By If you’re in Colorado and thinking about placing a wager, you’re in one of the most bettor-friendly states in the country. Colorado sports betting has been fully legal since 2020, with both online and retail sportsbooks operating under a regulated framework. At OnlineSportsBetting, we’ve seen firsthand how the state has built a competitive market with dozens of licensed apps, while some bettors also consider offshore sportsbooks as an alternative for accessing additional markets and features.
The broader picture of gambling in Colorado also plays a role in shaping the market. The state has a long history with gaming thanks to its well-known gambling towns like Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, where retail sportsbooks are available alongside casinos. Today, bettors can choose between in-person wagering or convenient mobile apps, all operating within clearly defined Colorado gambling laws.
At OnlineSportsBetting, we break everything down so you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Stick with us to the end of this guide to get the full picture of Colorado sports betting, what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and how the legal landscape looks in 2026.
Colorado quick facts
| Category | Colorado |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Sports betting laws | ✅ Legal and regulated since 2020. |
| 👫 Population | 5.9M Strong online betting market. |
| 👶 Minimum gambling age | 21 For all sports betting. |
| 🏙️ Retail sports betting | ✅ Available at licensed casinos. |
| 🌐 Online sports betting | ✅ Legal statewide through licensed operators. |
| 📱 Mobile sports betting | ✅ Permitted statewide via approved sportsbook apps. |
| 🐎 Online horse betting | ✅ Legal through licensed advance deposit wagering platforms. |
| 🏆 DFS | ✅ Legal and widely available including DraftKings and FanDuel. |
Is sports betting legal in Colorado?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Colorado. The state approved legislation in November 2019, with both retail sportsbooks and online betting apps launching in May 2020. Under current law, Colorado can issue up to 30 licenses, and as of 2026 around half of these have been issued to regulated sportsbooks.
That level of competition gives Colorado one of the most open and user-friendly betting markets in the U.S., especially for a state with under 6 million residents. Bettors have access to a wide range of apps, odds, and promotions, although some still explore offshore sportsbooks as an alternative for broader betting markets and fewer restrictions.
With so many options available in 2026, choosing the right sportsbook can be more nuanced than it first appears.
Top offshore sports betting sites available in Colorado
Colorado offers one of the most competitive regulated sports betting markets in the United States, with a wide range of licensed sportsbooks available to bettors. Even so, these platforms still operate under certain restrictions. For example, wagers on political events and entertainment outcomes are not permitted, and there are limits on betting involving in-state college teams such as the University of Colorado and Colorado State, which can narrow the available markets for local fans.
Because of these limitations, some bettors look beyond regulated sportsbooks when they want access to a broader selection of wagering options. Offshore sportsbooks provide an alternative by offering additional markets such as political betting, expanded college props, international leagues, and other specialty events that may not be available through Colorado-licensed apps. These platforms also tend to support more flexible payment methods and a wider variety of betting styles.
The offshore sportsbooks we recommend have been thoroughly reviewed for reliability, security, and payout consistency. Our team evaluates each platform to ensure it delivers a safe betting experience along with competitive odds and responsive customer support. The table below highlights several offshore sportsbooks commonly used by bettors in Colorado:
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Regulated online sportsbooks available in Colorado
Below is the current list of regulated sportsbooks operating in Colorado as of 2026:
- Bally Bet
- bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet
- PointsBet (transitioned / absorbed by Fanatics in many markets)
- SuperBook Sports (recently exited in some states, availability may vary)
- Tipico
- WynnBET (in process of exiting multiple markets)
- theScore Bet
- Sporttrade
What can't you bet on in Colorado?
Colorado offers one of the more flexible regulated betting markets in the United States, but certain wagering categories are still restricted under state law. These limitations are common across U.S. markets and are designed to protect the integrity of competitions and ensure proper regulatory oversight.
Here are a few types of wagers that are not permitted at licensed Colorado sportsbooks:
- Online casino games: While Colorado has a strong retail casino presence, online casino gaming is not currently legal. Bettors must visit physical casinos for slots, table games, and poker.
- Political events: Betting on elections or political outcomes is not allowed, whether it involves U.S. politics or international events. Colorado regulations limit sportsbooks strictly to sports-related wagering.
- Award shows and entertainment: Markets such as the Oscars, Grammys, or reality TV outcomes are not permitted, as they fall outside the legal definition of sports betting.
- Scripted events: Events with predetermined outcomes, such as professional wrestling like WWE, are not eligible for wagering through regulated sportsbooks.
Some bettors who want access to these restricted markets explore offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside Colorado’s regulatory framework and often provide a broader range of betting options. If you are considering these alternatives, we recommend checking our offshore sportsbook reviews to find platforms that have been tested for reliability, security, and payout consistency.
Who can legally bet in Colorado?
Colorado keeps its betting market open and accessible, with relatively few barriers compared to other states. As long as you meet the basic legal requirements, placing wagers is straightforward through both mobile apps and retail sportsbooks.
Here are the key rules that determine who can legally bet in Colorado:
- Legal age: You must be 21 years old to legally place sports bets in Colorado. This applies to both online sportsbooks and in-person betting at casinos.
- Mobile betting: Colorado allows statewide mobile betting, and the vast majority of wagers are placed through apps. As long as you are physically located within state borders, you can bet from anywhere.
- Retail sportsbooks: In-person betting is available at licensed casinos, primarily located in the state’s main gambling towns. These venues offer traditional sportsbook experiences alongside full casino gaming.
- Remote registration: Bettors can sign up and verify sportsbook accounts entirely online. There is no requirement to visit a casino in person before placing bets.
- Taxable winnings: Gambling winnings are considered taxable income at both the federal and state level. Bettors are required to report their net winnings when filing taxes, and while losses can be deducted in some cases, they must be properly documented.
Latest Sports News
Colorado sportsbooks & casinos
Colorado limits commercial casino gaming to three historic gambling towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. These locations form the backbone of the state’s retail betting market, with casinos offering slot machines, table games, and in many cases retail sportsbooks through partnerships with licensed operators.
Below is the complete list of active casinos across these three towns as of 2026:
Black Hawk
- Ameristar Casino Black Hawk
- Bally’s Black Hawk
- Gilpin Casino
- Horseshoe Black Hawk
- Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk
- Lodge Casino Black Hawk
- Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
- Saratoga Casino Black Hawk
- Sasquatch Casino
- Wild Card Saloon and Casino
Central City
- Century Casino Central City
- Dostal Alley
- Dragon Tiger Casino
- Easy Street Casino
- Famous Bonanza Casino
- Grand Z Casino Hotel
Cripple Creek
- Billy’s Casino
- Brass Ass Casino
- Bronco Billy’s Casino
- Century Casino Cripple Creek
- Century Casino and Hotel Cripple Creek
- Chamonix Casino Hotel
- Colorado Grande Casino
- Double Eagle Hotel and Casino
- Golden Nugget Cripple Creek
- Johnny Nolon’s Casino
- JP McGill’s Hotel and Casino
- Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino
Tribal casinos
In addition to the state-regulated casinos above, Colorado also has two tribal casinos that operate under separate agreements. These are located in the southwestern part of the state and are not part of the three main gaming towns. These are:
- Sky Ute Casino Resort (Ignacio)
- Ute Mountain Casino Hotel (Towaoc)
Colorado sports betting timeline
The road to sports betting legalization in Colorado has been long and fairly eventful. Here's what transpired in the years leading up to going live in 2020:
The start of a change in 2018
It first began back in 2018, when the first signs of change began to set in as lawmakers tabled their intent for change with new legislation. Democratic Assemblyman Alec Garnett and Republican Assemblyman Cole Wist announced their intention to change the state’s gambling laws.
Shortly after, in August of 2018, we saw Attorney General Cynthia Coffman issued a voter referendum and an amendment to the state constitution would not be necessary to bring new Colorado sports betting laws. This was realized in 2019 when the Colorado sports betting bill finally passed to the State House. Though, despite Coffman’s opinion the goal was to have voters decide the fate of the bill via ballot, with the vote being passed by two-thirds. The bill was eventually passed and passed to the State Senate.
Progress with the bill in 2019
In May 2019, the Governor passed the bill by a 28-7 vote. The supermajority for the bill meant it had to be put on the ballot, with Governor Jared Polis signing off the bill at the end of the month of May. In November that same year, companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel spent over 1.5 million dollars trying to convince citizens residing in Colorado to approve the bill. The bill was passed by a margin of 51% on the 5th of November.
Going live in 2020-2021
Fast-forward to May 2020 and we see sportsbooks going live in Colorado on the first of the month. On the same day, brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and BetRivers all launched in the state, while many other companies joined just a month later. Then, in July 2020, in-person betting was launched, with companies like DraftKings offering retail sportsbook betting. Venues in casinos were launched across the state and continue to be launched in the years that have followed.
Latest Colorado Legal Betting Updates
Mar 17, 2026 13:11 PM
Arkansas witnesses a slight dip in sports betting handle to $52.9 million in December, down 3.2% from November. However, there's a substantial 71% year-over-year increase.
A brief timeline of the legality of Colorado sports betting
Betting on Colorado teams
Colorado is home to a full set of major professional sports teams, which means most betting interest centers around local franchises across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Teams like the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies, and Colorado Avalanche drive consistent action, while college programs such as the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams also contribute to the overall betting landscape.
Football
Football is the most popular sport to bet on in Colorado, led by strong support for the Denver Broncos and local college teams. Betting activity peaks during the fall and winter, with NFL Sundays, college football Saturdays, and the Super Bowl generating the highest wagering volume.
Basketball
Basketball betting is highly active thanks to the success of the Denver Nuggets and continued interest in college programs. The NBA season provides steady opportunities, while March Madness drives a major surge in betting activity across the state.
Baseball
The Colorado Rockies represent the state in Major League Baseball, offering daily betting opportunities throughout the long regular season. With 162 games plus the postseason, baseball provides one of the most consistent betting calendars for Colorado bettors.
Hockey
Hockey plays a major role in Colorado’s sports culture, with the Colorado Avalanche attracting strong betting interest. Their recent success has helped keep wagering activity high throughout the NHL season and into the playoffs.
Combat sports
Combat sports such as UFC and boxing draw regular betting attention in Colorado. With events taking place throughout the year, sportsbooks offer a wide range of markets across both major fight cards and undercard bouts.
Colorado betting revenue statistics
Colorado has developed into a strong and consistently growing sports betting market, driven by a competitive operator landscape and widespread mobile betting adoption. Since launching in 2020, the state has seen steady year-over-year increases in both handle and revenue.
Momentum was already clear in 2023, when Colorado sportsbooks set back-to-back monthly handle records in November and December, surpassing $700 million in wagers in a single month. That surge was fueled by peak football season, which continues to generate the highest betting activity across both retail and online platforms.
By 2025, Colorado’s sports betting market reached new highs, handling approximately $6.5 to $7 billion in total wagers for the year. This translated into an estimated $450 to $500 million in sportsbook revenue and roughly $30 to $35 million in state tax revenue, highlighting the continued expansion of the market.
Other betting types in Colorado
Betting in Colorado goes beyond sports, with several other legal gambling options available across the state. The market is well developed, giving bettors access to casino gaming, horse racing, daily fantasy sports, and lottery products.
- Casino gaming: Casinos are a major part of Colorado gambling, concentrated in the three historic gaming towns of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. These venues offer a full range of games including slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, along with retail sportsbooks in select locations.
- Horse racing betting: Horse racing is legal in Colorado, with wagering available at live tracks, off-track betting locations, and through approved online platforms. Bettors can place wagers on races from across the country, making it a flexible option year-round.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS): DFS is legal and widely available in Colorado. Platforms such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks allow users to enter contests based on real-world athlete performances across major sports.
- Lottery: The Colorado Lottery offers a variety of games including scratch-offs and major draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Tickets are available through licensed retailers statewide.
Sports betting rules in other US states
Want to bet in other states besides Colorado? Here’s your in-depth guide to doing so. Pick the state and you’ll get a detailed explanation for betting there:
Responsible gaming in Colorado
It is important to stay safe while gambling. If you detect a lack of control or other symptoms of problem gambling, check out some of these resources:
Local:
- Colorado Department of Human Services - Gambling Disorder Program (cdhs.colorado.gov): Offers prevention, treatment, and recovery resources for gambling disorders.
- Gamblers Anonymous Colorado (www.gamblersanonymous.org): Find meetings and local support groups. Can also call 1-855-2CALLGA (1-855-222-5542).
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (http://www.problemgamblingcoalitioncolorado.org/): A non-profit centered on connecting people suffering from problem gambling with the proper resources.
National:
- Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/): A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/): The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
- 24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/): A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
