Colorado Online Casinos: Legal Gambling & Online Casinos in CO

The Rise of Online Sports Betting

The game-changer for online gambling in Colorado was the passage of Proposition DD in November 2019, which legalized sports betting. This has led to a competitive market with a wide array of online sportsbooks vying for the attention of Coloradans.

Overseen by the Colorado Division of Gaming and the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, the online sports betting industry is subject to strict regulations to ensure fairness and consumer protection. Bettors must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state's borders to place a wager. A portion of the tax revenue generated from sports betting is dedicated to funding the state's water plan and other public purposes.

The Social and Sweepstakes Casino Alternative

For those who enjoy the thrill of casino games, social and sweepstakes casinos offer a legal alternative in Colorado. These platforms operate under a different legal framework than traditional online casinos.

• How they work: Instead of wagering real money directly, players use virtual currencies, often called "Gold Coins" and "Sweeps Coins." Gold Coins are for entertainment purposes only and have no monetary value. Sweeps Coins, on the other hand, can often be redeemed for cash prizes.
• Legality: The key legal distinction is that players can obtain Sweeps Coins for free through various methods, such as mail-in offers or as a bonus with the purchase of Gold Coins. This "no purchase necessary" element allows them to operate legally under sweepstakes laws.

While they don't offer the same direct real-money experience as traditional online casinos, these sites provide a legal and accessible way for Coloradans to enjoy a wide variety of slot-style games, table games, and more.

Colorado Online Casino Laws

The foundation of casino regulation in the state is the Colorado Limited Gaming Act of 1991. This act is highly specific and is the primary reason real-money online casinos are not legal. The law explicitly restricts casino-style gambling to the three historic mountain towns of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.

Furthermore, Colorado law contains language that prohibits the transmission of gambling information by electronic means. This has been interpreted to cover internet gambling, making any website that purports to offer real-money casino games to Colorado residents an illegal, offshore operation. These sites are not licensed or regulated by the state, offering no consumer protections for players regarding fair play or the security of their funds.

Casino Games Offered in Colorado

Under the Limited Gaming Act, Colorado's licensed casinos are authorized to offer a specific selection of games. While you won't find every game available in Las Vegas, the variety is substantial. The legally permitted games include:

Colorado Casino Hotels

For a fully immersive experience, many of Colorado's casinos offer on-site lodging, ranging from comfortable rooms to luxury resort-style amenities. Staying at a casino hotel provides unbeatable convenience for gaming, dining, and entertainment. Here are some of the premier options in each town:

A Look Back: Colorado's Gambling History

Colorado's journey with legal gambling is a long and storied one. The state's three historic mountain towns—Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek—have been home to limited-stakes land-based casinos since 1991. This was a move to revitalize these former mining communities. Over the years, betting limits have increased, and the range of games has expanded, but the brick-and-mortar casino experience has remained confined to these specific locations. The legalization of online sports betting marked a significant expansion of gambling beyond these historic towns and into the digital realm.

Playing Responsibly in the Digital Age

With the convenience of online gambling comes the increased importance of responsible play. The Colorado Division of Gaming and various operators offer a range of resources to help individuals gamble responsibly. These include:

• Self-Exclusion Programs: Players can voluntarily exclude themselves from all online and retail gambling activities in the state.
• Deposit and Wagering Limits: Online sportsbooks allow users to set limits on how much they can deposit and wager.
• Problem Gambling Helpline: A dedicated helpline provides confidential support and resources for those who may be struggling with gambling addiction.

For more information and support, individuals can contact the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado.

The state has a number of Problem Gambling Resources, including the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, which offers a 24/7 confidential hotline at 1-800-522-4700. You can call or send a text to that number. Additional nationwide resources include Gamblers Anonymous and National Council on Problem Gambling.