hotel stays, meals, and drinks at MGM Resorts properties. Thanks to its partnership with the Broncos, BetMGM's sportsbook also provides tons of special promotions on Broncos games throughout the NFL season.
- Excellent selection of leagues for wagering
- Best-in-class rewards program
- Great selection of soccer markets
- Less responsive app than some competitors
FanDuel
A familiar name to Dš§FS players in Colorado, FanDuel launched its sports betting product in Colorado in May 2020. It obtained its license through a partnership wšØith the land-based casino, Ballyās Black Hawk North Casino.
The sportsbook operates a āCash at Counterā partnership with a retail location, the Celtic on Market, an Irish pub on Market Street. You canāt make bets at this location, but you can wager on the app while watching sports events at the bar. Weād love to see ša full retail sportsbook added in the future, however.
FanDuel made history in June 2020, becoming the first sportsbook to partner with an NFL team when it partnered with theš Denver Broncos.
The sportsbook offers a wide range of markets, with major league and college betting available alongside some more exotic markets, like cricket, rugby, and handball.
Another great plus of this site is its FanDuel-branded wallet. You can use your winnings to place bets at TVG, the pari-mutuel horse racing site operated by FanDuel itself, and enter contests on its daily fantasy ź¦¬pšroduct.
- Merged wallet for DFS, sports and horse racing
- Wide range of markets available
- Official betting partner of Denver Broncos
- No physical retail betting shop
ESPN BET
The newest edition to the ever-growing list of Colorado sports betting sites, ESPN BET hit the scene in November 2023 and is already well established within the state and beyondā. The moment you enter the site, youāll be met by a sleek and simple betš½ting experience, and the features match the style of the site.
The site offers 19 sports markets which is brilliant when compared to the other bookies, with several TV & Culture markets to boot. They of course provide coveragāe on all major US and European eveną½§ts, and have in-depth markets with a great average payout rate of around 95%.
ESPN BET have not one, but two amazing welcome offers for punters – either a 100% first deposit cashback up to $1,000 or a bet and get Ā£200 in free bets. Both are great choices, and it depends on how much you want to spend.
The biggest drawback is the lack of š„any promotional offer or features, besides a PENN PLAY loyalty program which does offer some benefits depending on your tier. Tiers are determined based ošn your betting frequency.
- Superb range of sports – 19 in total
- Brilliant welcome offers
- Competitive payout margins averaging 95%
- Lack of promotional offers
Caesars
A heavy hitter in the United States betting scene, Caesars joined theź¦ state as one of the best Colorado sports betź§ting apps available.
Firstly, their welcome bonus is a banger! Itās a 100% cash back if your bet losses up to Ā£1,000. This means that your first bet is effectively a free bet with a win-win scenario. If your bet wins, youāll get a gšreat payout;ā if your bet loses, youāll get your stake back.
Caesars' desktop product is good, if not a little baź¦sic, with a similar offering to the app.
If you're registered with Caesars, you can even bet in person at theź¦¬ two Black Hawk casinos near Denver.
- Amazing sportsbook app
- Excellent welcome bonus
- Two physical locations
- Desktop site is slightly basic
Best Sports Betting Apps in Colorado
Placing bets on the go has become the most popular method of wageršÆing in Colorado. Therefore, sportsbooks available in the state must offer a great mobile expeš¦¹rience to stay ahead of the competition. We've listed the best Colorado sports betting apps below.
DraftKings
DraftKings launched its app in Colorado in May 2020 when sports betting became available. Having made a name for itself as a top-class daily fantasy sports (DFS) provider, it quickly built a reputation for sports betting with an app rated 4.6 on the Google Play Store and 4.8 on the iOS App Store. It also offers exclusive livestreaming on many events.
BetMGM
BetMGM is available for Android and iOS users through its well-designed and straightforward app, perfect for novice bettors. The ability to collect MGM Rewards points while beą¼tting, which you can exchange for hotel staą± ys and meals at MGM Resorts, is a massive plus.
FanDuel
FanDuelās sports betting app is clean, uncluttered, and well-designed. Plus, with plenty of how-to guides on the platform, itās an excellent app for first-time bettors. Thatās probably why itās got a 4.7 rating on the Google Play Store and 4.8 on the iOS App Store.
ESPN BET
The newest site in Colorado has a truly exceptional sporting app, also offering exclusive bet boost and promotions. Numbers donāt lie, and with a 4.9 rating on the iOS store and a 4.5 on Google Plšøay, it's safe to say that ESPāN Bet offers one of the best sports betting apps in Colorado!
Caesars
Caesars' sports betting app is their main focus, and it shows. For starters, the welcome offer is a dream, along with a number of equally lucrative promotions to enjoy once you've registered as an existing customer. It boasts a respectable 4.6 rating on the iOS store and 4.3 rating on Google Play.
Colorado Sports Betting Promotions
Bešlow you'll find some of the mostš¤Ŗ popular promotions on Colorado sports betting sites:
Bet and Get Free Bets
A European classic in many ways, this involves bookies requiring you to make a deposit and place a first bį©į©į©į©į©į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©ā¤ā¤š ā¤ā¤į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©š±į©į©į©et on any sporting event. Once this is done, youāll be awarded a set number of free bets. For instance, ESPN BET gives you $200 worth of free bets after you've placed your initial wager.
Best Colorado betting sites for bet and get free bets: ESPN BET
Odds Boosts
Odds boosts are pretty straightforward. Basically, betting sites handpick certain marketš”są± and offer more attractive odds. Sometimes, they even provide pre-made bet options. This tends to occur more frequently when an operator sponsors a specific league or club.
Best Colorado betting site for odds boosts: FanDuel
Profit Boosts
Similar toź§ odds boosts, a profit boost adds a percentage to your winnings if you get a correct bet. Many bookies offer some profit boosts on major events.
Best Colorado Betting sites for profit boosts: Caesars
Popular Types of Bets
With 26 licensed sports bāetting operators, bettors in Colorado have plenty of bet types and markšets to explore. We've listed the best of these below.
Bet Type | Best Bookmaker |
---|---|
Moneyline Wagers | ESPN BET |
Point Spreads | BetMGM |
Over/Under Bets | Caesars |
Parlays | DraftKings |
Prop Bets | FanDuel |
Teasers | BetMGM |
Futures | DraftKings |
Live Betting | ESPN BET |
Best Local Team Sports To Bet on
If youāre interested in online sports betź¦ ting in Colorado, then you should also know which teams enjoy the biggest support in the state. Here is our list of major contenders:
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Colorado Avalanche ā Best option for NHL
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Denver Nuggets ā Best pick for NBA sports betting
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Denver Broncos ā Top choice for NFL odds
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Colorado Rockies ā Best option for MLB betting
Other pšopular sports in Colorado include UFš¼C, Formula 1, and much more.
Legal Sportsbooks in Colorado – A Quick Roundup
Inš“ a rush? Here's a šquick glance of what sports betting in Colorado has to offer, including both online and land-based options.
Online sportsbooks
What are the best wź¦elcome offers online and which are available on mobile? Our table below has all the answers!
Bookmaker | Welcome Offer | App? |
---|---|---|
DraftKings | A 100% first deposit cashback up to $1,000 | Yes |
BetMGM | 100% cash back if your bet losses up to Ā£1,000 | Yes |
FanDuel | 100% cash back if your bet losses up to Ā£1,000 | Yes |
ESPN BET | A 100% first deposit cashback up to $1,000 Place a bet and get Ā£200 in free bets | Yes |
Caesars | 100% cash back if your bet losses up to Ā£1,000 | Yes |
Land-based sportsbooks
There are 26 casinos in Colorado which šoffer sports betting. Of course, youāll need to go to the physical locations to actually place bets. The main positives here are that you have more flexibility when placing bets, and get to savor the social aspect of betting in person.
Colorado Sports Betting Facts
Launch date | 2019 |
Legal age | 21 |
Retail betting | Yes |
Online sports betting | Yes |
eSports betting | Yes |
College betting | Yes* |
Mobile betting | Yes |
Taxable winnings | 4.4% |
Geolocation services | Yes |
Regulator | The Colorado Division of Gaming |
Does Colorado Offer Responsible Gambling Resources?
Colorado, and the United States more broadly, takes responsible gambling extremely seriously. Many states offer their own set of resources, with the (PGCC) in charge of this state.
In September 2023, the Colorado Division of Gaming teamed up with the PGCC to create a self-exclusion program, making the state one of the safest places to beź¦t.
States Where It Is Legal To Bet on Sports
The decision by the US Supreme Court to strike down PASPA in May 2018 returned the power to legalize gambling back to states, with each state legislature able to pass laws to regulate and launch bettinļ·½g as they saw fit. Sports betting laws, therefore, differ from state to stšate.
Colorado launched legal sports betting on May 1, 2020, having legalized online and retail sports betting in Noveš„mber 2019. Voters passed Proposition DD by a margin of just ā 43,000. At the time of writing, the following states can also offer sports betting via retail, online, or both.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Colorado boasts one of the most developed betting markets in the USA, having come a long way since legalization in May 2020. With many bookmakers legally offering their services, the competištion remains fierce with more and more newcomers emerging. As such, Colorado is one of the biggest states by handle for sports betting, and itās not hard to see why.
colorado sports betting FAQs
Yes, sports betting is now legal in Colorado šacross multiple bookmakers that have been duly licensed and regulated.
š°Colorado online sports betting was appšroved in November 2019.
We'd recommend any site listed at the top of thiās article, with aš¦ll offering attractive odds and a great user experience.
Yes. You can find versatile offers āØat top-tier bookmakers that cater to a wide range of betting preferences and interests.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission serves asš¼ the official regulator in the state, with oversight responsibilities managed by the Colorado Division of Gaming.
Colorado Sports Betting Resources
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