Colorado Sports Betting: Legal Colorado Sportsbooks for October 2026

Yes, sports betting is legal in Colorado. Voters approved Proposition DD in a November 2019 referendum by a narrow margin (less than 1%), legalizing both retail and online sports betting throughout the state. The legislation allows up to 33 sportsbook licenses—one for each casino licensee in Colorado—making it one of the most open sports betting markets in the United States.

Colorado permits betting on professional sports, college athletics (with some restrictions on player props), international events, and even eSports. The state uses geolocation technology to verify bettors are within state borders, but you don't need to be a Colorado resident to place legal wagers.

Where Can I Bet on Colorado Sportsbooks?

Colorado offers both online and retail sports betting options. 

Online/Mobile: You can place bets from anywhere within Colorado's borders using licensed sports betting apps. Popular options include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, and Fanatics Sportsbook.

Retail Locations: Ten retail sportsbooks operate in Colorado, primarily located in the gaming towns of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. Notable locations include Monarch Casino Resort Spa, Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, and Horseshoe Black Hawk Casino.

How Many Sportsbooks Are There in Colorado?

Colorado currently has 22 sportsbooks, split between 12 online sportsbooks and 10 retail sportsbook locations. The state allows up to 33 sports betting licenses, meaning additional operators could enter the market in the future.

When Did Colorado Sports Betting Launch?

Colorado sports betting launched on May 1, 2020 – exactly six months after voters approved Proposition DD. The state moved quickly to implement regulations through the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, and CO sportsbooks were ready to accept wagers on day one.

Retail sportsbooks followed shortly after, with Betfred at Saratoga Casino becoming the first to open in June 2020, followed by DraftKings at Mardi Gras Casino in July 2020.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Colorado?

Anyone who meets these requirements can legally bet on sports in Colorado:

• Age: Must be 21 years or older
• Location: Must be physically located within Colorado state borders (verified via geolocation)
• Residency: Not required—visitors and tourists can bet while in Colorado

All CO sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify your exact location, and you'll need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, Social Security number, address) for age verification and account creation.

How to Bet on Sports in Colorado

Getting started with Colorado sports betting is straightforward:

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook from the list of legal operators
2. Download the mobile app or visit the desktop site
3. Create an account by providing required personal information
4. Enter any promo code associated with your chosen welcome bonus
5. Make a deposit using available banking methods (credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfer, etc.)
6. Place your first bet and enjoy legal sports wagering

Remote registration is available throughout Colorado, meaning you can sign up from anywhere in the state without visiting a retail location.

📆 September 2, 2026: CO sportsbooks saw a 38% jump in handle in July 2026 compared to last year, going from $352 million to just over $486 million, thanks to the World Cup.

📆 August 27, 2026: The CLGCC fined Fanatics Sportsbook $20,000 after the operator sent promotional texts to a bettor who was on the self-exclusion list.

📆 August 12, 2026: SB26-131 is officially in effect, which, among other things, limits CO sportsbook deposits to six per day, bans credit card deposits entirely, and no longer allows operators to send push notifications.

📆 August 3, 2026: Sports betting in Colorado delivers just $2.5 million in tax revenue after total handle fell to $426.1 million in June.

📆 August 1, 2026: Despite playing in the AFC Championship game last season, the Broncos' Super Bowl odds place them around the 10th-13th best team across the league. Among AFC teams, they are consistently behind the Bills, Ravens, Chargers, Chiefs, Patriots, and sometimes the Texans depending on which Colorado betting site you're looking at.

📆 July 1, 2026: Colorado sportsbooks see over $469 million in total wagers according to the May revenue report, bringing in $3.8 million in taxes for the state.

📆 June 2, 2026: SB26-131 is signed into law, which will ban credit card deposits for CO sports betting accounts and limit overall deposits to six per day. Additionally, Colorado sportsbooks can no longer use push notifications, alerts, or text messages to try and get you to bet or make a deposit.

📆 May 25, 2026: Sporttrade will be closing its sportsbook in Colorado, as new wagers are officially no longer allowed. If you currently have an account, you have until June 25 to withdraw your money. 

📆 March 10, 2026: A new monthly record for tax collected from sports betting in Colorado is set according to the January revenue report. Just over $5 million in taxes was collected on $630.2 million in wagers.

📆 February 19, 2026: Nearly $3.8 million in grants are approved to directly fund problem gambling prevention, awareness, treatment, and other responsible gaming issues by the CLGCC.

There are a total of 22 sportsbooks in Colorado, comprised of 12 online online sportsbooks and 10 retail sportsbooks, all fully licensed and regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Each CO sportsbook must partner with a licensed Colorado casino to obtain market access.

Online Colorado Sportsbooks

There are 12 Colorado online sportsbooks:

Retail Colorado Sportsbooks

There are 10 retail sportsbooks in Colorado, located primarily in Black Hawk:

New Sportsbooks in Colorado

The newest sportsbook in Colorado is theScore Bet. While technically a rebrand rather than a new sportsbook, theScore Bet replaced ESPN BET in December 2025 after the failed partnership between PENN Entertainment and ESPN. 

Prior to theScore Bet, Hard Rock Bet launched in the CO sports betting market on July 21, 2025

Illegal Sportsbooks in Colorado

While Colorado offers plenty of legal sports betting options, some unregulated offshore sportsbooks continue to target bettors. We strongly recommend avoiding these operators as they lack the consumer protections, security measures, and the trustworthiness of licensed Colorado sportsbooks.

Illegal CO sportsbooks to avoid include:

• BetOnline
• BetUS
• MyBookie
• Bovada

Using unlicensed sportsbooks puts your funds at risk and offers no recourse if disputes arise.

Colorado's sports betting license was established through HB 19-1327, signed into law in May 2019. The bill required voter approval, which came via Proposition DD in November 2019. Key provisions include:

• Up to 33 sportsbook licenses available (one per casino licensee)
• 10% tax rate on gross gaming revenue
• Mobile and retail betting permitted statewide
• Remote registration allowed
• College sports betting permitted (with player prop restrictions)
• eSports betting allowed

Colorado Sports Betting Licenses

Colorado allows up to 33 sports betting licenses, corresponding to each of the state's licensed casinos. As of October 2026, 19 operators have secured licenses for retail and mobile sports betting.

What Is the Legal Age to Bet in Colorado?

You must be 21 years or older to legally place a sports wager in Colorado, whether online or at a retail sportsbook. 

Do I Need to Be a Resident to Bet on Sports in Colorado?

No. Colorado does not require state residency to bet on sports. You only need to be at least 21 years of age or olde and physically located within Colorado state borders. 

Visitors, tourists, and anyone passing through can legally place wagers while in Colorado.

✅ Pros:

• Large selection of online sportsbooks (most in the nation)
• Competitive market keeps promotions attractive
• Remote registration available statewide
• College sports betting permitted
• Low 10% tax rate benefits operators
• No betting caps on individual wagers
• eSports betting available

❌ Cons:

• No player props on college sports
• Retail locations limited to three gaming towns
• Online casinos remain illegal

Sports betting in Colorado is overseen by two regulatory bodies:

• Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC): A five-member regulatory body appointed by the Governor. The CLGCC serves as the final authority on gaming matters, including rule adoption, license approval, and tax rate adjustments.
• Colorado Division of Gaming: Operating under the Department of Revenue, the Division handles day-to-day regulation including licensing, compliance monitoring, auditing, consumer protection, technical standards, and problem gambling support.

How to Contact the Colorado Gaming Commission

Colorado sports betting operators pay a 10% tax rate on gross gaming revenue. This is among the lower rates nationally, which has helped attract many operators to the market.

For bettors, all gambling winnings must be declared as income in Colorado. Winnings are subject to a flat 4.4% state tax rate and a 24% federal tax rate.

Read Reviews

Always research sportsbooks before signing up. Check user ratings on app stores, read expert reviews, and verify licensing status with the Colorado Division of Gaming.

Types of Bets Allowed

Colorado sportsbooks offer comprehensive betting options including moneylines, point spreads, totals (over/unders), parlays, teasers, futures, live betting, and prop bets (professional sports only for player props on college games).

Odds Pricing

Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best value. Even small differences in odds can significantly impact long-term profitability.

Welcome Bonus

Evaluate sign-up offers based on total value, wagering requirements, and terms. Consider first bet insurance, deposit matches, and bet-and-get offers.

User Experience

Test the mobile app and website for ease of navigation, bet placement speed, and overall design. Colorado's top sportsbooks all offer excellent mobile experiences.

Deposit + Withdrawals

Look for sportsbooks offering your preferred banking methods. Most Colorado operators accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, online banking, and prepaid cards. Withdrawal speeds typically range from 24 hours to 5 business days.

Customer Service

Verify support options including live chat, email, and phone availability. The best CO sportsbooks offer 24/7 support.

Take Advantage of Welcome Promotions

Each sportsbook offers unique sign-up bonuses. By creating accounts at multiple operators, you can claim thousands of dollars in combined Colorado sportsbook promos. 

Get the Best Odds

Odds vary between sportsbooks. Having accounts at several operators allows you to shop for the best lines on every bet, maximizing potential returns. This is especially important for arbitrage betting, where you'll go across several CO betting apps to get guaranteed sports wagering wins. 

Access to Different Features

Each sportsbook excels in different areas. DraftKings might have the best app, while bet365 offers superior live streaming. Multiple accounts give you the best of everything.

NFL

The NFL is among the most popular betting markets in Colorado. Broncos games draw significant action, with futures, game lines, player props, and team props all available.

NBA

With the defending champion Nuggets in Denver, NBA betting is extremely popular. Season-long betting action includes championship futures, game spreads, and extensive prop markets.

MLB

Baseball betting in Colorado centers on the Rockies, though all MLB games are available. Moneylines, run lines, and totals are popular bet types.

NHL

The Colorado Avalanche have won three Stanley Cups, making NHL betting a favorite among local fans. Full game and period betting options are available.

College Sports

Colorado allows betting on college football and basketball, including in-state teams like Colorado, Colorado State, and Air Force. However, individual player props are prohibited on all college sports.

Soccer

MLS (Colorado Rapids), international leagues, and tournaments like the World Cup all offer extensive betting markets.

Golf

PGA Tour events, major championships, and futures markets provide year-round golf betting opportunities.

eSports

Colorado is among the few states where eSports betting is specifically permitted, offering markets on popular games and tournaments.

Politics

Political betting is not available at Colorado sportsbooks, as betting on elections remains illegal in the United States.

Colorado Sports Teams to Bet On

• Denver Broncos (NFL). Three-time Super Bowl champions with a passionate fan base. The Broncos have returned to playoff contention under QB Bo Nix and coach Sean Payton.
• Denver Nuggets (NBA). The 2023 NBA champions, led by MVP Nikola Jokic, are perennial championship contenders and a popular betting focus.
• Colorado Avalanche (NHL). Winners of three Stanley Cups (1996, 2001, 2022), the Avalanche are consistently among the NHL's elite teams.
• Colorado Rockies (MLB). While still seeking their first World Series title, the Rockies offer betting opportunities throughout the MLB season.
• Colorado Rapids (MLS). The 2010 MLS Cup champions provide soccer betting options for local fans.
• College Teams. Colorado Buffaloes, Colorado State Rams, and Air Force Falcons offer additional betting opportunities (no player props).

Colorado Sportsbooks Partnered With Local Teams

Several sportsbooks have secured partnerships with Colorado's professional teams:

• bet365: Official sports betting partner of the Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche
• FanDuel: Partnership with Denver Broncos
• BetMGM: Partnership with Denver Broncos

• Moneylines
• Point Spreads
• Totals (Over/Unders)
• Parlays
• Props
• Teasers
• Futures
• Live Betting

• 📆 May 1, 2020: Colorado sports betting launches
• 📆 November 5, 2019: Proposition DD approved by voters (less than 1% margin)
• 📆 May 29, 2019: Governor Polis signs HB 19-1327, pending voter approval
• 📆 April 18, 2019: House Majority Leader Alec Garnett introduces HB 19-1327
• 📆 May 14, 2018: PASPA, the federal ban on sports betting, is repealed, allowing for states including Colorado to legalize sports betting
• 📆 2008: Colorado passes Initiative 50 allowing 24/7 casino gaming in Central City, Cripple Creek, and Black Hawk

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a financial strategy. Colorado offers resources for those who need help:

Colorado Problem Gambling Coalition

• Website: problemgamblingcolorado.org
• Phone: 1-800-522-4700

National Council on Problem Gambling

• Website: ncpgambling.org
• Phone: 1-800-522-4700
• Text: 1-800-522-4700

Gamblers Anonymous Colorado

• Website: coloradoga.org

All licensed Colorado sportsbooks offer responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion, and reality checks.