Colorado does not have state-regulated online casinos. Casinos in Colorado, both tribal and commercial, are land-based and adhere to the state’s regulations, including a $100 maximum bet limit. The legal gambling age is 21.
Additionally, two Native American casinos located in the state’s southwest also adhere to this betting cap. Online gambling options are mostly limited to sports betting and daily fantasy sports.
Despite the absence of state-licensed online casinos, Coloradans can still enjoy social casinos and offshore gambling sites without the risk of prosecution, as the state has yet to specifically address or act against offshore online gambling. Nonetheless, there are avenues for engaging in real-money casino games in Colorado, and you’re in the ideal place to find out more.
Key Things You Need to Know
- Online casino gambling is not legal or regulated in Colorado, and it’s unlikely that Colorado lawmakers will legalize online casinos soon.
- You can play games for real money at offshore online casinos licensed in foreign jurisdictions. They offer online slot, table, video poker, and live dealer games.
- Gambling at offshore sites is not legal in Colorado, but it’s not outrightly prohibited, either. These operators are licensed overseas and outside US regulation, falling into an ambiguous “gray area” of the law.
- The best offshore online casinos are 100% safe and legitimate. Although not regulated in Colorado, they are licensed by overseas governments like Pamana and Curacao.
- All the best online casinos in Colorado are listed on this page. They offer hundreds of fair casino games, massive promotions, and secure banking options.
- Colorado does have some legal options for online betting, including online sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and pari-mutuel wagering.
Types of Legal Gambling in Colorado
In the state of Colorado, gambling has a relatively open landscape. Commercial casinos in towns like Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek offer a variety of games, including slots, blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. These casinos are licensed and regulated by the Colorado Gaming Commission and can operate around the clock.
Colorado is also home to two Native American casinos situated in the Four Corners region of the state. While they are on sovereign reservations, these tribal casinos voluntarily follow the state’s “limited gaming” mandate, including the $100 maximum bet limit. This provides a uniform gambling experience across the state, whether you’re in a commercial or tribal establishment.
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is legal in Colorado. The state allows for on-track wagering at designated racetracks as well as off-track betting at licensed locations. These activities are regulated by the Colorado Division of Racing Events, which is responsible for ensuring the integrity and fairness of horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in the state.
Off-track betting sites are generally affiliated with the main racetracks and offer a way for people to place bets on races without being present at the racetrack itself. Overall, pari-mutuel horse racing betting is a well-regulated and regulated form of gambling in Colorado.
Online gambling in Colorado is restricted to sports betting and daily fantasy sports. Since May 2020, residents and visitors can legally place sports bets using licensed apps such as DraftKings and FanDuel. However, there are no state-licensed online casinos or poker sites, although Coloradans can access offshore platforms without facing prosecution.
Charitable Gambling
Charitable gambling is a legally recognized gambling form in Colorado. This usually takes the form of bingo, raffles, or charity sweepstakes. Non-profit organizations can obtain a license to conduct these games as fundraising events. All proceeds must go towards charitable causes as defined by the state’s legal guidelines.
Bingo Halls
Bingo is a unique form of charitable gaming in that it falls under the Colorado Secretary of State’s jurisdiction. In practical terms, this means easier access – there are several popular bingo halls located in Denver alone. Unfortunately, local businesses aren’t allowed to operate online bingo sites, and playing on offshore platforms is classified as the same petty offense as engaging in more hardcore forms of internet gambling.
Colorado Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
In Colorado, the legal framework for local casinos and online casino platforms differs significantly. Popular local casinos like Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk, Isle Casino Hotel also in Black Hawk, and Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio operate legally and are subject to state regulation.
Additionally, two Native American casinos in the Four Corners region, Sky Ute Casino Resort and Ute Mountain Casino, adhere to the state’s “limited gaming” mandate, which includes the $100 maximum bet limit.
In contrast, online casinos are not state-regulated in Colorado. While online sports betting and daily fantasy sports are legalized following a 2019 amendment to the state constitution, online casinos remain unlicensed within Colorado’s jurisdiction. Residents and visitors can place sports wagers via state-approved apps such as DraftKings and FanDuel.
Despite the absence of state-sanctioned online casinos, Coloradans can still engage with offshore online casinos. While these platforms are not licensed by the state, the legal status of participating in these activities is unclear. Colorado law has not explicitly outlawed offshore online gambling, and no resident has been prosecuted for using such sites to date.
Popular local casinos like Ameristar Casino and Isle Casino Hotel are legal and regulated, offering a secure gaming environment. However, when it comes to online casinos, Coloradans often resort to offshore sites, operating in a legal gray area. State-regulated options exist for sports betting, but online casinos remain unregulated at the state level.
How To Gamble Online in Colorado
Step 1: Pick an Online Gambling Platform
Our recommended choice for online gambling in Colorado is Cafe Casino. For additional options, you can look through our detailed reviews and detailed comparisons of other Colorado-based online casinos.
Step 2: Register for an Account
Go to Cafe Casino’s homepage and select the “Register” option. Provide essential details like your name, email address, and birth date to set up your brand new casino account. Confirm your registration and verify your identity by clicking on a link that you’ll receive in your email.
Step 3: Deposit Money Into Your Account
Once your email has been confirmed, head to the “Banking” area to add money to your account. Cafe Casino offers a welcome bonus, allowing you to receive up to $2,500 on the first deposit you make using cryptocurrency. Pick the payment method you’re comfortable with and finalize the deposit.
Step 4: Start Playing
After you’ve put money into your account and claimed any bonuses, you’re ready to gamble. Explore the various games on offer, such as video poker, games with live dealers, and slots with progressive jackpots. Select a game, make your bet, and begin your gaming experience.
Gambling in and Near Colorado
Colorado is home to around 40 casinos. All Colorado casinos are located in four areas, which have been turned into mini-Vegas Strips. Three of those areas – Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek – are former mining towns. The fourth and smallest cluster of Colorado casinos is located in Towaoc.
All casinos in Colorado offer Limited Gaming. This limits the maximum wager on all games to $100. It also limits the table games and machines casinos can offer to:
- Blackjack
- Craps
- CO poker
- Roulette
- Slots
- Video Poker Machines
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Poker
- Roulette
- Slots
- Video poker machines
Several casinos in Colorado are particularly popular and well-frequented, often noted for their variety of gaming options, amenities, and overall experience. Take a look at some of them below:
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Address: 111 Richman St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk is among the largest casinos in Colorado. It offers a broad spectrum of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, and a poker room. Amenities include a luxury hotel, multiple dining options, and a full-service spa for relaxation.
Monarch Casino Resort Spa
Address: 488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Located in Black Hawk, Monarch Casino Resort Spa is a high-end facility that features an extensive range of gaming options, from slots to table games. The resort offers a premium spa experience, several fine-dining options, and a comfortable hotel, making it an all-in-one destination.
Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk
Address: 401 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Also situated in Black Hawk, the Isle Casino Hotel offers a large poker room and a variety of table games like roulette and craps. It has an attached hotel for convenience and multiple dining options, ranging from casual to upscale.
Double Eagle Hotel and Casino
Address: 442 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Located in Cripple Creek, the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino provides a range of gaming experiences, including slots and table games. The establishment is well-known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service. It has an attached hotel for those looking to stay overnight.
Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
Address: 3 Weeminuche Dr, Towaoc, CO 81334
Ute Mountain Casino Hotel, situated in Towaoc, is one of the two Native American casinos in Colorado. It offers a variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and bingo. Additional amenities include an on-site hotel and an RV park, providing different lodging options for guests.
Sky Ute Casino Resort
Address: 14324 CO-172, Ignacio, CO 81137
The Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio is the other Native American casino in the state. It offers a comprehensive resort experience with a variety of gaming options such as slots, table games, and bingo. Additional amenities include a hotel, a bowling alley, and even a mini-golf course for family fun.
Other Forms of Gambling in Colorado
Explore a variety of betting opportunities in the Centennial State with our comprehensive guide to other types of gambling in Colorado below:
- Colorado online casinos
- Colorado online sportsbooks
- Colorado poker sites
- Colorado online racebooks
- Colorado casinos
- Colorado bingo
- Colorado lottery
- Colorado sportsbooks
- Colorado race tracks
- Colorado poker rooms
Casino Games You Can Play in Colorado
Slots
Slots are a popular choice in Colorado casinos. Players insert coins, tokens, or digital credits to spin the reels. When the reels stop, matching symbols can result in a win. Slot machines are regulated to pay out between 80 percent and 100 percent to players.
Blackjack
Blackjack is another staple in Colorado casinos. This card game pits players against the dealer. The goal is to get cards nearing 21 without going over. Players can hit, stand, split, or double down based on their hand and the dealer’s face-up card.
Poker
Poker is available in various forms, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Players compete against each other, and sometimes the house, in an attempt to have the best hand at showdown. The game combines skill, strategy, and luck, making it a favorite among serious gamblers.
Craps
Craps became legal in Colorado in 2009. In this dice game, players place bets on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls. Bets can vary, including wagers on the pass line, don’t pass line, and various numbers and combinations.
Roulette
Roulette also gained legality in 2009 in Colorado. Players can place bets on numbers, color, odd or even numbers, and other options. A ball is then dropped into a spinning wheel, and where it lands determines the winners.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Colorado
- 1948: Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing becomes legalized in Colorado, allowing wagers at tracks and licensed off-track locations.
- 1991: Colorado voters approve the Limited Gaming Act, allowing casinos to operate in three towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. The casinos could initially offer slot machines, poker, and blackjack.
- 2009: Significant changes to the Limited Gaming Act take effect, raising the maximum betting limit from $5 to $100. Casinos are also permitted to operate 24/7, and additional games like craps and roulette are legalized.
- 2016: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) becomes legal following the passage of a law categorizing these contests as games of skill.
- 2019: In November, Colorado voters narrowly approve a change to the state constitution to permit sports betting, with a 50.8% majority vote.
- 2020: As of May 1st, sports betting becomes officially legal, opening up the market for licensed operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Bet365.
Colorado Gambling FAQs
What types of gambling are available in CO?
Colorado legalized land-based gambling in 1990. Although the history of gambling in The Centennial State is rather short, Colorado has plenty of tribal and commercial casinos and card rooms, which are mainly located in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City. Other regulated forms of gambling include the Colorado state lottery and pari-mutuel horse racing. Home games are allowed as long as there’s no rake, but the casinos impose some annoying maximum betting limits. Colorado charitable gaming, legal online sports betting, DFS, and horse racing are also available.
What laws cover online gambling in Colorado?
Colorado gambling laws are covered by Section 18 of the Colorado Code, although there’s no mention of online casino games and poker in Colorado statutes, which means that there’s nothing stopping you from gambling on US-facing offshore gambling sites.
Can I gamble online in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado residents and anyone else physically located in the state can access licensed online sportsbooks and DFS sites. There aren’t any state-licensed online casinos or online poker rooms. And although you’re unlikely to get punished for playing online poker or casino games at offshore gambling sites, you should understand the risks of gambling at offshore sites. Also, keep in mind that the authorities are serious about punishing illegal gambling operators, both online and offline.
Is online poker legal in Colorado?
No, online poker is not legal in Colorado. As with online casinos, the state law prohibits CO residents from playing at real money online poker rooms and there are no regulated or legal sites in the state.
Which offshore gambling sites accept CO residents?
Colorado law is considered to be reasonably lax when it comes to online gambling, which means that all offshore sites accept Colorado-based customers.
What are the most popular banking options supported by Colorado-facing sites?
Credit and debit card payments are very popular among offshore site players, as they’re relatively cheap and quite reliable as long as you stick to Visa and MasterCard. Cashing out is almost always handled via a wire transfer or a check by courier.
Is it likely for CO to regulate other types of online gambling like online casino games and poker?
Right now, there’s no legislation or a plan to legalize online casinos in Colorado. However, with the successful launch of legal sports betting, lawmakers could consider the additional tax revenue and expedite a new law that would regulate online casinos and poker sites, especially with local casinos struggling due to the Covid-19/coronavirus pandemic.
Can I buy/own slot machines in Colorado?
Yes, in Colorado, you can legally purchase a slot machine manufactured before 1984. Colorado law restricts sales to vintage slot machines with mechanical reels.