Best Sportsbooks and Promotions in Colorado

Colorado was quick to jump on board with the online sports betting trend, and only 2 years after betting became legal in the US in 2018 you could bet with a bookie online.

Today, there is a combination of both online and retail betting options, including some of the biggest names in the business.

Sports betting was legalized in Colorado in November 2019 when voters approved Proposition DD. By May 2020, you could already place bets online from your couch. Since then, Colorado has become one of the most active betting markets in the country, with billions wagered every year.

Colorado's sports betting regulations

The rules are simple, and there aren't many. Here's what you need to know before you place your first bet:

• You must be 21 or older. Every licensed sportsbook in Colorado uses age verification, so there's no getting around it.
• You must be physically in Colorado when you bet. You don't have to be a resident but your phone or laptop needs to be inside state lines. Sportsbook apps use geolocation to confirm this automatically.
• The tax rate on sports betting is 10%. That's on the operators, not you. It's one of the lower rates in the country, which helps keep the market competitive and the odds sharp.

If you're 21+, in Colorado, and have a phone, you're ready to bet.

Where to bet in person in Colorado

If you want the full casino experience, Colorado has three gaming towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, all tucked up in the Rockies and genuinely worth the drive.

Black Hawk is the biggest with the most sportsbook options. Central City is literally one mile away, making it easy to do both in a day. Cripple Creek sits further south near Colorado Springs and has a more laid-back feel. Several casinos across all three towns offer hotel stays if you want to make a weekend of it.

Between the three towns, you can place your bets at:

• Ameristar Casino Black Hawk
• Billy's Casino
• Colorado Grande
• Golden Mardi Gras Casino
• Grand Z Casino
• Isle of Capri Casino
• Johnny Nolon's
• Johnny Z's Casino
• Lady Luck Casino
• Monarch Casino Blackhawk
• Red Dolly Casino
• Saratoga Casino
• Sasquatch Casino
• The Lodge Casino at Black Hawk
• Wild Card Casino
• Wildwood Casino
• Z Casino

Online sports betting in Colorado

This is where most women in Colorado actually bet and it's the better option to be honest. You get access to every sportsbook, every promo, and every market from your phone, without driving up a mountain.

Colorado has one of the most open licensing models in the country, with over a dozen legal sportsbooks currently operating in the state — including FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers, and Hard Rock Bet. All you need is an account, a deposit method, and a stable internet connection. If you're not sure which app to start with, check out our sportsbook comparison above to find the best fit for you.

The history of sports betting in Colorado

Colorado's path to legal sports betting was faster and smoother than most states. Here's how it happened:

• 2008: Colorado legalizes 24/7 casino gambling through Initiative 50, opening the door to a broader gaming industry.
• April 2019: Proposition DD is introduced as part of House Bill 1237 and quickly passes through the legislature.
• November 2019: Colorado voters officially approve Proposition DD, legalizing sports betting statewide.
• May 1, 2020: The market goes live. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and BetRivers all launch on day one.
• 2021–2023: Rapid expansion — over 20 online sportsbooks become active, making Colorado one of the most competitive betting markets in the US.
• July 2025: Hard Rock Bet launches in Colorado, bringing the total to over a dozen active licensed operators.
• 2024–25 fiscal year: Colorado bettors wager over $6.3 billion, with the state collecting more than $37 million in tax revenue — much of it directed toward water conservation projects across the state.

For a state that only legalized casino gambling in 2008, Colorado has moved remarkably fast — and the market keeps growing. If you're just getting started, you're entering at a great time.