Colorado sports betting has proved to be a steady market. Colorado sports betting apps total 27 different options, giving bettors the biggest variety of anywhere else in the US. Colorado bettors can also wager in person at one of 17 different retail sportsbook locations across the state.
As a result, revenue numbers are extremely strong. The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that as of May 2022, Colorado cleared the $7 billion mark in wagers place since legalization in May 2020. Total wagers for the current fiscal year, July 2021-May 2022, total $4,502,380,838, a 79.4% increase in the total wagers made in the same period 2020-2021.
The future is bright for Colorado sportsbooks – which benefits bettors in terms of competitive odds, lucrative promotions, and more. Looking for the best sports betting app? Read on to discover our top choices in Colorado.
Editors’ Choice For Best Sports Betting Apps In Colorado August 2022
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Best for overall app and offer
- Caesars Sportsbook: Best for high rollers
- BetMGM: Best for Vegas bettors
- BetRivers Sportsbook: Best for Deposit Bonus
- Betfred Colorado: Best for Colorado bettors
- MaximBet Colorado: Best for local team betting
- FanDuel Colorado: Best sports + DFS combination
- Sports Illustrated Sportsbook: Best for fans of SI Magazine
Colorado’s 8 Best Sports Betting Apps & Sites
While Colorado has many sportsbooks, it has a clear top eight that are influential in Colorado and beyond. Here’s what bettors need to know about Colorado’s top sportsbook brands.
Best for Overall App and Offer

at DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
Best for Overall App and Offer
DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
at DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
Welcome Offer
$50 free bet with $5 deposit
Retail Partner
Bally's Black Hawk
Licensed by
Gaming Division
When it comes to variety, DraftKings Colorado Sportsbook is a leader in the state. It has the most diverse set of sports and leagues to wager on. DraftKings has consistently competitive odds on favorites. So, bettors who wager conservatively or who enjoy sports outside the mainstream will find a good match in DraftKings.
DraftKings Colorado Sportsbook is also the official betting partner of the Colorado Rockies, making it a top-tier choice for betting on the MLB and World Series.
All new members at DraftKings Colorado Sportsbook can receive a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. Bonus funds are credited in $1 increments for every $25 wagered. Bettors can deposit as little as $5 to qualify or make the maximum $5,000 deposit. However, bettors shouldn’t break the bank for extra site credits. They’d be better off discovering winning betting systems.
In addition to the standard welcome bonus, Gaming Today readers can use our DraftKings Colorado Promo Code to get a $50 free bet with a $5 deposit. Bettors should keep their eyes out for ongoing bonuses, too.
Key Features: Live In-Game Betting, Betting Pools, Statistics, Daily Fantasy Sports Integration, Wide Sports & League Selection
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Card, Wire Transfer, Cash
Partnerships: Colorado Rockies, Colorado AvidGolfer
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best for High Rollers

at Caesars Sportsbook Colorado
Best for High Rollers
Caesars Sportsbook Colorado
at Caesars Sportsbook Colorado
Up To
$1,500
Retail Partner
Lady Luck and Isle Casinos
Licensed by
Gaming Division
Caesars Sportsbook has the largest retail sportsbook presence in the United States. Bettors can find a large market variety, many types of promotions, and a sleek, reliable app.
Caesars Sportsbook Colorado also offers a first bet match welcome bonus. New members can claim a risk-free bet up to $1,500. Bettors can use the Gaming Today Caesars Colorado promo code TODAY15 to redeem this welcome bonus.
If you’re already a member of Caesars Rewards, you can still get the welcome bonus if you’re not a member of the sportsbook. You can also link your rewards account to earn points when you bet online and in-person at the many Caesars Entertainment properties, including Horseshoe, Isle, Harrah’s, and more.
Key Features: Huge market depth, daily odds boosters and promotions, Caesars Rewards program, fast and easy deposit and cashout, powerful live betting platform
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Card, Wire Transfer, Cash
Partnerships: NBA, NFL, NHL, CBS Sports, ESPN
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best for Vegas Bettors

at BetMGM Colorado
Best for Vegas Bettors
BetMGM Sportsbook Colorado
at BetMGM Colorado
Risk-Free
$1,000
Retail Partner
Midnight Rose Hotel & Casino
Licensed by
Gaming Division
Like FanDuel, BetMGM is an official sports betting partner of the Denver Broncos. But it takes that a step further by opening the BetMGM Lounge at Mile High Stadium as well as free-to-play contests through the Denver Broncos 365 mobile app.
BetMGM is the MGM Grand’s sportsbook. After its soft launch in Colorado, it integrated its M-Life Rewards with its sportsbook. From that point on, bettors who wagered with BetMGM contributed to their M-Life Reward accounts. BetMGM is a critical site for bettors who frequent the MGM Grand and want to contribute to their rewards accounts.
New bettors at BetMGM Colorado Sportsbook can place their first bet risk-free up to $1,000. Bettors can use BetMGM Colorado bonus code TODAY to redeem this offer as well. If bettors lose, they’ll get site credits in multiple free bets. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Key Features: Convenient Betslip, Immediate Live Betting Available, Quick Parlay Options, MGM M-Life Rewards Integration
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: E-check, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Cash Deposit
Partnerships: Denver Broncos, MLB, DAZN
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best for Deposit Bonus

at BetRivers Colorado
Best for Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Colorado
at BetRivers Colorado
Deposit Bonus
$250
Retail Partner
McGill's Hotel & Casino
Licensed by
Gaming Division
The odds at BetRivers Sportsbook are often identical to DraftKings’, keeping it competitive with all other sportsbooks in Colorado. But its welcome bonus and iRush Rewards program make it stand out.
The welcome bonus at BetRivers Sportsbook Colorado is a 100% deposit match up to $250 with just 1x wagering requirements with BetRivers Colorado promo code, SHARP250. Bettors can apply this promotion for any combination of bets with odds -200 or higher.
The iRush Rewards program gives bettors tiered benefits based on how much they bet. Rewards include free bets, personalized promotions, and VIP gifts. If bettors have money to consistently spend, BetRivers is a rewarding sportsbook account to create.
Key Features: Best welcome bonus in Colorado, Great iRush Rewards program, Exclusive NFL promotions, Integrated live streaming for select events
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Card, Online Bank Transfer, Cash
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best for Colorado Bettors

at Betfred Colorado
Best for Colorado Bettors
Betfred Sportsbook Colorado
at Betfred Colorado
New User Special
Bet $50, Get $250
Retail Partner
Saratoga Casino
Licensed by
Gaming Division
Betfred has over 50 years of experience in the sports betting industry. Originally from the UK, Betfred has expanded to some US states, including Colorado. Expect to see Betfred in additional states in 2022. Bettors in the Centennial State can enjoy a sweet bonus of up to $250 in Free Bets after you place your initial $50 bet using promo code SHARPBET.
Key Features: International sports options and a variety of betting types.
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: Debit/Credit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Card
Partnerships: Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best for Local Team Betting

at MaximBet Colorado
Best for Local Team Betting
MaximBet Sportsbook Colorado
at MaximBet Colorado
100% Up To
$1,000
Retail Partner
White Mountain
Licensed by
Gaming Division
MaximBet was created by the popular lifestyle magazine, Maxim. Formerly sportsbetting.com, MaximBet is only available in Colorado. However, it plans to expand to other states as other major sportsbook brands have. Bettors should keep an eye out for a MaximBet Colorado promo code as MaximBet becomes a larger player in the sports betting industry.
Key Features: Good welcome bonus.
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: Debit/Credit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Card
Partnerships: White Mountain Apache Tribe
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best DFS + Sportsbook App

at FanDuel Colorado
Best DFS + Sportsbook App
FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado
at FanDuel Colorado
No sweat first bet
$1,000
Retail Partner
Golden Gates Casino
Licensed by
Gaming Division
Between its daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform and robust sportsbook, FanDuel Colorado has a lot to offer its bettors. The lines feature competitive odds across a stable app.
FanDuel Colorado is an official sports betting and DFS partner of the Denver Broncos. So, bettors should watch for exclusive NFL bets and promotions. FanDuel also has reliably competitive underdog odds, making it a must-check sportsbook for diligent odds-hunters.
New members at FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado can receive a “no sweat first bet” up to $1,000 with Gaming Today’s FanDuel Colorado promo code. If bettors lose their first wagers, they’ll get their lost stakes back as site credits.
Key Features: Popular Betting Lines, Competitive Underdog Odds, Clear Navigation, Readily Available Boosts, Variety of Promotions, Fantasy Sport Integration, A-Z Sport List
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: Debit/Credit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Card
Partnerships: Denver Broncos, NHL, Bud Light
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best for Fans of the Famous Magazine

at Sports Illustrated Sportsbook Colorado
Best for Fans of the Famous Magazine
Sports Illustrated (SI) Sportsbook Colorado
at Sports Illustrated Sportsbook Colorado
Bet $10 Get $60
$60
Licensed by
Gaming Division
Sports Illustrated Sportsbook launched their first legal market in Colorado, soon after expanding to Virginia. Their app is still improving but has a competitive bonus offer, a unique Bet Feed feature that has excellent potential, and solid odds for bettors.
New users of the SI Sportsbook app receive an impressive welcome offer. Bet $10 on the platform, and you get $60 in free bets using promo code VIP60. You receive this bonus whether your wager wins or loses, which is a very generous promotion, indeed.
Bonus Features: Win or lose, you’ll get $60 for a free bet!
Best Deposit Option: Bank Transfer
Additional Deposit Options: Debit/Credit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Card
States Available In: Colorado, Virginia
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Colorado Sports Betting News
-
July 18, 2022:
The Colorado Rockies selected Gonzaga’s Gabriel Hughes with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
-
July 12, 2022:
After capturing their third Stanley Cup in franchise history in June 2022, the Colorado Avalanche are now favored to win a fourth Cup per 2023 NHL futures odds at sportsbooks including DraftKings and Circa Sports.
-
June 30, 2022:
Colorado’s sportsbooks boasted a total handle of $360,325,438 for the month of May 2022, an 8.2% decrease from the total handle of the prior month, April 2022, according to the Colorado Division of Gaming.
-
June 26, 2022:
The Colorado Avalanche defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win the Stanley Cup for the third time in franchise history. Defenseman Cale Makar earned the Conn Smythe trophy for playoffs MVP.
-
June 13, 2022:
A performance audit performed by the Colorado Office of the State Auditor (OSA) found the Division of Gaming’s (Division) and the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission’s (Commission) did not have effective processes to investigate sports betting operators and make sure they were qualified for temporary licensure, or to collect sufficient documentation to determine if sports betting operators’ monthly tax filings were accurate.
-
June 6, 2022:
The Colorado Avalanche sweep the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference finals to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2001.
-
June 1, 2022:
TheScore Bet, part of the Penn National Gaming family, which also operates the Barstool Sportsbook, announced it is is shutting down its US sportsbook operation effective July 1, 2022. The operator will shut down its sportsbook in New Jersey, Colorado, Indiana and Iowa and will turn its focus to Ontario sports betting.
-
May 27, 2022:
A new Colorado House bill, HB 22-1402, would reduce the amount of free play credits sportsbooks could write off for tax purposes. Reducing free credit write-offs could reduce the number and size of sportsbook bonuses, which sportsbooks use to attract new customers.
-
April 20, 2022:
Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies became the first Major League Baseball player to have an endorsement deal with a sportsbook, signing with MaximBet.
-
March 8, 2022:
The Denver Broncos pull off a massive trade, bringing in Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. Their Super Bowl odds instantly improve at all sportsbooks.
-
March 1, 2022:
Colorado Division of Gaming announced a new monthly record for sports betting handle in January 2022 of $573.7 million.
Best Colorado Sportsbook Bonuses
CO Sportsbook | Best For | Welcome Bonus |
---|---|---|
DraftKings | Best For Overall App & Offer | 20% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 |
Caesars Sportsbook | Best for High Rollers | Use Code TODAY15 for a risk-free bet up to $1,500 |
BetMGM | Best For Vegas Bettors | Use Code TODAY for a $1,000 Risk-Free Bet |
BetRivers | Best For Deposit Bonus | Use code SHARP250 for a 100% Deposit Match Up To $250 |
Betfred Sports | Best For Colorado Bettors | Use code SHARPBET for $250 in free bets |
MaximBet | Best For Local Team Betting | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 |
FanDuel | Best Sports & DFS Combination | $1,000 No sweat first bet |
SI Sportsbook | Best For Fans of Sports Illustrated | Bet $10, Get $60 free bet win or lose |

DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado
Best for Overall App and Offer
- DraftKings Colorado Promo Offer: Click to claim a $50 free bet and a 20% deposit match up to $1,000
- DraftKings Is Best For: Offering an overall excellent sports betting experience, including integration with the world-class DFS platform and an outstanding welcome offer.
- Local Partners: DraftKings is partnered with the Colorado Rockies in MLB and with Colorado AvidGolfer, a state-wide online publication. Its land-based casino partner is Bally’s Black Hawk.

Caesars Sportsbook Colorado
Best for High Rollers
- Caesars Colorado Promo Offer: Use promo code TODAY15 for a huge risk-free bet: up to $1,500
- Caesars Is Best For: Its industry-leading rewards program, Caesars Rewards, which offers incredible benefits, especially free items in Las Vegas.
- Local Partners: The Caesars land-based partners are Lady Luck Casino and Isle Casino, both in Black Hawk. Caesars also has numerous national partnerships: NBA, NFL, NHL, CBS Sports, ESPN.

BetMGM Sportsbook Colorado
Best for Vegas Bettors
- BetMGM Colorado Bonus Offer: Use bonus code TODAY to get a risk-free bet up to $1,000
- BetMGM Is Best For: A loyalty program that rewards users with free items at MGM properties across the country
- Local Partners: BetMGM offers many unique experiences at Mile High Stadium due to its partnership with the Denver Broncos. It also has partnerships with DAZN, MLB, and MLS. BetMGM is licensed through Midnight Rose Hotel and Casino in Cripple Creek.

BetRivers Sportsbook Colorado
Best for Deposit Bonus
- BetRivers Colorado Bonus Offer: Use bonus code SHARP250 to get a $250 deposit match bonus with only a 1x playthrough
- BetRivers Is Best For: Offering the best deposit bonus in the industry, since it only requires a 1x playthrough
- Local Partners: BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive and launched in Colorado thanks to its partnership with McGill’s Hotel and Casino in Cripple Creek.

BetFred Sportsbook Colorado
Best for Colorado Bettors
- BetFred Colorado Promo Offer: Use promo code SHARPBET for $250 in Free Bets with a $50 initial bet
- BetFred Is Best For: Offering international bets for Colorado bettors, since the operator is based in England and is currently only available in less than 5 states.
- Local Partners: Betfred is offered in conjunction with Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk. It is also working hard to separate itself in a crowded market by inking deals with the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos.

MaximBet Sportsbook Colorado
Best for Local Team Betting
- MaximBet Colorado Promo Offer: Use promo code SHARPBET for a risk-free bet up to $500
- MaximBet Is Best For: Anyone who is a fan of the famous Maxim magazine, since the connection between the magazine and its betting platform is quite clear
- Local Partners: MaximBet’s land-based casino partner is Johnny Nolon’s in Cripple Creek. However, the retail sportsbook is not open at present. MaximBet also has a partnership with Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies, the first such collaboration of its kind.

FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado
Best Sports + DFS App
- FanDuel Colorado Promo Offer: Click to get up to $1,000 as a no sweat first bet!
- FanDuel Is Best For: Having a solid app for both Apple and Android users, one that is smooth and easy to navigate
- Local Partners: FanDuel and the Denver Broncos forged the first-ever partnership between a sportsbook and an NFL franchise. Fanduel also partners locally with Golden Gate Casino in Black Hawk. Nationally, FanDuel has partnerships with Bud Light and the NHL.

Sports Illustrated (SI) Sportsbook Colorado
Best for fans of the famous magazine
- SI Sportsbook Colorado Promo Offer: Use promo code VIP60 and receive $60 when you bet $10 (paid whether your bet wins or loses!)
- Sports Illustrated Is Best For: Fans of the magazine, as users can connect right to exclusive articles and insights from SI.com
- Local Partners: SI Sportsbook is offered in conjunction with Colorado Grande Casino in Cripple Creek.
Full List of Colorado Online Sportsbooks
- DraftKings: Best for Overall App and Offer
- Caesars Sportsbook: Best for High Rollers
- BetMGM: Best for Vegas Bettors
- BetRivers: Best for Deposit Bonus
- Betfred Sports: Best for Colorado Bettors
- MaximBet: Best for Local Team Betting
- FanDuel: Best Sports + DFS Combination
- Sports Illustrated (SI) Sportsbook: Best for Fans of SI Magazine
- PointsBet
- FOX Bet
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Bally Bet
- TwinSpires
- Circa Sports
- Betway
- BetMonarch
- SBK
- Sky Ute Sportsbook
- BetWildwood
- Elite Sportsbook
- Play Maverick
- Superbook
- PlayUp
- Tipico Sportsbook
- WynnBET Sportsbook
- Betsafe
Coming Soon
Even though Colorado already boasts more online sports betting sites than any other state, the market is still expanding. ClutchBet Sportsbook is due to launch very soon, likely by the end of the summer.
Top Retail Sportsbooks in Colorado
Sportsbook | Address | Hours |
---|---|---|
DraftKings Sportsbook at Bally's Black Hawk | 300 Main St Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily |
Caesars Sportsbook at Lady Luck Casino | 340 Main St Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 24 hours, all days (kiosks) |
Caesars Sportsbook at Isle Casino | 401 Main St Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 24 hours, all days (kiosks) |
Betfred Sportsbook at Saratoga Casino | 101 Main St Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m., all days |
Denver Broncos Odds
Game Time | Teams | Open |
|
|
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mon (9/12) @ 8:15pm ET | DEN Broncos | -4.5 -110 | -4.5 -110 | -4.5 -115 | -5.0 -110 | -5.0 -109 | -5.5 -110 | -5.0 -105 |
SEA Seahawks | +4.5 -110 | +4.5 -110 | +4.5 -105 | +5.0 -110 | +5.0 -112 | +5.5 -110 | +5.0 -115 | |
Sun (9/18) @ 4:25pm ET | HOU Texans | +10.5 -112 | +10.5 -110 | – | +10.5 -110 | +10.5 -110 | +10.5 -110 | – |
DEN Broncos | -10.5 -109 | -10.5 -110 | – | -10.5 -110 | -10.5 -110 | -10.5 -110 | – | |
Sun (10/30) @ 9:30am ET | DEN Broncos | -6.5 -114 | -6.5 -110 | – | -6.0 -110 | -7.0 -109 | -7.0 -110 | – |
JAX Jaguars | +6.5 -108 | +6.5 -110 | – | +6.0 -110 | +7.0 -112 | +7.0 -110 | – | |
Sun (12/25) @ 4:30pm ET | DEN Broncos | +2.5 -110 | +3.5 -110 | – | +3.0 -110 | +2.5 -103 | +3.0 -115 | – |
LA Rams | -2.5 -110 | -3.5 -110 | – | -3.0 -110 | -2.5 -118 | -3.0 -105 | – |
Colorado Rockies Odds
Colorado College Football Odds
Game Time | Teams | Open |
|
|
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fri (9/2) @ 10:00pm ET | TCU TCU | -7.5 -110 | -7.5 -110 | -7.5 -110 | -7.5 -110 | -7.5 +100 | – | -8.0 -110 |
COL Colorado | +7.5 -110 | +7.5 -110 | +7.5 -110 | +7.5 -110 | +7.5 -122 | – | +8.0 -110 | |
Sat (9/3) @ 12:00pm ET | COLS Colorado State | +27.5 -110 | +28.0 -110 | +27.5 -110 | +27.5 -110 | +27.5 -103 | – | +27.5 -105 |
MICH Michigan | -27.5 -110 | -28.0 -110 | -27.5 -110 | -27.5 -110 | -27.5 -118 | – | -27.5 -115 |
Colorado Legal Sportsbooks
Legal sportsbooks are safer than illegal or unlicensed sportsbooks. Legal platforms are subject to strict industry controls that unlicensed sportsbooks are free to ignore.
Colorado licensed sportsbooks are required to keep a cash reserve to ensure they can pay their bettors. Unlicensed sportsbooks–and small-time bookies–don’t have to worry about effective operations. If they go under, bettors are denied their winnings, and bettors have no legal recourse against them. Colorado licensed sportsbooks offer a security net that’s absent from illegal operations.
But remember, sportsbook winnings are taxable. Bettors report gambling winnings on their tax returns. Sportsbooks also send the IRS a W-2 that details winnings above $600 and wins on 300-1 odds. There’s no way of getting out of reporting sportsbook winnings to the IRS.
Colorado Sports Betting Revenue
Colorado sports betting produced a total handle of $360,325,438 for May 2022, an 8.2% decrease from the total handle of the prior month, April 2022, of $392,311,737, according to the Colorado Division of Gaming.
Taxes collected by the state in May 2022 from sports betting wagers totaled $1,659,189, representing a 34.7% increase over the prior month, April 2022. Fiscal year taxes to date (FYTD) for May 2022 are $12,176,182, which is a 75.8% increase from the FYTD taxes for the same period in 2020-21 of $6,290,486.
In May, professional basketball again placed in the top spot for the month with just under $102 million in total wagers, followed by baseball with just under $91 million in wagers. Bolstered by the Colorado Avalanche‘s Stanley Cup victory, ice hockey wagers placing in third with $35.7 million. The fourth spot went to Tennis with $20.3 million, and Soccer stayed in the fifth slot with $12.2 million.
How Colorado Compares To Other States
Many states around Colorado haven’t legalized sports betting yet. But there are other successful states that Colorado is outperforming.
For example, Michigan retail sports betting launched March 2020, only to be shut down within days when the pandemic broke out. Online sports betting didn’t launch in Michigan until January 2021. Even though it had a late start, Michigan has become one of the United State’s premier igaming markets. A peek at preliminary revenue shows how sportsbooks succeed in engaging Colorado bettors:
Colorado - 12 Months | Michigan - 9 Months | |
---|---|---|
Betting Handle | $2.3 billion | $2.3 billion |
State Population | 5.8 million | 10 million |
Tax Revenue | $6.6 million | $4.4 million |
Tax Rate | 10% | 8.4% |
Colorado Sports Betting Successes And Failures
Even though Colorado has fewer potential sports bettors than Michigan, it raked in almost as must betting handle and more tax revenue. Colorado has four major sports franchises in Denver, which makes it a hotbed for sports betting. It also has a slightly higher tax rate than Michigan, which is allowing Colorado to generate more tax revenue from sports betting than Michigan. However, Michigan’s final revenue numbers will tell the full story.
Colorado Sports Betting Successes
Colorado took a big step in the right direction by allowing online sports betting and remote registration from the beginning. YTD in 2021, 98.4% of all bets in Colorado were made online. The trend held steady through all of last year when you consider about 98% of Colorado’s November 2020 wagers were made online. Colorado also launched retail and mobile sports betting simultaneously. So, it avoided the setback that Michigan sports betting experienced when retail sports betting launched the same week as the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Colorado Online Gambling Improvements
Colorado seems to have nailed its sports betting launch. The next step in expanding online gaming would likely be legalizing online casinos. However, online casinos come with more baggage than sports betting.
The boost in gaming revenue would have to be balanced against the impact on problem gamblers. But Colorado could pull it off if it strategizes ahead of time. However, that will mean investing in problem gambling treatment. Colorado only allocated $100,000 toward problem gambling treatment and $30,000 toward the national problem gambling helpline. Colorado only has seven licensed problem gambling counselors for an igaming industry that has grown into a $3.2 billion industry. There’s no nice word for a failure that easily avoidable.
Colorado’s Sports Betting Legalization Effort
Sports betting came easily to Colorado. Once the US Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional in 2018, the Colorado Legislature went to work. In May 2019, it released Proposition DD to be decided during the 2019 election. Proposition DD passed in a 51/49 split. However, that doesn’t reflect Colorado’s usual 60/40 enthusiasm for gaming. Proposition DD passed by a razor-thin margin because it looked too much like a tax bill.
Colorado Professional Sports Teams
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are Colorado’s most visible team. In 2016, the Broncos won their third Super Bowl championship. However, Broncos star quarterback, Peyton Manning, retired after that game.
The Broncos have been having a hard time since Manning’s retirement. They’ve had a losing season every year since, including a pedestrian 7-10 record during the 2021-22 season. They hope that the addition of Russel Wilson will help them break through in a tough AFC West.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are Colorado’s professional basketball team and were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Golden State Warriors.
Denver’s star player, Nikola Jokić, who won the regular-season MVP award in 2021, is the betting favorite at +400 according to PointsBet Colorado to take the honor again when the 2022 MVP is announced in late June.
Colorado Rockies
Anyone who’s been to Coors Field knows how popular the Colorado Rockies are. In July 2021, the Rockies entered a multi-year partnership with WynnBet Sportsbook, cementing a relationship with a multi-state sportsbook.
The Rockies have had their ups and downs, but the past decade has featured more downs. Their fans hope they can turn it around soon.
Colorado Avalanche
Coloradans love their hockey, and the Avalanche consistently give those NHL fans a hometown reason to cheer. The Avs won the coveted Stanley Cup in their very first season, ’95-’96. The won it all again in 2001 and earned their third championship in franchise history when they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.
The Avs have been particularly strong the past several seasons and with stars like Nathan MacKinnon, 2021-22 Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, and Nazem Kadri, they seem poised for greatness for years to come.
Other Professional Teams
For now, the American sports landscape continues to be dominated by the 4 main leagues represented above. However, most sportsbooks feature lines on other professional leagues as well. In Colorado, this would include teams such as the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer and the Colarado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League.
Colorado College Sports Teams
There are two major college teams in Colorado, and they make one fierce rivalry. The University of Colorado at Boulder has a long rivalry with Colorado State University in Fort Collins. (Anyone lucky enough to attend the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown knows that.) Both schools have popular football teams, too.
Coloradans can wager on college teams. However, they cannot place prop bets on college games. Colorado’s sports betting bill attempted to protect college game integrity by disallowing wagers that could affect an athlete’s choices.
Other Sports To Bet On In Colorado
Colorado bettors can bet on many sports besides professional and college team sports. Some of these other sports outside the mainstream actually comprise fairly large percentages of Colorado’s total betting handle in April 2022:
- 5.6% on Tennis
- 4% on Soccer
- 2.6% on Golf
How To Place A Bet In Colorado
Placing a bet in Colorado may be intimidating for new bettors. But it’s made up of a few straightforward steps. Here’s how bettors can make their first bets.
How To Choose A Colorado Sportsbook
There are a few ways to pick a sportsbook. Bettors can find the best odds, best reward programs, or the best welcome bonuses to cash in on. Bettors should decide what’s most important, then pick a sportsbook that matches their priorities.
You can also join as many online sportsbooks in Colorado. This is a relatively easy strategy for shopping around for the best odds to ensure the highest profit margins.
How To Create A Sportsbook Account
Registering for a sportsbook is mostly like registering for any other website, but with more personal information. Bettors must provide their social security numbers to complete their registration. It ensures sportsbooks match payments to individual identities–and don’t pay criminals or excluded bettors.
How To Verify Your Location
Most Colorado sportsbooks do this automatically. Some require bettors to download a geolocation plugin. That keeps sportsbooks from letting out-of-state bettors use their online sportsbooks.
How To Deposit
Find the deposit option near the account section of any sportsbook–often in the top right corner of the screen. Select the desired deposit method, enter the amount, then place your first wager.
How To Place A Bet
Find a line and select the part of the line you want to bet on. Select everything you want to be included in your bet slip, then decide how much you want to wager. Sportsbooks display potential winnings, so bettors don’t have to worry about the math. Just hit submit, and keep your fingers crossed for your teams.
Colorado Online Sports Betting FAQs
Yes. Colorado currently has over 25 different sports betting apps, with more on the way. Prop DD legalized online sports betting immediately, which maximized the number of bettors who could try sports betting right out of the gate. The pure number of options also makes it one of the most robust legal markets in the US.
It depends on what you are looking for. No one sportsbook is necessarily better than the others in all ways. Some offer better bonuses, some offer a better app, some offer faster withdrawal options, etc. Even then, which are truly better in each category is up for debate. The bottom line is that Colorado bettors have access to all the best betting apps in the US including DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and BetRivers. Sports gamblers in the Centennial State are strongly encouraged to sign up for multiple sportsbooks in order to line shop and in order to take advantage of all the promotions.
The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming. They’re the ones who wrote the rules governing Colorado’s sports betting industry. That includes the pre-launch security audits, required cash reserves, and sportsbook executives’ background checks. They can also haul misbehaving sportsbook operators before a committee to issue fines or license suspensions. The Division of Gaming has teeth, and it’s not afraid to use them.
No. Bettors can come from out of town to place their bets. However, they must be within Colorado’s borders to make their bets go through. Each sportsbook has a geofence around the states it’s allowed to operate in. You have to be 21, but there is no residency requirement.
Yes. Most legal sportsbooks offer an iOS app and Android app for placing bets on sports. Mobile betting is a staple of Colorado’s sports betting industry. Mobile sports betting has been a massive part of Colorado’s sports betting industry and probably will be in the future. It’s hard to beat that convenience.
Yes. Online sportsbooks and their apps often boast about their end-to-end encryption. It makes sure that would-be hackers can’t see what bettors are typing into their sportsbooks. Sportsbooks also have additional security measures in place such as two-factor authentication.
More Resources On Colorado Sports Betting
If you’re curious about the details of Colorado’s sports betting industry, here are some additional resources:
- Supreme Court opinion on PASPA repeal: Why the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey and allowed each state to regulate sports betting.
- Colorado Division of Gaming Sports Betting Rules: These are the rules that Colorado sportsbooks must abide by to earn and keep their sports betting licenses.
- House Bill 19-1327: Better known as Proposition DD, this is the House Bill that Coloradans voted to legalize in the 2019 election.